The Roots of Willow & Word

I’m Erin Kochakji, founder of Willow & Word Editing and a freelance editor with a certificate in copyediting from the University of California, San Diego Extended Studies program.

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Before becoming an editor, I spent eight years teaching writing and English at the middle school level in California. During that time, I developed a strong awareness of how vulnerable it can feel to share your writing, and it’s something I bring to every project I take on.

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I’m also familiar with the writer’s perspective, having independently published two children’s books. Working with editors on my own writing was incredibly valuable. Having another set of eyes brought clarity to my work, and I appreciated how they used trusted resources to guide the finer details. A professional editor allows writers to stay focused on what matters most: their ideas and the craft of writing.

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​At the heart of my work is a simple goal: to help writers shape clear, accurate, and consistent writing that preserves the author’s voice and connects with the intended audience. If you have a piece of writing you’d like support with, I’d love to hear about your project.