WRITING & EDITORIAL
I grew up in Tkaronto/Toronto in the 90s and 00s when the media ecosystem was homogeneously white. I was conditioned to accept the status quo – as many of us are – but in my early twenties, I became ravenous for art and literature that complicated that “Canadian narrative”, and that better represented my life experiences as a Filipina-Canadian immigrant. Some gems were out there, but they were few and far between. I wanted more.
I founded Living Hyphen back in 2018 from this place of scarcity and in its wake, I have been blessed by abundance. Today, we have published three issues of our print publications featuring over a hundred artists and writers from across Turtle Island who hail from many ethnic backgrounds, religions, and Indigenous backgrounds. My experience as the founder and editor of this platform has indelibly shaped my approach to storytelling.
Beyond my work as the founder and editor of Living Hyphen, I also work in the publishing industry as a freelance writer, sensitivity reader, copyeditor, and developmental editor. Focused on the big picture while keeping a keen eye on defining details, this is where my passion for storytelling shines and thrives.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
FREELANCE WRITing
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITs
COPYEDITing & PROOFREADING
SENSITIVITY READs
Freelance Writing
I’ve worked as a freelance writer for over a decade crafting compelling content across literary journals, travel publications, indie magazines, newspapers, and more. From evocative narratives that transport readers to faraway places to insightful articles that inform and invite readers to think critically about our world, my writing aims to stir the conscience and spur social change.
Developmental Edits
Each of us carries a story that has the potential to shine, and my goal is to help yours reach its fullest brilliance. With a keen eye for structure, pacing, and character development, I work collaboratively with authors to refine your narrative, ensuring it resonates with readers while staying true to your voice. Whether you’re crafting fiction, memoirs, or essays, we’ll work together to strengthen your story's foundation and bring your creative vision to life.
“I worked with Justine as a developmental editor for my first long-form writing project, a full-length memoir of my life from my childhood in the Philippines until my immigration to Canada as a teenager. My experience with her was incredible, the details of her feedback were deep and comprehensive, while still understandable for someone like me who was hiring a professional editor for the first time. She was understanding of my basic questions about the process, and informed me of all my options on how to implement her feedback to make my story’s manuscript as best as it can be. I felt inspired, empowered, better informed as an artist and writer after my experience with her, which gave me confidence to hire the rest of the professional help needed to finish the story’s manuscript. ”
Sensitivity reads
In today’s diverse world, authentic representation matters. As a freelance sensitivity reader, I help ensure your stories are respectful, nuanced, and culturally aware. Drawing on my lived experiences and understanding of complex identities, I provide constructive feedback on language, character portrayal, and potential blind spots. My goal is to help you create narratives that resonate deeply with readers while avoiding harmful stereotypes or unintentional missteps.
“Justine’s...critical feedback on the manuscript was hugely helpful and led to some fundamental changes.”
Copyediting & Proofreading
As a freelance copy editor, I aim to polish your stories to perfection. From grammar and punctuation to clarity and consistency, I meticulously review and refine every detail while preserving your unique voice. Whether you’re working on a manuscript, article, or website content, I bring a sharp eye and a commitment to quality that is unparalleled.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Do you have a story you want to tell?
