Speaking & Presentations
I have presented to many groups on many different subjects. From in-person conferences for organizations like the EFA and ACES: The Society for Editing to virtual workshops for the Rhode Island Romance Writers and others, I can be engaged to speak on many different editing topics. See below for a list of my presentations and topics.
Don't see a presentation you're interested in? Inquire with the topics you're looking for, and we can see about putting something together for your group.
Writing-Focused Presentations
When, How, and Whether to Use AI for Self-Editing
Presented for the EFA, Virtual, February 2026
Everyone is jumping on the new AI trend, and it’s changing how writers approach revising and self-editing. Some writers swear by it while others avoid it like the plague. But is it actually useful to you? Before you decide, it helps to understand what AI editing programs do (and don’t do).
This 90-minute webinar will introduce you to generative AI as it applies to editing your creative works. If you’re curious about AI, wary of it, or already using it and wanting to get more out of it, you will find this webinar packed with valuable information. By the end of the session, you’ll know:
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The difference between AI and generative AI
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How to (and whether you should) use AI for developmental, line, and copyediting
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What these programs can actually achieve (with examples!)
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Other considerations such as ethics and environmentalism
AI is shaping the current writing and editing world, whether you like it or not. This session is clear about the facts, the possibilities, and the pitfalls of AI, so you can make the informed choice that’s right for you and your work.
Watch the Webinar via the Editorial Freelancers Association
Talking Points: The Dialogue Punctuation Rules Your Characters Wish You Knew
Presented at DFWCon, Hurst, Texas, October 2025
Punctuating dialogue isn’t as straightforward as it looks—and one missed mark can pull readers out of your story. In this session, you’ll learn how to handle commas, periods, dashes, ellipses, question marks, and more across all kinds of dialogue scenarios. Gain the clarity and confidence to punctuate any line of dialogue like a pro.
Editing Sticky Sentences
Presented to Rhode Island Romance Writers, Virtual, December 2024
Presented to NovelBound, Virtual, December 2025
This presentation covers sticky sentences and glue words: what they are, how to use them (or not), and lots of interactive practice for revising sticky sentences.
Writing YA Literature
Presented for the Carrollton Public Library, In-Person, June 2025
This presentation covers the basics of YA literature and lays out a simple step-by-step plan for writing and finishing a YA novel.
Editor-Focused Presentations
How to Market when Marketing Is “Icky”
Presented at ACES: Society for Editing Conference, Salt Lake City, April 2025
Modern marketing can often feel overwhelming and confusing, but the reality is that it’s required in some form to get clients. This presentation looks at how to do that organically, without making marketing feel forced, performative, or “icky.”
Let’s Get Speaking: How to Create Presentations as a Professional Editor
Presented to the EFA North Texas Chapter, Virtual, March 2025
You have knowledge worth sharing. In this presentation, learn how to turn your knowledge into professional presentations so you can start speaking at conferences and events.
Finding Your NICHE: How to Niche Down and Market Your Specialty
From “I’m Interested” to “You’re Hired”: How to Woo and Win Clients
Presented to EFA Colorado Chapter, Virtual, September 2025
Presented at EFACon, Alexandria, Virginia, August 2023
In this presentation, we’ll explore how to find our NICHE within the editing world, with NICHE standing for our: Natural talents, Interests, Characteristics, Heart, and Environment.
Not Your Parents’ Spellcheck: Determining Whether AI Is the Write Tool for You
Presented for ACES: Society for Editing Webcast, Virtual, October 2024
Presented for the Editorial Freelancers Association North Texas Chapter, Virtual, April 2024
Automated grammar checkers and AI writing programs make big promises to writers, but are they true? This presentation—covering popular AI writing and editing tools—will explore what these programs do, what they don’t do, and how professional editors can set themselves apart to gain clients.
Presented at the Editorial Freelancers Association Conference, Virtual, September 2025
Someone told you they’re interested in your services—great! But how do you seal the deal and turn them into a paying client? This presentation covers the steps between “I’m interested” and “You’re hired!”
Free Webinars
These are pre-recorded presentations available for viewing.
Editing Showdown: Adina Edleman vs Jeanette Smith (Part 1)
Editing Showdown: Adina Edleman vs Jeanette Smith (Part 2)
Bad Grammarly: When Good Grammar Goes Bad
Free Webinar, Virtual, August 2023
Watch as two book editors live-edit a piece while explaining their changes. Adina and Jeanette each perform a line edit—with vastly different results. (See the webinar at this link)
Free Webinar, Virtual, March 2025
Watch as two book editors perform a “brainstorm call” on each other. Adina and Jeanette provide feedback and direction for each other’s writing, just as they would during a brainstorming call with a client. (See the webinar at this link)
Free Webinar, Virtual, December 2023
A look at Grammarly's biggest fails and advice for how to use the program better. (See the webinar at this link)