Wordsmith Services 

EcoSmith Consulting’s wordsmith services include the following:

  • Writing
  • Copyediting and substantive editing
  • Document coordination and production
  • Proofreading and indexing

Sarah’s affinity for the written word dates back as early as eighth grade, when she had her first article published in the local newspaper. Writing and editing have played a prominent role in all her endeavors. She loves the challenge of balancing scientific and technical information with creative and engaging approaches that suit the intended audience.

Her writing and editing portfolio includes:

  • small-scale projects (interpretive signs, label copy for museum exhibits)
  • large-scale projects (environmental impact assessments, scientific manuscripts, technical volumes, case studies for sustainable agriculture)
  • everything in between: education plans and curricula, business plans, training programs, website content, newsletter articles, project profiles, and grant proposals

Hiring a professional editor and writer helps ensure that your written material will be readable and clearly understood. Clear, concise, and correct writing makes you look better to the reader – whether you’re trying to sell a service, spread a message, or instill knowledge. Sarah’s experience with scientific writing, business writing, and diverse audiences gives her the perspective to create effective content for a wide range of projects.

The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter… ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning. –Mark Twain 

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS 

Stai, S.M. 2015 to present. Three Oaks Farmstead blog.

Stai, S.M., E. Wiseman, and K. Fernholz. 2017. Urban Wood Utilization in Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia: A Comparison of Industry Practices and Perceptions. Dovetail Partners, Inc., Minneapolis, MN.

Stai, S.M., J. Howe, M. Frank, J. Bowyer, S. Bratkovich, and K. Fernholz. 2013. A Planning Framework for Sustainable Land Development. Dovetail Partners, Inc., Minneapolis, MN.

Stai, S.M., M. Frank, J. Bowyer, J. Howe, A. Zoet, S. Bratkovich, K. Fernholz, and C. Forland. 2012. Barriers and Opportunities for Post-Construction Wildlife Monitoring at Wind Energy Facilities in the Great Lakes Region. Dovetail Partners, Inc., Minneapolis, MN.

Stai, S.M., S. Bratkovich, J. Bowyer, K. Fernholz, and J. Howe. 2011. “Working Lands” Conservation Offers Path to Sustainable Land Use. Dovetail Partners, Inc., Minneapolis, MN.

Stai, S.M., K. Fernholz, S. Bratkovich, J. Bowyer, and J. Howe. 2010.  Maximizing the Environmental and Economic Benefits of a Million Acres of Forestation in Minnesota Through an Ecosystem Restoration Approach. Dovetail Partners, Inc., Minneapolis, MN.

Stai, S.M. and W.A. Searcy. 2010. Passive sperm loss and patterns of sperm precedence in Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata). The Auk, 127(3):495-502.

Stai, S.M. 2009. Book Review: Bringing It To The Table: On Farming and Food by Wendell Berry. The Land Stewardship Letter, Autumn 2009, p. 28. Land Stewardship Project, Minneapolis, MN.

Stai, S.M. 2009. A History Lesson Offers Hope for the Future. Kalon Women, December 2009.

Stai, S.M. 2008.  Assessing vegetated buffers using synthetic residential runoff. Pages 61-71 in Appendix A, Assessment of Stormwater Best Management Practices (J.S. Gulliver and J.L. Anderson, eds.). University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN.

Stai, S.M. and C.R. Hughes. 2003. Characterization of microsatellite loci in wild and domestic Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata). Animal Genetics 34:387-389.