"Clarity above all,

and above all ... Clarity!"

James Degnan, Santa Clara University

Clarity Above All

Editing for clear communication

"Clarity above all...

...and above all, Clarity."

James Degnan, Santa Clara University

Clarity Above All

Editing for clear communication

Gary Gardner

I’ve spent my career working to create a fairer, greener, and more peaceful world, using the power of writing and editing. I’ve authored and edited books, chapters, articles, blogs, and briefs on issues ranging from nuclear proliferation to climate change.

Clear writing reflects clear thinking. I’d love to help bring clarity to your written work.

Editing

Clarity above all,
and above all ... Clarity!

Decades ago, a college professor declared this the first rule of writing. Today it is my first rule of editing. That’s because editing for clarity showcases a writer’s best thinking.

Reports, non-fiction books, marketing copy, brochures: I’m happy to tackle any editing challenge.

From simple copyediting to wholesale re-writes, I’ll help create an easy flow of ideas for your readers.

Musings

Which Future?

One of the more puzzling features of modern life is the starkly contrasting visions of humanity’s near-term future. Watch thirty minutes of commercial-filled TV and you…

Two Cheers for Circularity

Here’s some bad news for folks who see a circular economy as a way out of the polycrisis: Trends in global materials use, which recently bent modestly in the direction…

Time to Make a Material Difference

Well, COP 28 ended yesterday with (seeming) agreement to (sort of) walk down the fossil fuel ladder toward a (not for a while) sustainable future. Geez! It’s almost…

Reflections on Thirty Years of Worldwatching

It’s been a fascinating experience watching the human family’s response to the emerging sustainability challenges of the past 30 years. Over a career writing on the…

The Oceans are Sending an SOS

Media coverage of the loss of the Titan submersible in June 2023 turned the world’s attention to the oceans—that vast, mysterious realm that sits below the surface of…

Journal

Which Future?

One of the more puzzling features of modern life is the starkly contrasting visions of…

Two Cheers for Circularity

Here’s some bad news for folks who see a circular economy as a way out of the polycrisis:…

Time to Make a Material Difference

Well, COP 28 ended yesterday with (seeming) agreement to (sort of) walk down the fossil…

Reflections on Thirty Years of Worldwatching

It’s been a fascinating experience watching the human family’s response to the emerging…

The Oceans are Sending an SOS

Media coverage of the loss of the Titan submersible in June 2023 turned the world’s…

Testimonials

I have nothing but praise for Gary’s ability to convert a mess of writing into a cohesive and coherent text accessible to a wide range of audiences. Even on topics new to him, Gary dug in to ensure that he grasped the material so that his edits made sense. I told him repeatedly that he should be listed as a co-author on some of my pieces, because he was every bit as involved and dedicated to the work as I was. Gary’s kindness and humor also helped, especially when I was feeling frustrated. Anyone who chooses to work with Gary will be in great hands!

Samantha Pettigrew

U.S. Decarbonization Strategy and Program Manager at CHEP

I look back with pride and gratitude at the work I did as an author, with Gary’s help as an editor. He always kept his eye on the ball: making my writing and that of our colleagues ever clearer to an audience reading about any given topic for the first time. Gary’s long experience as a writer himself, his training in editing, and his friendly, forthright manner all made collaborating with him satisfying and enjoyable. 

Gregory M. Mikkelson

Ecological economist

I’ve known and worked with Gary for over twenty years, and I can testify to his intelligence, integrity, scrupulous attention to detail, and skill at enhancing and clarifying a writer’s content without suppressing the writer’s voice.  Along with these indispensable qualities, Gary brings deep experience in project management to any editorial task, with inevitably excellent and timely results.

Tom Prugh

Former editor in chief, World Watch magazine, and lead co-author (with Herman Daly and Robert Costanza) of The Local Politics of Global Sustainability

“Gary’s keen editorial insights went beyond correcting grammar and punctuation; he delved deeply into the nuances of my children’s book, offering suggestions that  improved its flow and enhanced its emotional resonance. He respected my voice and vision, even as he enhanced the manuscript with his expert touch. Every word, sentence, and paragraph underwent a meticulous review, resulting in a manuscript that was polished to perfection. I wholeheartedly endorse his services to any author looking to elevate their work to the highest standard!”

Charlotte Martin

Author of Walter the Watermelephant (forthcoming) and The Plant Forward Solution.