Welcome to Inalienable Writes

The finest writing starts with just one word...

What's in a word?

See those guys standing around the table? They were writing something important...The Declaration of Independence.

A committee comprised of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston worked on the document with Thomas Jefferson, with Jefferson taking the lead.

Like a lot of writers, the Founding Fathers disagreed a lot with their editors. Different drafts of the Declaration of Independence listed the rights as "inalienable" and "unalienable" even though both words mean the same thing.

Realizing that this document...this Declaration of Independence...must be crafted with the "perfect blend of words." there was dissension as to what "perfect" actually was.

Heated discussions ensued as to the use of "inalienable" or "unalienable" rights.

(Inalienable rights are rights that nobody can take away from you.)

What happened after the arguments?

When Thomas Jefferson wrote the initial draft, it is said that he declared the rights as "inalienable," but after the arguments were over, the final version of the Declaration used John Adams's preference, describing the rights as "unalienable."

However, Jefferson got the last laugh. The Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C. has the word "inalienable" inscribed in its marble copy of the Declaration...Jefferson's choice of adjective...carved in marble to last for centuries.

Does the Adams Memorial use the "unalienable" version?

To date, John Adams has yet to have a memorial in the nation's capital.

He also got left out of the blockbuster musical, "Hamilton." (Poor John. He's out in the audience instead of onstage with Jefferson and Hamilton.)

Could one word really make that much of a difference? Maybe not, but why take a chance? If Adams had agreed to use "inalienable," he might be up on stage singing "What'd I Miss" with Hamilton and Jefferson instead of buying tickets from a scalper.

We know that searching for the "perfect word" is frustrating

We know the feeling...the exact word you need is on the tip of your tongue...or fingers...but your fingers just refuse to type it.

That's where we come in. We can help you search for that perfect word.

The perfect editor to help you find the perfect word

We are committed to promoting inclusion and diversity. We will try to match you with the right personality to help your writing reach its fullest potential.

Partnering with the right collaborator delivers better results. That's why we think that if the Declaration signing had looked more like the updated image we posted here, it might not have needed the 86 changes it took to reach a consensus.

We'll help you resist the temptation to throw in the towel, too

Our editors and proofreaders are a valuable resource, especially if you get "brain freeze" or have written something that is particularly clunky that keeps nagging at you.

Our staff has the patience and attitude to help you through the rough spots, even when you feel like you're taking a beating.

We want you to be proud of your masterpiece!

When you put your "John Hancock" on your book, we want you to do it with the same flourish as Hancock did when he signed the Declaration.

One word or a thousand...

We want you to be happy with the final product, and we will work with you to craft it to perfection... just in case your words are carved into marble to last for centuries.

Benjamin Franklin was right

Lost time is never found again...

Unfortunately, due to the post-pandemic workflow, we are catching up and unable to accept any new clients or submissions at this time. Thank you for your interest.