Scarlet Plume LLC is an editorial consulting firm serving businesses and public agencies. The firm has partnered on environmental, engineering, and technical teams for major projects within the Puget Sound region and throughout the US. Scarlet Plume has a consistent performance record in crafting accurate and compelling language for diverse audiences.

About our services

Copywriting and editing

The ability to properly target your marketing and public information materials is key to your brand. Conveying the right messaging in clear language connects you with your readers/clients and demonstrates a high level of professionalism. I’ll help you craft the right voice and messages that garner attention and trust.

Technical editing

Scientists, engineers, and technicians rely on me to ensure technical reports are clearly written, accurate, and convey information that is important to the target audience(s). My approach is thoughtful, thorough, and collaborative. I am equally comfortable working directly with the client, as a member of a project team, or independently.

Document preparation

Alongside the writing and editing process, I ensure that my documents are Section 508 compliant, and employ proper layout and style components. With strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and template management, I am expert at preparing documents for final production whether for print or digital.

Scarlet Plume LLC is a certified woman-owned business in Washington State (#W2F6014745) and an SBA-certified HUBZone (#60715).

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What you can expect

No drama.

In a crunch? You can count on me to stay focused to meet that deadline, and deliver exceptional service.

Competency, plus.

Your goals come first. I’ll work hard to get the messaging right. That means asking a lot of questions.

Fast turnaround.

Schedule is everything these days. When you say you need it, I’ll do my best to get it done on time.

Great results.

I’ve been doing this a while. I can think through complex issues and come up with the right solutions.

About me

Ranae LaFerney

For the last 25 years, I’ve helped organizations develop clear, persuasive copy that sells products and services. I’m good at transforming technical data into clear messages for both science-savvy and lay readers. I welcome diverse, challenging assignments and work hard to earn your satisfaction and trust. See my list of representative projects below or download my Capability Statement to learn more.

Representative projects

Client: Washington State Dept. of Transportation

"SR 520 Floating Bridge bike trail" by SounderBruce is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

The SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program was designed to enhance travel safety and mobility. Key elements include modern bridges along with transit and roadway improvements in the urban corridor between SR 520 in Bellevue and I-5 in Seattle.

Deliverables:
As senior editor, Ranae delivered approximately 150 technical documents under 13 separate task orders between 2007 and 2015 for this $4.91B project, and was given 2 awards for exceptional client service.

Photo credit: "SR 520 Floating Bridge bike trail" by SounderBruce is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Client: Milliman, Inc.

Scarlet Plume LLC is the direct consultant

Since 1947, Milliman has been a global provider of actuarial and related products and services, such as healthcare, insurance, retirement, risk, and financial security solutions. 

Deliverables:
As an on-call editor since 2012, Ranae has completed hundreds of editing assignments for marketing publications, research articles, white papers, case studies, and quarterly newsletters. She also played a significant role in drafting Milliman’s social impact statement and sustainability policies.

Shell Anacortes Rail Unloading Facility Draft EIS

Client: Shell Oil Company/ Skagit County/ Dept. of Ecology

The project, located near Anacortes, Washington, proposed to build a rail spur from the existing adjacent BNSF Railway Anacortes Subdivision onto Shell Puget Sound Refinery property to accommodate trains transporting crude oil from the mid-continent.

Deliverables:
As project editor, Ranae produced an 800-page Draft SEPA EIS comprised of 17 disciplines. She designed the document layout and developed style guidelines and templates to facilitate ease and efficiency in drafting reports by the technical team.

Client: Washington State Dept. of Transportation

The I-405/SR 167 Corridor Program is currently comprised of over 150 projects to facilitate efficient and integrated transportation improvements for cars, transit, freight, carpools, vanpools, bicyclists, pedestrians, and the environment. 

Deliverables:
As the project editor, Ranae delivered 3 environmental assessments and 2 Findings of Significant Impact for the program, including the very first reader-friendly document published by WSDOT and the first project to be built, the Kirkland Nickel.

Let's work together.


CONTACT INFO

Ranae LaFerney

206-230-8478

ranae@scarletplume.com