Cynthia Ahlquist

Editor • Content Designer • Word Nerd

The right words, in the right context,
at the right time

Words matter, and so does way they’re organized. Good content is more than just readable; it’s findable and consistent with the rest of the content in its context.

I’ve spent more than 20 years using systems thinking to help individuals and organizations craft language and optimize how it’s presented. Whether I’m writing legal or technical documentation, editing educational and marketing content, or refining microcopy and content strategy, I focus on clarity, accessibility, collaboration, and ensuring your project speaks to its audience in a cohesive, engaging voice.

About
Head shot of woman with red hair, glasses, and a blue sweater against a yellow wall

What I Do

Page of a high school curriculum

Editing

Thoughtful, effective editing, plus writing coaching

Portfolio
Services
A map of website content with a sticky on it. The sticky asks if a section should be broken up. Someone has written "yes" on it.

Content Design

Planning, creating, optimizing, and managing content to meet user and business needs

Portfolio
Services
Page showing usage data for a high school curriculum

UX Writing

Clear, cohesive UX writing that helps users find what they need

Portfolio
Services
Two slides from a PowerPoint class on brand voice. They talk about the difference between voice and tone.

Style & Voice Guides

Comprehensive guidelines to ensure your content is cohesive, accurate, and accessible

Portfolio
Services
An orange cat lounges in a rope basket with a copy of the Chicago Manual of Style

Copywriting

Content that educates, converts, or inspires—in your organization’s voice

Portfolio
Services
Text and graphic showing layers of continuity to consider when editing a marketing piece. Layers are Document, Program, Audience, Type, and Context

Documentation

Process, legal, and technical documentation in a format that works for your teams

Portfolio
Services

I’d like to work with you.

cynthia.ahlquist@gmail.com

“Thoughtful, insightful, and highly collaborative”

“Cynthia is a joy to work with. She is thoughtful, insightful, and highly collaborative. She elevates every project she touches, not just through her keen editorial eye but through her ability to guide teams toward stronger, more effective finished projects.”  —LaShuna McBride, Strategist & Chief of Staff

“Innate understanding”

“Her remarkable talent for editing extends far beyond technical skills—she has an innate understanding of how to shape content that delivers a simple, seamless, and excellent user experience throughout the entire journey.” —Marcia Crowell, Program & Product Manager

“Grammatical disturbance”

“I think Cynthia Ahlquist can feel grammatical disturbances like Obi-Wan does with the Force.” —Allison Amy Wedell, Writer & Graphic Designer