I work with non-fiction authors and academics to enhance their work for publication.
I offer three levels of editing, in addition to indexing, proofreading, copywriting, and grant writing services.
STRUCTURAL EDITING
Developmental and substantive editing is big picture editing concerned with overall organization and content. I’ll help you identify gaps in your story or argument, highlight any leaps in logic, and indicate where more examples or research are needed. I’ll also help you reorganize material to improve coherence and flow and to find the most appropriate format.
This is for you if
- You want to turn your dissertation into a book, or a dissertation chapter into a standalone article.
- You are adapting academic work for popular audiences.
- You need help finding an effective structure to communicate your ideas.
STYLISTIC EDITING
Also known as line editing, stylistic editing works on the word, sentence, and paragraph level to enhance clarity, improve coherence and flow, and make sure your language is tailored to your audience. Usually combined with structural or copy editing, I'll cut through clutter and make your language shine while respecting your unique authorial voice.
This is for you if
- You need to reduce your word count or otherwise cut extraneous material.
- You need to adjust the language of your work to meet accessibility or reading level requirements.
- You need to improve transitions and word choice.
COPY EDITING
Copy editing is about getting the details right. I will make sure your writing is consistent, correct, and complete. In addition to checking your spelling, grammar, and punctuation, I’ll make sure you are consistent in areas like capitalization, hyphenation, use of abbreviations, and styling of numbers. I’ll apply the guidelines of your chosen style guide—I’m most experienced with APA and Chicago—and query or correct any areas of unclarity in your writing. I’ll also suggest best practices for inclusive writing, check citation and reference lists, and confirm basic facts.
Please note that copy editing is not proofreading, which is a more basic check completed after typesetting and design tasks are complete.
This is for you if
- Your content is ready to go, but you need to polish it before submission or publication.
- You need an editor to fact check your material or format your references.
PROOFREADING
Proofreading is a final check of designed page proofs prior to publication. Here I double check grammar and spelling, crosscheck references and figures, flag awkward formatting, and ensure design elements are consistently applied.
This is for you if
- You have a final, laid-out copy of your project in hand, and need someone to do a thorough check.
INDEXING
Indexing is an underappreciated art that improves the usability of your writing by helping readers find the information they need. I focus on creating streamlined and efficient indexes that conform to chosen style requirements. I currently provide indexing services for non-fiction books and cookbooks.
This is for you if
- Your work is at the proofreading stage, ready for publication.
COPY WRITING AND GRANT WRITING
My copy writing services focus on helping you communicate your ideas to your audience, whether that’s a general reader, a potential customer, or a granting agency. No two writing projects are exactly the same, and I work closely with clients to understand your needs.
This is for you if
- You're an artist or academic preparing grant or other proposals.
- You're a small business or non-profit organization looking to translate your work or research for particular audiences.