Editing & Coaching

editing

I approach editing from the perspective that academic writing is a form of storytelling, requiring not only a sound argument but also an attention to narrative. My job as an editor is to help you fine-tune your story so that it can have the greatest impact on your audience.

I provide both developmental editing and copyediting (as well as editing for that in-between stage where you might need a little of both) on book manuscripts and articles.

Please note, I no longer edit dissertations/theses.

Copyediting includes:

  • Line edits of spelling, grammar, and punctuation

  • Line edits to improve clarity, addressing things like sentence structure, word choice, and minor inconsistencies in the narrative or argument

Developmental editing includes:

  • Line edits to improve clarity, addressing things like sentence structure, word choice, and minor inconsistencies in the narrative or argument

  • A separate written summary of feedback on the overall arc of the argument and narrative, what is working well, and suggestions for restructuring and/or including other material

  • If needed, a Zoom/phone consultation to discuss my feedback and any questions you have

  • Developmental editing does not include line edits of spelling, grammar, or punctuation.

Writing Coaching

Sometimes you need more than just feedback on your work. You may need encouragement, accountability, an opportunity to freely talk through your ideas, and/or help with a specific writing question or issue. My job as a coach is to get you to a place where you feel confident in your writing.

Ongoing coaching sessions include:

  • Regular meetings to ensure accountability, address any obstacles to your writing, and talk through your argument as you’re building it

  • Editing pieces of your writing as you go along, for clarity and to address any writing questions/issues as they arise. This feedback is not comprehensive; it is designed to spur you forward rather than pull you back into constantly revising!

One-off coaching sessions include:

  • One or two meetings to work through a specific issue you’ve already identified in your writing or writing process (e.g. time management, motivation, interweaving secondary literature with your own contributions, descriptive writing, sentence structure, etc.)

  • If you are seeking help with the mechanics of writing rather than the writing process, I will read up to 5 pages so that I can have a clear sense of how to help.

Some things I do:

  • remind you that what you have to say is meaningful and necessary

  • help you untangle the knots and clarify the arc of your argument

  • identify sticky spots in your writing that get in the way of your story (anything from punctuation to syntax to word choice) and help you decide what to do about them

Some things I don’t do:

  • reinforce the common misconception that sticky spots in your writing mean that you are a “bad writer” (there’s no such thing)

  • write stuff for you

Contact me for a sample edit or a free 15-minute consultation!