This type of editing focuses on the big-picture elements of your manuscript. It assesses the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses, with particular attention to argument, organization, evidence, and tone. It responds directly to your concerns to help you “develop” your ideas into a manuscript that resonates with the target readers.

In our work together, I might write a manuscript assessment and leave you to make the recommended edits (e.g., move paragraphs, use a different hook, or hone analysis). Or I can dive in and support you in restructuring the manuscript.

Some scholars hire me just prior to submitting their manuscript to a press or journal. Others invite me to work with them earlier, once they have completed their very first rough draft. Sometimes it is a rejection or a “revise and resubmit” that prompts a scholar to reach out to me.

But regardless of when I do a developmental edit, I am always less interested in typos or grammatical errors than the broad contours of your text.

Line editing “smooths out” your writing at the sentence level. It clarifies meaning, improves flow, and ensures coherence.

I focus on issues such as abrupt transitions between paragraphs, awkward phrasings, word repetition, ableist language, and the rhythm of your prose.

This stage of editing occurs once you have a well-organized manuscript and a clear argument. But it takes place before the copyediting stage, when the focus is on punctuation and grammar.

Scholars often seek line editing when they want the writing to be more concise, the tone appropriate for the journal or the press, and each line to flow easily to the next. It makes certain that your reader can understand and follow the story you’re telling!

Whether you’re applying for a job, seeking a promotion, or vying for a fellowship, you need another set of eyes on your materials!

I edit fellowship and grant proposals; cover letters, CVs, and other job documents; and tenure and promotion files. In some of these cases, I provide you with models or templates to follow.

In all cases, I let you know the things you’re doing well as well as the areas you need to improve.

I am particularly successful at editing grant and fellowship applications; in the past six years, my clients have been awarded >$1.7M in fellowships, including postdocs.

Copyediting is the final stage of the editing process and ensures stylistic consistency across the manuscript. Copyediting is also what most people think of when they hear the word “editing.” At this stage, I correct spelling mistakes and grammatical errors; I flag errant punctuation and factual discrepancies.

But even before I begin, I learn which external style guide (e.g., Chicago, MLA, APA) you’re using; then, we co-create an internal style sheet to formalize your own style choices (e.g., “Translate words in Spanish upon first use.”) I also pay attention to your publisher’s style requirements to ensure adherence. 

Copyediting polishes your manuscript before it is formatted into page proofs. So the end is near by the time I send you the Track Changes!