Developmental editing focuses on the big picture. Does your argument work? Is the story clear? Are there issues or gaps in the text? Have you added information that needs to be removed because it isn’t germane to your argument?

Copyediting is more mechanical: Is the grammar correct? Are your sentences clear? Does the text conform to the style guide? You should only have a document copyedited when you are on your final draft and are near completion.

Proofreading is done just before something goes to print. When you get to this stage, the text isn’t altered; instead, the proofreader is simply looking for mistakes. 

I can. However, you must check your university’s policy on using an outside editor and get a signed statement from your academic supervisor approving the use of my services. I can provide this statement if your university doesn’t already have one. 

Once I get that authorization, I can edit your paper in compliance with the rules of your university. This is usually limited to checking grammar, spelling, punctuation, and citation format.

My prices are based on the length of the document, the amount of work needed, and how quickly you need it back. That said, my prices are within the Editorial Freelancers Association guidelines. You can find base rates at www.the-efa.org/rates.

Here is a brief description of my qualifications. For more information, please see about me.

• I have copyedited articles for the academic journal Theological Studies since 2021. I have also helped academics get their papers accepted for publication.
• Acted as a writing coach to undergraduates during my three years at UMBC
• Taken editing courses through Simon Fraser University, the Chartered Institute for Editors and Proofreaders (CIEP), and ACES/Poynter, among others
• Member of the CIEP, the Editorial Freelancers Association, and ACES: the Society for Editing.
• Hold a BA in history and writing and an MA in history.
• Have more than seven years experience as an English language trainer in Germany.

I edit academic subjects that use the Chicago Manual of Style. I also edit creative nonfiction of all kinds including essays, biographies, memoirs, and family histories. I do not edit fiction or scientific work of any kind.  

I do!  This is normally offered as part of the basic copyediting service. However, I can also do this as a separate service if needed.

Sorry, I don’t. 

I am always happy to give suggestions on how something can be rewritten. However, I cannot rewrite anything being submitted for an academic qualification. I can only correct grammatical or formatting errors.

I don’t. My focus is nonfiction topics.