Freelancers
We've compiled a list of developmental editors, writing coaches, editors, and publicity experts for various types of writing. Browse freelancers by category.
Developmental Editors and Writing Coaches
BA in sociology and anthropology from Carleton College and a PhD in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Areas of Specialization: academic writing in areas including sociology, anthropology, counseling psychology, public policy, educational studies, communications, English literature, media studies, and business. She has worked with both native and nonnative speakers of English.
“I was a professor at two top liberal arts colleges before leaving to pursue editorial work. I am particularly experienced at academic editing, and have edited journal articles, dissertations, book chapters, and proposals in a range of subject areas, including sociology, anthropology, counseling psychology, public policy, educational studies, communications, English literature, media studies, and business. I have also edited journalistic writing for organizations, and I have worked with both native and nonnative speakers of English. My goal as an editor is to help writers communicate complex thoughts in as clear, compelling, and reader-friendly a way as possible. I have published several of my own academic articles and book chapters with top journals and publishers, and am currently writing my first book, on progressive religion and spirituality.”
Writing Retreat Facilitator and Writing Coach Former tenured associate professor of African American studies and political science at the University of Illinois at Chicago. PhD from Northwestern University. "I work with scholars who feel too overwhelmed to write and teach them to create a productive, pleasurable, satisfying writing routine. What I know—from the research and my observations as a coach—is that each scholar has their own natural writing process, and many of their struggles come from their inability to recognize or follow it. I train scholars to uncover that process, build a routine around it, and protect that routine. After working with me, scholars know how to make progress on their writing, enjoy the pleasures of intellectual work, and have energy for other parts of their lives."
BA in English literature with High Honors from Oberlin College; MA with honors in English literature from the University of Virginia. Former executive editor for Oxford University Press, Pearson Education, Routledge/Taylor and Francis, Schirmer Books (Macmillan Education), and others. Areas of Specialization: academic writing in the humanities, including English literature, music, art, drama, history, sociology, biography, and general humanities. "Carlin is a dynamic, skilled professional with over 30 years’ experience as a publishing executive and published author. His work has encompassed all aspects of editorial work, from basic copy editing, proofreading, and indexing to manuscript development, rewriting and ghost writing, development of interactive etexts and online learning materials, and writing sales and marketing copy. He has successfully helped authors develop their manuscripts from the proposal stage to published books. He also has a strong track record working with younger academics who have enjoyed long and successful publishing careers in their fields. As an author, he has written over 20 nonfiction works, several of which have been named to top 10 lists and won high recommendations from critics and academic journals. He is a Grammy Winner for Best Liner Notes in 2017 along with coauthor Ken Bloom."
PhD in sociology from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Areas of specialization: social scientific methods, literature, and statistics; grammar and writing organization in a variety of formats including journal articles, theses, grant proposals, and syllabi “I received my PhD in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004. I have experience editing scholarly journal articles, book chapters, theses, dissertations, class syllabi, conference presentations, grant proposals, and other academic documents. I am grounded in social scientific methods, literature, and statistics, and have a strong background in grammar and writing organization. As a former PhD student, I understand the pressures of academic writing and am flexible, working with you to meet your needs. I am willing to work closely with you to understand your goals and fit academic editing services into your budget, large or small.”
Style & Spine provides editorial consulting, dialogue, collaborative feedback, and concrete action plans for clients at every stage in the process of developing, writing, revising, and publishing academic scholarship and other forms of non-fiction, with an emphasis on works in the humanities and social sciences.
BA in History from UVA, MA in History from University of Wisconsin, former editor at Wisconsin Historical Society. Editor, Indexer in Blacksburg, VA.
I have been providing editing services for over twelve years and have worked with graduate students and faculty in sociology, history, education, anthropology, law, communication studies, comparative literature, women's studies, and political science, among other fields. I have extensive experience editing dissertations, journal articles, conference papers, book proposals and manuscripts, job market and tenure file materials, and grant and postdoctoral applications. As of 2018, I have worked with academic authors at eighty-five universities in seventeen countries.
I have a master's in sociology from the University of British Columbia, and a master's in sociology from the University of Michigan, where I was a PhD candidate in sociology until April 2012.
In 2013, I was hired by Rackham Graduate School at the University of Michigan to work as an editor with graduate students in the NSF-funded Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) program. I have also done manuscript editing for the journal Sociological Theory, and was previously the editorial assistant for the Politics, History, and Culture book series published by Duke University Press. My editing services are recommended by the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity.
My favorite part of being an academic has always been helping others to work through their ideas, develop arguments, and generally survive the pressures and perils of publishing with their sanity intact. Editing enables me to do this while engaging with amazing scholars and scholarship from around the world. The most fulfilling part of my work is building a lasting relationship of mutual respect and trust with authors and helping them to advance their ideas and their careers.
PhD in Sociology Developmental Editor, Manuscript Editor, and Writing Coach. Strengths in social sciences and health sciences. "I provide services including editing for every stage of your manuscript and productivity coaching. I believe that you do your best writing when you are organized, prepared, have enough time, and have a second pair of eyes to look over your work. It’s my mission to give your writing the attention it needs and give you the support you deserve."
Ph.D. in English with a background also in the fine arts. From her interdisciplinary training, and through working with faculty and student writers from across the disciplines, she has a familiarity with conventions of scholarship across a range of fields. She brings more than ten years of experience teaching academic writing and literature courses. Most recently, she held full-time positions at the University of Virginia and Carnegie Mellon. Services also include line editing and writing coaching.
Ph.D. in cell and developmental biology from the University of Michigan. Specializes in scientific writing, editing, coaching, and visual design, particularly for biomedical researchers. As the senior scientific writer in the Office of Health Equity at UMass Chan Medical School, Justine helps tenure-track research faculty develop their grants, manuscripts, websites, presentations, posters, and other projects. She also facilitates writing retreats and scientific communication-related professional development. Contact her for substantive editing or to level up your scientific communication skills.
Email: justinempinskey@gmail.com
PhD in English from the University of Texas Writing Consultant and Coach, Copy Editing, Draft Review "[I have] fifteen years of experience supporting academic writers. As a private writing consultant and former coordinator of a university-wide writing program for graduate students, I have provided support to hundreds of scholars through courses, workshops, retreats, groups, and individual consultations. I specialize in supporting faculty members and doctoral candidates, but I welcome clients of all ages, experience levels, and language backgrounds."
BA in English literature and Japanese from Carleton College, PhD in Japanese literature from Yale University, and editing certificate from UC Berkeley Extension. Ellen lives and works in Minneapolis, MN. Areas of specialization: Developmental editing and line editing in fields such as literary studies and film studies, regional or area studies (e.g., Asian Studies, Caribbean Studies), cultural studies, history, religion, anthropology, art history, and political science. “I edit to help scholars in the humanities and qualitative social sciences reach their target readers more effectively. I respect the unique voices of my clients as I assist them in expressing complex thoughts clearly. Depending on a writer’s desired level of edit, I can provide big-picture feedback on argument and structure or home in on sentence- and paragraph-level details to tighten and polish prose and ensure a logical progression of ideas. I tailor my services to fit each writer’s needs and budget.”
Audra started her career in publishing in 2001 while finishing her doctoral program in the history and sociology of science at the University of Pennsylvania. After a short stint as an editorial assistant at the University of Pennsylvania Press, she moved to Rutgers University Press, where she served as the acquiring editor for the sciences from 2002 to 2006. From 2006 to 2009, she was the editor-in-chief at the Chemical Heritage Foundation (now the Science History Institute), where she oversaw the publication of Chemical Heritage magazine and established a book series (Synthesis) with the University of Chicago Press.
Although we are comfortable working in most qualitative disciplines, Audra’s specialities include history (including the history of science, medicine, and technology), sociology, environmental studies, science and technology studies, public affairs, and trade science and medicine. Our network of talented editors includes specialists in literature, gender studies, American studies, and Asian studies.
The Outside Reader offers both manuscript evaluations to help you figure out what to do next and developmental editing to help you implement those decisions.
"Words into Print is a group of independent book editors, writers, and publishing consultants who will help you get your proposal or manuscript into the best shape possible and guide your efforts to reach your publishing goals. We bring to our work many years of experience acquiring, editing, and marketing books on staff at major New York publishing houses, so we know how most effectively to prepare fiction and nonfiction projects for their target markets."
Manuscript Editors and Developmental Editing
PhD in interdisciplinary studies (culture, history, and theory) from Emory University. MA in religion and cross-cultural studies from New College, Berkeley. BA in international relations from Trinity College, Hartford. Good working knowledge of French and German. Freelance editor and writer in Atlanta, GA. Areas of specialization: "I have edited journal articles and/or books by faculty in American studies, German, sociology, art history, English, and history. Additional areas of expertise include psychoanalytic studies, gender studies, religion, critical theory, international studies, creative nonfiction, and memoir. I have also copyedited several academic business articles on marketing and information systems and operations management. I have worked with both native and nonnative speakers of English and can assist faculty at several levels, from structural analysis to line editing and punctuation."
Email for ServicesScholarly editor and indexer; worked with university presses such as Princeton and Johns Hopkins, and from commercial presses such as John Wiley, Perseus and ABC-CLIO; competence in Latin, Greek and Hebrew.
Freelance copyediting and proofreading for publishers and authors of books and articles. Former managing editor of University of Wisconsin Press, University of Nebraska Press, former editorial assistant at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Susan is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of University at Buffalo, where she earned a BA in English. Her master’s is in film studies from Emory.
She worked for nine years as managing editor of Mercer University Press, where she specialized in acquiring and editing manuscripts in history, Southern literature, and philosophy.
In the course of a 32-year career at Emory, Susan has had a variety of roles, heading the Creatives Services department of Communications and Marketing; overseeing Emory Magazine; and supervising a team of writers for the Emory News Center developing the university’s first-ever humanities beat.
She has extensive freelance editorial experience, including 15 years of editing the dissertations of students seeking their executive doctorate in higher education management at University of Pennsylvania. Many of those students have gone on to engage Susan's editorial services for journal articles, books, and other projects postgraduation. She has also worked with Emory faculty on books and other collateral.
She is adept at writing marketing copy; is a top-notch proofreader; does developmental editing, manuscript editing, and copyediting; and is versed in APA, AP, and Chicago style.
Academic books editor, Bangor, Maine M.A. in German, St. Andrews University, Scotland, with additional study in Germany at FU, Berlin and Göttingen University; 1985 Bobby Jones scholar at Emory University. Editor since 1986: Religious studies editor at Cambridge University Press, UK; Academic books editor in US at Abingdon, Chalice, Cowley, Morehouse, & Pilgrim. Since 1996, editor for Hispanic Theological Initiative, Princeton. Areas of specialization: developmental editing in the humanities, with focus on religion. "Since 1986 I have edited close to 1,000 book and dissertation manuscripts. My goal is to make your writing sing by helping you to articulate your central ideas clearly and communicate them for a particular audience. I can work with you from book idea to proofs; offer express turnaround, short–, or long–term writing help; and accommodate myself to how much or little you need my involvement. Some authors appreciate regular companioning during the writing process through weekly phone/Skype/email check ins with me, others are happiest being in touch only when they are stuck or have writing to share with me. In addition to manuscript editing, I can help you put together a book proposal for yourself, your sabbatical committee, or a publisher. I also do German to English translation. You will find me to be forthright, prompt, and encouraging."
Phone: 207.942.6593
With diversified experience in the book publishing industry—first as a publisher’s representative and regional sales manager, then as a university press acquisitions editor—I am a committed advocate for my authors, a highly skilled developmental and line editor, and a faculty professional development consultant.
I serve clients in the humanities and social sciences, including anthropology, American studies, creative writing (fiction, creative nonfiction and memoir, and poetry), gender and sexuality studies, history, Latinx studies, literary studies, Middle East studies, sociology, and art and visual studies. I specialize in scholarly, literary, and crossover projects that transcend the academic-trade divide. As a Spanish-to-English translator and published writer and poet, I have a keen ear for language that balances my background in academia.
How can I help you? Perhaps you need help crafting a winning pitch for your nonfiction book proposal or assistance developing a writing sample for that proposal. Perhaps you’re working to transform your dissertation into a publishable book manuscript. I can help with that. Or, if you’re multilingual, I can help polish your English-language work.
I offer manuscript editing, copy editing, and developmental editing that helps the author tell a great story. Readers want to be drawn into a narrative—they want to walk into a world that ignites the imagination while also providing new insight and compelling information. I have a PhD in the history of religion, and I’m the author of two novels, Accidents of Providence and The Half Wives (both by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), and another work in progress. I’ve edited academic manuscripts that went on to be published at Oxford University Press, Princeton, UPenn, Beacon Hill, and more, on subjects ranging from Chinese antiquarianism to new green industries in the global economy to Puritans in New England in the seventeenth century. I also provide select developmental editing for fiction projects, but I’m not a writing coach. I take on independent clients for short-term projects with clearly delineated deadlines—if the fit is right for us both. I’d love to learn more about your book project!
I’m a certified copy editor, accredited by the Editors’ Association of Canada
I was editor and managing editor at Self-Counsel Press. I was an instructor/facilitator for “Indexing: An Essential Art and Science” in Simon Fraser University’s Continuing Studies program. In 2012, I was a finalist for the Tom Fairley Award for Editorial Excellence.
Scholarly and academic works are of particular interest to me (especially those on history, women’s studies, and education), as well as manuscripts focused on health and medicine, pop culture, and local history.
PhD in anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis.
Since 2018, Banyan Tree has been a “one-stop shop” for academic authors in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. If you would like to discuss how I can support your writing, I welcome hearing from you!
Areas of specialization: Developmental editing, line editing, and copyediting. Book and grant proposal consulting, manuscript assessments, and revise and resubmit assistance.
Reduced rate for Black and Indigenous scholars.
PhD in English from Emory University. Copyediting and proofreading I’ve edited and proofed hundreds of texts, from articles to book manuscripts, and published my own writing in more than two dozen places, academic and otherwise. I would be happy to work with you on any project, large or small, and on your timetable and budget.
Phone: 404.403.7543
Master's degree with a focus in literacy from the University of Pennsylvania. Copyediting and proofreading. Scholarly and academic editor providing copyediting and proofreading for journal articles, conference papers, textbook chapters, and dissertations. My primary fields are education, English, sociology, and gender studies, but I also regularly edit work in the fields of history, nursing, anthropology, and psychology, among others. In addition to freelance editing, I am an adjunct faculty at a Writing Center and specialize in providing writing consultations to graduate students working on their theses and dissertations in a variety of disciplines. I have a masters degree from the University of Pennsylvania and am highly experienced at working with non-native speakers of English.
PhD in religion, Claremont Graduate University, 2009; MTS (theological studies), Vanderbilt University, 2003; BA in German and Spanish, The University of Texas at Austin, 1997 Areas of specialization: Copyediting and proofreading in the humanities, especially religion, ethics, cultural studies, literature, philosophy, theology, and art. I have served for more than fifteen years as an editor, copyeditor, proofreader, and writer for academic and general audiences, from articles and white papers to dissertations, journal issues, and books. In addition to translating out of French, German, and Spanish, I also provide writing assistance to non-native speakers of English. I have taught writing-intensive courses and have served as a writing tutor and consultant, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
PhD in Comparative Literature Areas of specialization: translation studies, English and literature “Daniel joined the staff of World Literature Today in 2002, after previous editorial positions at the University of Oklahoma Press and University of Nebraska Press. A Nebraska native, he received his doctorate in comparative literature—with an emphasis in translation studies—from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 2000. At OU, in addition to his work at WLT, he serves as an adjunct assistant professor in the English department and affiliate faculty member in the Department of International & Area Studies, teaching a course in magazine editing and publishing every fall. A poet, translator, and member of PEN American Center, the National Book Critics Circle, and the American Society of Magazine Editors.”
Strengths are in conceptual, structural and line editing. Has written/edited 5 anthologies of American history and has edited academic manuscripts, print journalism, radio documentaries and podcasts. Particular experience in American history, African American history, higher education, and media history. Has an MA in the humanities from The University of Chicago, where he was a William Benton Fellow, and a BA in English from Macalester College, where he has also taught narrative journalism in the English Department.
Fulltime freelance editor since 1995; background in art history and anthropology; worked with academic and denominational presses in fiction and nonfiction.
BA in English, Vanderbilt University, MA and PhD in English, Emory University. Areas of Specialization: academic writing, English and American literature, Native American Literature, composition, grammar, medical writing, science writing, and communications. "I taught in the English Department at Emory for over thirty years and also served as associate dean and assistant vice president at Emory. Currently I am senior editor at the Emory Clinic. I have published four academic books—three with Louisiana State University Press—and one with Bookhouse Group in Atlanta, GA, and twenty academic articles. My fifth book is forthcoming from LSU Press. I am most accustomed to academic writing and editing and have edited articles and books in various fields, including the humanities disciplines as well as the scientific and medical fields. I have tutored both native and non-native speakers of English and enjoy preparing manuscripts for publication and helping people improve their writing skills."
PhD and MA in religion, Claremont Graduate University. Certificate in manuscript editing, University of Chicago. BA in religious studies and gender studies, Scripps College. Freelance experience with Fordham University Press, Indiana University Press, the Society of Biblical Literature, the journal Media Industries, and over two hundred individual clients. "I refine scholarship so that research makes its mark within the academy and beyond. My services are retained by professors, independent researchers, and advanced graduate students, and I edit for university presses, research centers, and scholarly societies. My practice, Tweed Editing, specializes in copyediting, developmental editing, and stylistic editing for the humanities and qualitative social sciences. Popular services include developmental assessments and strategic feedback on book proposals for academic presses. Check out the Tweed website for free resources tailored to scholarly authors' needs."
Phone: 503.877.2584
PhD in Social Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a BSc in Social Sciences from the University of Bradford (United Kingdom). Clare is an academic editor and coach living in Marietta, Georgia. Areas of Specialization: she edits academic documents in health/social sciences and related fields, including but not limited to: public health/epidemiology, health administration/health management, public policy/public administration, social policy, social work, sociology, psychology, economics, political science, organizational behavior, business administration, socio-legal studies/law, housing/urban management.
Phone: 404.590.3847
For Writers in English as a Second Language
JD, University of Iowa; MA in sociology, University of Iowa with graduate work at Indiana University and Johns Hopkins University; BA in sociology, University of Illinois.
An experienced ESL Editor specializing in STEM subjects. Education includes TESOL certifications (University of Georgia), MBA in Finance (University of South Florida), and Bachelor of Architecture (Carnegie Mellon University). Specializes in helping non-native English speakers gain publication in top tier journals for tenure and academic advancement. Edits all types of academic manuscripts including journal articles, book chapters, dissertations, thesis papers, and personal statements. Subject areas include but are not limited to finance, engineering, computer science, architecture, physics, geology, pharmacology, and education. Excellent references are available upon request.
Publicity Experts
Leff & Associates offers clients a full range of public relations services, focusing on strategic public relations counsel, program development, media relations, public affairs, crisis communications and media training.
Page-Turner Publicity provides personalized hands-on public relations services to the publishing industry. Staff works closely with both individual authors and publishers to create optimal media campaigns for books of all genres.
PR, branding, internal communications, employee engagement and social responsibility marketing programs across many sectors.
Phone: 678.392.1785
Address: Shira Miller Communications, Inc.
4780 Ashford Dunwoody Road
Suite A-437
Atlanta, Georgia 30338
Sarah Russo is a public relations professional with 15 years of experience working with authors and publishers on their communications, publicity, marketing, branding and social strategy. Sarah specializes in politics, science and the environment, history, education, business, and literary fiction.