Work With Me
Developmental editing and research and writing support for scholars
My job as an editor is to help you make your writing the best it can be.
When we are passionate and deeply involved in our projects, sometimes it’s difficult to see them anymore; I’ll take a careful look with fresh eyes. We’ll work together to identify any challenges you are facing and to form a plan for how I can best help you to address them.
I’m committed to editing with precision and integrity, communicating clearly, and helping you achieve your full potential as an author.
Are you trying to figure out what kind of editing or coaching would be best for you? See my services below or schedule a free consultation today.
Kind Words from a Client
"Katherine's feedback on my book manuscript was the most detailed, most perceptive, and most helpful that I've received from any editor or reviewer. She found weaknesses in my argument that all previous readers had missed. She supplied specific and practical suggestions for addressing those weaknesses. From the paragraph level to the chapter structure, Katherine made valuable recommendations that enabled me to write a much better final product. And she did it all on time!"
~ Bruce Whitehouse, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Lehigh University
Scheduling update: I am currently booked for editing and coaching through July 2024, but am accepting inquires for work after that date. I’m also always happy to add you to my waitlist. Please let me know if you have any questions!
Developmental Editing
Do you have a manuscript, but need fresh eyes to evaluate it? Are you working on a book, but you aren’t sure of your argument?
Developmental editing might be right for you. In this kind of editing, I provide marcro level feedback in the form of a letter and comments in Word. For more detailed editing, please see “substantive editing” below.
Developmental editing focuses on the big picture of a text. As I read your work, I’ll pay attention to argument, organization, narrative flow, engagement with sources, voice, and clarity. I’ll provide you with detailed feedback that focuses on how to make your writing the best it can be.
I can work with you at any stage of your writing process, whether it is helping you to conceive of your book idea, turn your dissertation into a book, improve individual chapters, or strengthen a full manuscript. Learn more about developmental editing here.
My work can involve a variety of levels of intervention that can be tailored to your budget and needs. For example, I can do a full manuscript assessment, reading your book draft and providing you with detailed feedback on your argument and content, while also suggesting structural and stylistic improvements. I can also do page by page editing, working on issues such as organization, tone, structure, and critical analysis.
After completing my edits, I will provide a detailed editorial letter that describes the work’s strengths as well as suggested revisions. This is usually accompanied by comments in the text itself. I’m also happy to meet by phone or Zoom to discuss my feedback and next steps.
Note: Developmental editing does not involve copyediting.
Want to learn more about developmental editing? This short video explains the process in depth and provides tips on how to find an editor, insights into cost, and advice on how to make the experience as valuable and helpful as possible!
Developmental Coaching
Do you need someone to help talk through your ideas for your manuscript? Do you struggle with getting writing done and need a partner to help? Would talking with someone about writing help you to establish attainable goals and sustainable work patterns that you feel good about?
You could benefit from developmental coaching. This involves meeting with me on a regular basis (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) so that I can support your writing needs. The kind of support I offer during these sessions is tailored to meet each client’s needs. For example, you may find it helpful to talk through your ideas for your manuscript with an experienced editor. We can discuss your argument, assess the structure of the book, and decide how to best approach the project. I work with people who are just starting to conceive of a project, as well as others who are farther along in their thinking.
If you struggle with getting writing done, you may find it helpful to strategize together about how to overcome your challenges and to plan actionable goals for your work. I can also advise on navigating the publishing process and academia more generally, including the job market. Whatever your needs, I aim to be a supportive interlocutor who can help you to produce your best work and make the writing process as painless as possible.
Meetings take place via phone or Zoom. Some clients choose to combine additional services with coaching, including editing. Other clients prefer simply to meet. Either is fine!
Substantive Editing
Do you have a full manuscript, but need help with its organization or flow? Are you wanting someone to help smooth out paragraphs, craft transitions, and evaluate word choice?
You could benefit from substantive editing (also known as line editing). This kind of editing involves going line by line through a manuscript and commenting on all aspects of the text, making suggestions and edits using track changes and comments. This level of editing is heavier than copyediting and includes working on organization, tone, clarity, flow, word choice, etc. It can occur on its own or be coupled with a developmental edit to help you fully polish your work.
In this form of editing, my feedback largely comes through track changes and comments in Word. I also summarize my suggested changes and revisions in an accompanying letter. I am always happy to meet with clients to discuss my feedback.
Note that the focus of substantive editing is not on grammar and punctuation. If you need help with these things, you should consider working with a copyeditor.
Writing Groups
If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider joining one of my Creating in Community scholarly writing groups. I believe that writing doesn’t have to be painful; participating in these groups is one strategy you can use to make it easier. These six-week sessions allow you to designate time for your writing, helping you to tackle a significant project and to nurture your writing habits. The small groups, which are designed for scholars, meet for two hours a week via Zoom.
Do you find it difficult to make time for writing or to get it done? Do you want to develop more productive writing habits? Are you interested in writing with and learning from others?
The bulk of each session gives you time to work on a writing project of your choice (book chapter, article, book proposal, grant application etc.), while also providing strategies for accomplishing your writing goals and time to connect with and learn from other scholars.
Click here for more information (and the chance to sign up for a discount!).
Editing for Career Advancement
Are you working on a big grant? Or trying to brush up your CV and cover letter to land your dream job?
I can help! I edit CVs, cover letters, and general job materials; grant and fellowship applications; and application essays (graduate school, Peace Corps, etc.). I provide detailed feedback to help you move your career forward. My feedback will come in the form of track changes and comments in Word, as well as an accompanying letter that summarizes my suggestions for revision.
Rates & Questions
Please be in touch with me and I can provide a quote for your project. I can modify my work to meet a wide range of budgets.
Still have questions? Visit my FAQ page or set up a free consultation today.