Services
I am most practiced in the Chicago Manual of Style (17th Ed.) but also commonly conform to unique house style guides.
Developmental Editing: This involves focusing on your argument, structure, and narrative; keeping clear and consistent language and tone; and optimizing the structure and style of your writing for the intended audience and desired outcome.
Copyediting: This approach trusts that your story is mostly already a finished product but still needs to be tested and validated at the margins. This includes the routine checks for spelling, punctuation, grammar, structure, style, and consistency but also comments about the argument, clarity, and consistency where appropriate.
Proofreading: This is the most basic approach, focusing on spelling, punctuation, and grammar. I’ll still make comments when it seems warranted, but it won’t be the primary focus. This is typically for pieces that have already been edited or are meant to be final products.
Rates
My rates are negotiable and established on a project-specific basis based on length, scope, turnaround time, density, and the desired level of editing. These rates fall within the Editorial Freelancers Association’s guidance on common editorial rates.
Core Principles
Substantive Editing
I pride myself on being able to make substantive contributions on a wide range of writing, particularly in political science, policy, and international affairs. My core areas of personal expertise relate to governance and institutions, corruption, dynastic politics, international development, and climate change. Beyond this, I’ve contributed to projects on international relations, security studies, technological innovation, cybersecurity, global health, humanitarian assistance, migration, trade, defense acquisition, and much more.
Attention to Detail
This goes beyond the basics. Adapting to style guides and preferences is one thing, but accommodating a rapidly changing twenty-first century is something entirely different. Issues of gender, race, diversity, and sexuality play ever-greater roles in the discussions and policies that move the world forward. Ensuring acknowledgement of those principles where relevant is vital to making effective, conscientious products.
Flexibility and Speed
I am accustomed to fast-paced environments and can work with your schedule, rain or shine, to meet deadlines for time-constrained projects. Projects can be moving targets, and I’m ready to meet expectations through all twists and turns.