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Services

For Authors

Manuscript Assessment & Developmental Editing

 

​You've got a full draft, but is it working? 

 

Whether you're looking for a big-picture assessment or deeper hands-on editing, I offer two levels of support for evaluating a manuscript's argument, structure, evidence, and tone:

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Manuscript Assessment​

  • Editorial report (no margin comments) outlining observations about argument, structure, use of evidence, and tone

  • 30–60 minute follow-up consult to discuss the feedback and map out next steps

Turnaround: 1week for articles; up to 4 weeks for books

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Developmental Editing

  • Editorial report outlining observations about argument, structure, evidence, and tone

  • In-text comments noting what's working and what needs attention

  • Developmentally edited manuscript, including tracked changes with paragraph-level and occasional line-level suggestions

  • 30–60 minute follow-up consult to discuss the feedback and map out next steps

Turnaround: up to 2 weeks for articles; up to 6 weeks for books

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Not sure which one you need?

Book Proposal & Query Package

Preparing a book for submission? This package helps you shape your proposal and present your work with a convincing query (cover) letter.

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We'll work together in three stages:

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(A flexible 60-minute consultation is included and can be scheduled during any stage.)

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  1. Assessment & Revision Plan: I provide an editorial report and in-text feedback on your proposal, writing sample, and query letter.

  2. Developmental Edit: Once you revise based on the above assessment, I'll review the new draft and offer further suggestions to strengthen the argument, structure, evidence, pacing, and tone.

  3. Final Polish: I'll refine your materials at the sentence level for clarity, conciseness, tone, and rhythm (line editing), and address grammar, punctuation, and formatting (light copy editing).

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Timeline: Varies by scope; we'll establish a clear schedule once we discuss your project.

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Line Editing addresses sentence-level fluency-–tightening language, improving sentence flow and rhythm, and ensuring clarity of ideas and consistency of tone.

  • Line-edited manuscript with tracked changes that refine sentence structure

  • In-text queries and suggestions to flag ambiguity, repetition, or stylistic inconsistencies

  • Brief summary memo highlighting key patterns and providing tips for strengthening your voice in future drafts

Turnaround: 1–4 weeks, depending on the length and complexity of the project

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Copy Editing focuses on technical precision–correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling; ensuring consistency in style, formatting, and usage; and checking citations and source listings when relevant. Best for near-final drafts needing a final clean-up.

  • Copy-edited manuscript with tracked changes correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage

  • Style and formatting consistency check, including headings, numerals, capitalization, and citations

  • In-text queries and suggestions to flag ambiguity or note reasons for changes

  • Brief summary memo highlighting key changes

Turnaround: 1–3 weeks, depending on the length and complexity of the project

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Line & Copy Editing

For Academics

Academic Editing

I offer editing for a wide range of academic documents, including

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  • dissertations and theses

  • journal articles and book reviews 

  • book proposals and manuscripts

  • job market materials, research grant proposals, and tenure portfolios

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I have experience copy editing both quantitative and qualitative research across a range of disciplines and regularly work with APA, Chicago, and MLA citation styles. For manuscript assessments, developmental editing, and line editing, I specialize in qualitative research within the humanities and social sciences.

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I'm happy to customize according to your needs, combining two or more types of editing at a discounted rate.

For People with Ideas

Coaching and Co-Writing

Have a story to tell or a message to share, but feeling stuck when it comes to getting it on the page? Whether you're looking for ongoing support while you write or hoping to bring in a partner to help shape—or even write—the manuscript, I offer services that meet you where you are.

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We can work together through regular coaching sessions, or I can contribute writing to the manuscript, either as a credited co-writer or uncredited contributor.* These services are tailored to your goals, budget, and timeline.

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*Note: I do not currently offer full ghostwriting of entire manuscripts, but I'm happy to discuss partial authorship support for select chapters or sections. Co-writing and ghostwriting services are not available for academic projects.

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Unsure of What You Need?

Every manuscript is unique, and so is every author. I'm happy to combine types of editing for a discounted rate. I also offer a free consultation and brief manuscript review to help you determine what stage you're at and what kind of support will move your project forward.

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You're welcome to share your manuscript or a sample of your work, and we'll talk through your goals, challenges, and options. I'll recommend an approach tailored to your needs—whether that's coaching, editing, or something in between.

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Let's talk about what your project needs and build a plan that works for you and your budget.

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Want to strengthen your draft before hiring an editor? Download my free guide, 7 Steps to Your Breakthrough Draft, and start refining your writing today.

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You can also visit my blog for insights on writing, editing, and navigating the publishing process.

Testimonials

Jim Gaona Ellis, Author of Educators As Designers: The Hidden Architecture of Learning,

forthcoming from Harvard Education Press (2026)

“My work was accepted at a more prestigious publisher because of Lauren’s experience and expertise. Without her guidance, support, and skill, this outcome would not have been possible. Lauren is a masterful editor who demonstrates an incredible ability to guide large, complex writing projects with precision, and helped me clearly define the scope and goals of my book. As a writing partner, she clarified my ideas, elevated them into magnificent prose, and organized the whole thing masterfully for publication. Writing professionally can be taxing, but Lauren's warm and supportive personality made the entire process enjoyable.”

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