Developmental Editing and Coaching

As a developmental editor, I can help you realize your project’s full potential. Are you struggling to turn your dissertation into a book manuscript? Are you grappling with structure, research questions, or the central argument of your book project? Are you unsure how to respond to Reviewer 2? Does writer’s block, imposter syndrome, time management, or fear get in the way of you realizing your writing’s full potential? I’m here to help!

I’m an anthropologist with over ten years of writing and editing experience. My first book was published with Duke University Press and shortlisted for the Victor Turner Award for Ethnographic Writing. My second nonfiction book is under contract with a trade press and scheduled for publication in 2027. I have reviewed book manuscripts for many academic presses, including University of Chicago Press, University of Washington Press, Routledge, and Duke University Press. My articles have been published at Anthropological Quarterly, City and Society, Cultural Anthropology, and Anthropology Now, the Anthropology of Work Review (AWR) and American Anthropologist. I also review fellowship and grant applications for the Wenner-Gren Foundation and the National Science Foundation.

SERVICES:

For articles and chapters, my developmental editing service entails a big-picture editing of your article or chapter’s content, including argument, methodology, analysis, organization and structure, engagement with sources, and narrative arc. I also ensure it complies with journal/press standards (although I do not format bibliographies/work cited). I read your manuscript three times - first for the general shape, structure, and argument, second, for strategizing my editorial approach, and third for direct engagement and in-text edits and comments using Track Changes in Microsoft Word. I also provide a written report (usually 1-2 pages) addressing the  manuscript’s strengths and areas for improvement, as well detailed revision recommendations. I charge $.12 USD per word.

For book manuscripts, I offer a “package” of two read-throughs and editorial engagement - for the first read-through, I do a big-picture editing of the book’s content, including argument, methodology, analysis, organization and structure, engagement with sources (if relevant), and narrative arc. I provide in-text edits and comments using Track Changes in Microsoft Word, as well as a written report (usually 1-2 pages) addressing the manuscript’s strengths, key interventions, and unique qualities of the manuscript as well as recommendations for the book’s narrative arc, argument, methodology, structure, and scholarly engagement and contribution. This shows up as a big picture analysis along with chapter-by-chapter targeted feedback. After you have had time to revise (and meet with me to talk things out over Zoom, if it would be helpful) I provide a second read through, light track-changes engagement, and final written report, based on the revised manuscript. This package starts at $5500 USD and can be customized to suit your needs.

Coaching: Are you unsure how to transform your dissertation into a book? Are you stuck on your article’s central argument or major intervention? Are you working to transform your academic work into more accessible prose?Are you struggling with writer’s block or failing to make time to write? I work with writers in all nonfiction genres, from academic to trade nonfiction to essays to memoir. I can help you cut through the chatter and focus on what matters most for you and your project. Coaching sessions start at $50 for half an hour and $100 for one hour.

I also reserve a number of sliding scale options for graduate students, contingent faculty, faculty at under-funded institutions, independent scholars, and Palestinian, queer, and trans writers and scholars. Get in touch and let’s scheme together!