Focus on Art and Culture
I specialize in editing and project managing books and texts about contemporary art, critical theory, and cultural studies. Past projects range from academic monographs to illustrated exhibition catalogues and artist books. Please check out my portfolio for more information.
Project Management
As a project manager of printed books, I oversee the stages of editing and production required to publish a manuscript. My role includes managing the schedule; coordinating copyediting, proofeading, and image research; communicating with the designer(s); and corresponding with the production team/printers. I also manage digital projects such as the publication of e-newsletters and websites.
Copyediting
Copyediting requires attention to every word and punctuation mark in a manuscript, ensuring that correct spelling, formatting, grammar, syntax, capitalization, etc. adhere to a specified style guide and dictionary. After an otherwise final manuscript is ready, I copyedit it using “track changes” in Microsoft Word. The goal is to finalize the text before sending the file to the design team to lay out. The level of copyediting can vary: It always includes “mechanical editing” (consistently applying a particular style) and can include “substantive editing,” which deals with how content is organized and presented at the sentence level (i.e., improving flow, eliminating ambiguity, tightening up phrasing, etc.).
Proofreading
Proofreading is the process of checking all the components of a document to find errors and mark them for correction. Once the text has been laid out by the design team, I receive a PDF that consists of the typeset and paginated pages of a book, as it will look once it has been printed. I proofread the PDF using markup tools in Adobe Acrobat. I usually do two rounds.
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing shapes a work’s content and how its material is presented. Developmental editing is done (if needed) before copyediting begins, since it may involve rewriting or reorganizing a manuscript. Unlike copyediting, it doesn’t focus on details like sentences, words, or punctuation; it’s a detailed structural review of an entire manuscript.
Editorial Reports
An editorial report concisely evaluates a text as a whole, stating its aims, summarizing its central argument, identifying its intended audience, and assessing its originality and relevance. I provide an overview of the text’s major strengths and weaknesses by describing what is working well and breaking down what isn't working well and providing suggestions for improvement. In addition to commenting on the text’s title, content, structure, clarity, tone, and flow, I provide a list of essential points that need to be addressed. Unlike developmental editing, comments are broad. Editorial reports are succinct and do not include in-line comments.
Book Proposals
I evaluate book proposals, making sure your project is presented as cogently and comprehensively as possible before submitting to publishers. Whether you’re preparing to approach a traditional publisher, an academic press, or an independent or boutique publisher, your proposal needs to be clear, compelling, and market-ready. Through a detailed assessment of your overview, chapter outline, sample material, target audience analysis, and competitive titles, I provide strategic, actionable feedback to sharpen your positioning, strengthen your hook, and ensure your concept stands out.
Style Queries
I have a keen sense of editorial discretion and can advise on style-related queries that may come up during the editing process. I’m also an expert in The Chicago Manual of Style, which bills itself as “the venerable, time-tested guide to style, usage, and grammar.” Even with a guide, questions inevitably arise, and I enjoy searching for solutions that suit the context. I’m also aware of the latest approaches to using inclusive language, and I pay particular attention to minimizing bias in terms of word choice and phrasing.
Bibliographies and Notes
Bibliographies are an important part of academic monographs, and it’s crucial that they be formatted correctly, consistently, and accurately. In addition to creating stylistically unified bibliographies and ensuring that the footnotes/endnotes match, I always clean up and verify the accuracy of existing footnotes/endnotes.
Image Research
I secure permissions to reproduce material created by other people, including images (and, in some cases, text quotations). My research is compiled in a detailed table outlining thumbnail images, confirmed captions, and file names, along with an overview of any related image fees and a folder containing digital high-resolution files.
Improving English Translations
Improving the flow of English translations, which requires striking a delicate balance between the author’s intention and the translator’s work, is another one of my specialities. If the original text is provided in French or German, I can cross-check to provide an even more nuanced service. I’m also skilled at refining the texts of authors whose first language is not English.
Promotional Texts
I am available to draft and edit promotional and marketing texts such as press releases or website copy. I also have experience creating project proposals and writing artwork descriptions.
Other Services
This list details the main services I provide, but customized agreements are available on request. Please get in touch to discuss your project and its specifications. I would be happy to prepare a proposal to address your specific project.