As a writer myself, I understand that an author traverses a wilderness—and eventually needs a guide when the trees thicken. I excel at deep manuscript analysis, a skill I honed as a master's student of English Literature and can help synthesize concepts and identify emergent themes. I offer the passion of a dedicated reader, the close attention of a literary scholar, and the trustworthiness of a friend. I provide structure and a map when you need it—guidance through the forest.

My editorial philosophy is to approach your project with sensitivity and respect. I understand that sharing your project can make you feel vulnerable and requires trust. As your editor my goal is to offer kindness, curiosity, and candor. I respond to how your story “lands” with your audience, note topics I don’t understand (yet), and highlight aspects that I want to know more about. Together, we celebrate what is working well, and we dig into what can be improved—a "growth mindset" partnership. Expect impressive effort from both of us as we shepherd your project closer to your vision.

Editorial Services

Developmental Edit

You’ve completed your draft manuscript. Now you need big-picture analysis of structure, organization, theme, balance, reader response, and more. You will receive a detailed editorial letter with suggestions for revisions as well as in-line comments within your project document. The focus is on the big picture: how the pieces all best fit together—hence I will not correct grammar, spelling, or punctuation in this editorial review. Expect to come away with many constructive ideas for your continued work on your project.

Manuscript Critique

A less intensive review of your work than the developmental edit, this is a careful, kind critique of your work-in-progress including what resonates for the reader, what the reader still wants to know, and how your story speaks. You will receive honest, thoughtful feedback via in-line comments within your project document. I will not correct grammar, spelling, or punctuation in this review. Expect to come away with a sense of how your draft resonates with its audience.

Project Proofread

This is for projects that have already undergone several editorial reviews (either by me or by another editor). When your project is as solid and as ready as you think it will ever be, send it my way for one last gut-check. I’ll look for any last errors or omissions to help you put the final polish on your piece before submission.

Coaching

For writers who have the desire to create a writing habit but aren’t yet sure how to start, or for those who seek accountability and extra encouragement to reach toward your writing goals, coaching might be for you. We will meet regularly to review your pages and discuss your writing life.

Qualifications and Experience

As a writing coach and editor, I’ve worked with both emerging and established authors. Touchstones of my editorial path include:

• Instructor of Memoir at UW-Madison Continuing Studies

• Instructor of Composition at Marquette University 

• Writing Fellow at UW-Madison

• MA in English Literature from Marquette University

• BA in English Literature from UW-Madison