New Client Info — Lisa Munro

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 Hello!

Thanks so much for your interest in my academic editing services! I’ve prepared the following information for you to answer questions about the editing services I offer through my small, independent writing business.

I have an assistant editor on my team who provides the following services:

  • Copyediting (style correction, line editing)

  • Proofreading

  • Developmental editing

  • Text formatting in Microsoft Word/LibreOffice

I regret to say that we do not offer indexing services at this time.

Projects that the assistant editor accepts include:

  • Book manuscripts and chapters

  • Journal articles

  • Dissertations and theses

  • Book proposals

  • Grant proposals 

  • Job application materials

  • Assorted non-fiction projects (blogs, manuals, press releases, etc.)

We do not produce written work for anyone under any circumstances. 

Editorial services are provided for faculty and graduate students in the following fields:

  • History, art history

  • Philosophy

  • Anthropology/Archaeology

  • Psychology

  • Sociology

  • Literature

  • Modern languages

  • Education

  • Political science

  • Religious studies

  • Music

  • Social Work

The assistant editor uses established style guides to standardize their editorial choices:

  • Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition

  • American Psychological Association, 6th Edition

  • Modern Language Association Style Guide, 8th Edition

  • Specific in-house style guides

A special note for dissertation writers seeking editing services:

I do work with dissertation writers, but only at the copyediting level. That is, I limit my editorial interventions to sentence structure and style. I don't provide developmental editing (sometimes called substantive editing), which is geared more towards the development of ideas and arguments) for dissertation writers. Helping dissertation writers develop their ideas is really the job of the dissertation adviser/supervisor and I don't want to create any conflicts of interest or ethical issues for you by taking on that role.

In terms of copyediting (line editing and intervention on the sentence level for structure, style, etc.) I do want to let you know that although I do this work, I encourage you to think about whether it's necessary because dissertations are not, by their nature, publishable works of scholarship. It's often more important that they're done and filed (which is what you need to graduate) rather than impeccably written.

If you can write well enough in English, it's worth thinking about whether you want to spend the money on copyediting (which regrettably is often very expensive for graduate students). Everyone (including me) has a dissertation filled with typos and some pretty tortured sentences. If you feel that you can submit your dissertation without paying for copyediting, it might be best to save the money at this point. If you're considering turning your dissertation into a book project, you might consider investing in some developmental editing after you graduate to help you revise your dissertation into a terrific book.

Working with Me and Next Steps

The editing schedule often fills up a month in advance. Please schedule editing services as early as possible to ensure that we have sufficient time for your project.

All potential clients may request a free 500 word (~2 pages) sample edit prior to beginning any work to ensure that the assistant editor’s style meets your needs. (If unsatisfied, you’re under no obligation to retain them as an editor and I’m happy to refer you to another editor who may meet your needs better.)

Before starting your editing project, you’ll receive a detailed work plan and estimate of total cost. You’ll also receive a short editing contract to review and sign.

Approximate costs for copyediting (2023):

  • Journal article $500

  • Book length manuscript $2000

Approximate costs for developmental editing (2023):

  • Journal article $700-$1000

  • Book length manuscript $3000

Approximate costs for document formatting:

  • Dissertation formatting $750

Any project requiring less than a 72 hour turnaround will be subject to rush fees of an additional $100/hour. Please be aware that I have a $500 minimum fee for new client projects and I regret that I cannot give discounts.

Editing is completed in Google docs, which has a nice set of track changes features and commenting functions. You will receive the final edited document in Word (.docx) or the format of your choice and email it to you. If you need your document formatted, I format documents in Microsoft Word or LibreOffice, including title page and front matter, headings, table of contents, images, illustration index, footnotes, and references.

I’m happy to talk with you about your work at any time during the editing process by phone, text, or video during normal business hours (M-F, 9am-5pm CST) as my schedule permits. Editing consultations are $300 for a 45 minute meeting.

I send invoices via a service called Dubsado, which can be paid securely online with a credit card. I regret to say that I cannot accept personal checks.

Please let me know what questions you have! I’m excited to work with you on your writing project!

Warm wishes,

Lisa