content editing lab, LLC

Top-notch editorial expertise for your nonfiction

PhD, French Literature Emory University (2009)
Assistant Professor of French and Italian Utica College (2013–2017); Eastern Illinois University (2009–2013)
Professional Sequence in Editing UC Berkeley Extension (2018)

expert editorial services

I. Copyediting in English and French II. French-English Translation III. Indexing

In today’s world, we need more editors who believe in the responsibility of the text. An academic copyeditor of hundreds of journal articles for Cambridge University Press and Penn Press, as well as many memoirs and nonfiction books, I provide the very best editorial services for your dissertations, monographs, multi-authored volumes, and nonfiction. A widely read scholar, I contribute to academia with a sharp eye for pristine content and a deep respect for research, cultures, and languages. As a PhD in French literature and professionally trained copyeditor, I apply top-tier critical thinking / language polishing to all editorial services. I have assisted and enhanced the writings of international researchers, artists, and students at top-tier institutions from virtually every continent, which is why I remain ever passionate about my work.

What do CopyEditors Do?

Copyediting is a science of precision where fine details and consistency matter. A quality copyeditor greatly improves clarity and perfects formatting. As a PhD in French literature, former language professor, and experienced copyeditor who is professionally trained in Chicago style, I polish your content for smooth readership. I take a methodical approach to ensure consistency of terms and voice, remove errors and grammatical infelicities, and perfect punctuation, mechanics, formatting, and references. Heavier edits entail suggestions for organization, transitions, tone, and strength of argument. I often work with authors whose native language is not English and am well-versed in several formatting styles.

I. academic copyeditor

As the ongoing copyeditor for six university press journals (five journals with Cambridge University Press, one with Penn Press), I have copyedited hundreds of academic articles for researchers from all over the world, including scholars in Africa, Western and Eastern Europe, North and South America, Asia, and the Caribbean. For each article, I do two editorial passes, incorporating the author’s review of queries/edits, before finalizing for typesetting.

University Press Journals

Since 2021, I have copyedited countless articles for international scholars as the ongoing copyeditor of 4+ years (some til present) for these top-tier journals:

History in Africa: A Journal of Debates, Sources, and Source Analysis (Cambridge University Press)
Nationalities Papers: The Journal of Nationalism and Ethnicity (Cambridge University Press)
Church History: Studies in Christianity and Culture (Cambridge University Press)
Journal for Early Modern Cultural Studies (Penn Press)

University Journals in french

Since 2020, I have been the ongoing French-language copyeditor for these international journals:

Revue canadienne de science politique / Canadian Journal of Political Science (Cambridge University Press)
Revue canadienne du vieillissement / Canadian Journal of Aging (Cambridge University Press)

copyedited Academic books

The Study of Indigenous Landscape and Seascape Stewardship on the Central California Coast: The Findings of a Collaborative Eco-Archaeological Investigation, University of California Archaeological Research Facility Publication Series, University of California – Berkeley (forthcoming)

Asia and Habsburg Spain’s Secrets: The Making of a National Identity in Early Modern Narrative (forthcoming)

Reflections on Volcanic Glass: Proceedings of the 2021 International Obsidian Conference, University of California Archaeological Research Facility Publication Series, University of California – Berkeley

Colonial Legacies in Francophone African Literature: The School and the Invention of the Bourgeoisie, Lexington

Shipwreck in the Early Modern Hispanic World, a multi-authored academic volume, Bucknell University Press

Elements of French Deaf Heritage, Gallaudet University Press

Documenting the American Student Abroad: The Media Cultures of International Education, Rutgers University Press

Sting & Religion: The Catholic-Shaped Imagination of a Rock Icon (sections thereof), Cascade Books

Religion in Uniform: A Critique of US Military Chaplaincy (compiled/formatted all references), Lexington

PhD dissertations and MA theses in art history, photography, media/film/sound studies, Romance languages, history, etc.

Developmental Edits, Helping Transform Dissertations into Books in art history, religion, Black studies, etc.

Book chapters in women’s studies, postcolonial studies, etc.

Copyedited French books

Défi Francophone, Klett World Languages, a college-level multimedia French textbook

Errances et Cohérences dans les Anamorphoses et Trompe-l’œil en France, Peter Lang

Copyedited nonfiction

I have copyedited a vast array of professional content for certification courses, artists, historians, professors, students, and entrepreneurs:

Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, professional course content and examinations (since 2021)

Local Lake George and Saratoga, New York, history book, Discovering George Foster Peabody, forthcoming

Art booklet, Land Art: A Manifesto, Korea and France

Art exhibition booklets and Guggenheim fellowship for international NYC-based artist Karin Waisman

Web content for university departments, artists, musicians, hospitality/food groups, businesses, and New York State bridge authority

Teaching, Research, and Service Statements for Tenure-Track Professors

Restaurant concepts, executive summaries, letters

Resumes, e-newsletters, blog posts

Grants, college admission essays, biographies, personal statements

Instruction manual for Franklin’s Fortune history board game

Copyedited memoir

It is a special joy to have worked hand-in-hand with first-time writers to copyedit their life stories:

Leaving Ever Since, Marilène Edrei de Botton

Oy, Oy, the Teacher is a Goy, Henry Saltzman, Manhattan

Nice Country, America! The Peter Napoli Story: From Sicily to New England, Peter Napoli, Boston

II. translation out of french

translated books

I have translated substantial content – including archives, interviews, and turn-of-the-century news articles – out of French for the following publications:

Mood of the Moment: Gaby Aghion and Chloé, Yale University Press

The Guns of John Moses Browning, Simon & Schuster

Manuscript on the Jewish mikveh and Baraïta de-Niddah, published in France chez Brepol

Articles on anthropology, North African studies, religion, education, postcolonial studies, and history

What makes a Good Translation?

As a PhD in French literature, I hold the art of translation in high regard. Good translations honor the voice and manner of speaking within the original text/language and render the same spirit in the translated content. My work is informed by the theory – and passion – behind faithful, nuanced translations:

III. indexing

What makes a good indexer?

Good indexing requires an analytical and detail-oriented mind, familiarity with publishing practices, an objective eye, and a deep understanding of literature and what terms readers will look for. As a widely read scholar, I look at your content through the lens of potential readers. I have indexed the proofs of the following books:

Asia and Habsburg Spain’s Secrets: The Making of a National Identity in Early Modern Narrative (forthcoming)

Reflections on Volcanic Glass: Proceedings of the 2021 International Obsidian Conference, University of California Archaeological Research Facility Publication Series, University of California – Berkeley

Colonial Legacies in Francophone African Literature: The School and the Invention of the Bourgeoisie, Lexington

Shipwreck in the Early Modern Hispanic World, Bucknell University Press

Documenting the American Student Abroad: The Media Cultures of International Education, Rutgers University Press

my academic research

 “Of African Monsters and Eunuchs: Colonial Fashioning within the Harem of Racine’s Bajazet,” in Michael Hüttler, Emily M. N. Kugler, and Hans Ernst Weidinger (eds.), Ottoman Empire and European Theatre Vol. IV: Images of the Harem in Literature and Theatre (Vienna: Hollitzer, 2015), 343–376.

 “Que dit ce silence? Strange Reversals of Imperial Discourses in Racine’s Bérénice,” French Review, vol. 87, no. 3 (March 2014): 117–130.

Together with R. Parker, C. Labrecque, J. Messler, and M. Wolf. “Communicating through the Arts: Lessons for Medicine & Public Health,” Journal of Health Communication: International Perspectives, vol. 18, no. 2 (2013): 139–145.

my Dynamic pedagogical Creations / Video publications

Communicating Through the Arts: Lessons for Public Health and Medicine, supplementary content in Journal of Health Communication: International Perspectives, vol. 18, no. 2 (2013).

Pedagogical video content for the college-level, multimedia textbook, Italian Virtual Class, Emory University, UNC – Charlotte, and Eastern Illinois University (2011–2013).

Learning to Speak in Other Cultures: An EIU Documentary on Adventures Abroad, featuring interviews with foreign language majors at Eastern Illinois University regarding their study abroad experiences (2011).

professional Rates

You may refer to the rates listed by Editorial Freelancers Association. Rates vary according to the nature of the project and time frame. Please contact me for a free consultation.