Literature Unlocked

I love being a literary editor, especially of academic writing. Last week I supported a PhD student to edit the final draft of her thesis before submission. It was such a privilege. Not only do I get to support the next wave of academics, but I’m also reading the cutting edge of scholarship. It’s such an honour to be entrusted with this work!

Because obviously, I know what it was like to be a neurotic PhD candidate in the weeks before submission. I, too, woke up at 5 am, gasping with anxiety. I had stress dreams about Word committing a mutiny at the last moment. I also had the terrible luck of finding a giant flaw in my first chapter, which I had to research, address, and write up in under a week.

It was a nightmare.

And there are also those PhD students who have made their plans while the gods have laughed. After all, sometimes life intervenes between you and your ideal researcher experience. Perhaps you have missed out on supervisions because your supervisor was unexpectedly taken ill. Perhaps you have had to contend with your own health issues. Many of us have to work to support ourselves while we mop up the dregs of our doctorate, so you might be anxious you haven’t made your best efforts.

(I’m telling you now, that’s not the case. You’ve done amazingly. But I understand that it can feel like you’ve been swimming against the current and failing with every stroke. Believe me, I know. But you really have done your best and you should be proud of what you’ve achieved.)

It’s hard, and it can be lonely, and real life is not conducive to creating our best work.

That’s where I can help.

Are you frightened of your thesis being full of blind spots you just can’t see, because you’re too familiar with the work? I have fresh eyes, and not only will I find the gaps, I will point them out to you in the friendliest manner. I will also give you tips on how to fix any issues!

Do you tend to write one sentence that is, in fact, four sentences hidden under a trench coat? I can help. As I edit, I’ll give you tips on how to chop long sentences apart and make your argument as impactful as possible.

If you’re anxious that your overarching argument is a little weak, I will find the moments where your point needs reinforcement. Not only will I tell you how to solidify your argument, but I’ll even give you viva-style questions so you can prepare your answers in advance.

This is what I offer as an editor of academic work, whether it’s a thesis, dissertation, edited chapter or journal article.

We all benefit from a fresh pair of eyes, and I’m so excited to read your work!

Obviously, my expertise is in Gothic, medieval and nineteenth-century literature. However, not only am I widely read, but the type of editing I offer doesn’t require me to be deeply familiar with your topic or era. I have edited post-colonial theses, art history monographs, and even a dissertation on film and TV! I will always do the work behind-the-scenes to make sure that I’m the best editor for the job. I know how important your research is, and I will always endeavour to provide you with clear, helpful advice.

I charge £40 per hour, which is equal to about 20 pages on average (size 12 font, double line spaced). If you would like me to look at your introduction, or just a particularly difficult chapter, that’s fine! Simply email me for a quote, or we can have a little chat over Zoom to discuss your needs.

I don’t offer a writing service, and I won’t meddle with your work. Your thesis is a gem! I’m here to help you polish it so it shines.

Life is hard, but editing doesn’t have to be. Get in touch and let’s figure out how I can support you during the final leg of your PhD journey.