As an Editor, Writing Coach, and Copy Editor for fiction, academic writing, and resumes, I’ll help you through the writing process and make your manuscript look its best. (Also, I think writing’s fun, and I’ll help you see it that way too!)
Read on for more info, or see what others have to say.
Novels and Fiction
Stuck on a plot? Not sure how to turn your rough draft into something polished? Or is something not right about your story that you just can’t put your finger on?
As a published author with 10+ years experience editing other people’s writing, I know the hazards that come with putting together a complex writing project. Because every project (and every writer!) is different, I offer a variety of developmental editing services, including:
- Big-Picture Developmental Edits: I’ll go through your manuscript at any stage and recommend places to improve story threads, strengthen characters, clarify confusing moments, and more. Rates range from 1-4 cents/word.
- Step-By-Step Coaching: If you’re having trouble finishing a manuscript, never fear! I’ll look at what you have and talk you through the next stages from outline to finished draft. Rates vary depending on the project.
- Zoom Calls: Email and Word comments are great, but talking through a problem can help you see things in a brand-new light. Over Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet we can hash out your writing issues and plan your next steps. Rates start at $50/hour.
- Copy Editing: Need help with grammar, punctuation, rough sentences, or hunting down pesky typos? I’ll clean up your manuscript for submission to agents or in preparation for self-publishing. Rates range from 1 cent/word (light typo checks) to 4 cents/word (heavy sentence rewrites).
Interested? Email me at rogers.ian.m@gmail.com to get started.
For me, the most stressful and scary part of the whole writing process is the editing, especially developmental editing. I learned that working with a trustworthy, patient editor like Ian makes all the difference. Suddenly I wasn’t alone: I had someone who wanted to help me bring my story to the best version it could be.
Ian was adept at drawing out my thoughts about the story’s themes, then offering insights on how to ensure those points were clear. Importantly, he never tried to mold the story into something he wanted as opposed to what I wanted. As a result of working with Ian, my story is more than I could have imagined.
Piper, Fiction (Fantasy)
Academic Writing
Academic writing plays by its own set of rules, and no matter what your discipline, you need your writing to be tight, convincing, and well-organized, not to mention professional.
I’ve worked with professors, graduate students, and researchers in a variety of areas, including sociology, architecture, agricultural science, digital humanities, chemistry, medical science, history, fashion design, and business management. I also taught English abroad for five-plus years and and have worked with second-language speakers in a variety of contexts. Academic services include:
- Turn Your Article Idea Into a Full Manuscript: A lot happens in the space from idea to publication, and over Zoom, email, and manuscript comments I can coach you through making that project a reality. Rates start at $50/hour.
- Dissertation Help: Chapter by chapter I’ll go through your dissertation draft, find the trouble spots, and help you clarify the language and ideas that’ll impress your committee. Rates start at $50/hour.
- Peer Review Rewrites: Have an article under review? I’ll help you make sense of the reviewers’ comments and fix any weak points. Rates start at 1.5 cents/word or $50/hour.
- Citations/Style Cleanup: References can be tricky: whether you’re working in MLA, APA, Chicago, or using a publisher’s house guide, I’ll make sure yours match and look professional. Rates vary depending on the project.
- Grammar/Language Finesse: Presentation is everything, and I’ll make your language sound its best. Rates range from 1 cents/word (light typo checks) to 4 cents/word (heavy rewrites and structural edits).
Ask about discounts for grad students and and financial hardship—trust me, I’ve been there too!
Every project is different, so email me at rogers.ian.m@gmail.com to get started
Ian was a tremendous help with my dissertation. Because he is so engaged in the work, Ian innately knows the precise questions to ask to get the most from your writing. He is encouraging, accommodating, kind, and skillful in equal measure. I couldn’t imagine this journey without him. I look forward to working with Ian on future projects.
Lisa, PhD and Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Resumes and Cover Letters
Applying for a job and not sure if your resume’s up to par? Afraid your cover letter’s too wordy or makes a bad impression? Send it to me to check for effective word choice, concise sentences, clear focus, and grammar/punctuation. I’ll review a 1-2 page resume for $25, a 1-2 page cover letter for $25, or both for $40.
Drop me a line at rogers.ian.m@gmail.com to get started, or to ask about pricing for longer projects.
Reviews and Recommendations
Hiring an editor is, in some ways, like paying for attention and (maybe) affirmation. And, of course, you get that from Ian. But you get it with a lot of wit, energy, care, AND seriousness. It’s so fun to work with Ian, you don’t always notice you’re being so productive, learning new things, and growing your powers as a writer.
Joe, Literary Fiction and Humor
Working with Ian has been a rewarding experience. From 500 to 50,000 word pieces he’s able to address grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and improve the overall argument of the piece. We’ve highly recommended Ian to other academic colleagues looking to improve journal articles, grant applications, or manuscript submissions. He is thorough, timely and always provides constructive criticism on our work.
David and Sarah, Associate Professors, Architecture
Ian was a pleasure to work with. I never felt like he was being overly critical of my work, while at the same time he ripped it to shreds, pointing out some common threads I kept missing. He also pointed out sections he really liked, telling me what was great about them. Both of these were great tools to help me hone my writing. Don’t hesitate to hire Ian if you’re looking for someone who’s good at their job!
Devin, Fiction (Fantasy)
I’m a non-native English speaker, and before Ian started editing my team’s manuscripts, we were receiving comments about English grammar and poor sentence structure. Because Ian is extremely careful and does a great job editing, we no longer receive these kinds of comments. Ian can complete the task in a professional manner and very quickly, and has my highest regards.
Amit, Associate Professor, Agricultural Science
Ian was an immense help on my dissertation as I cleared the last hurdle and needed some final edits. He was wonderful and easy to work with, provided the best editing I have ever had, and was detail-oriented in his work. I’m happy to say that my dissertation was accepted without any revisions, which I hear is very rare. My committee commented on how they couldn’t find any grammar/spelling/style errors. Needless to say, you should definitely contact Ian if you need any editing.
Johanna, PhD and Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I was able to greatly improve my personal statement for my Masters of Education applications thanks to Ian’s thorough review. He helped me craft the right tone when I integrated my personal experience with my academic goals. In addition, he clearly explained my grammar mistakes to prevent me from making the same errors in future writing. I highly recommend Ian as an editor!
Yoshika, EdM, Teaching English to Students of Other Languages