Help for Hire Editors

Please Note

Editors: The Writing Center reserves the right to remove any posted advertisement at our discretion, at any time, and without prior notice.

Clients: The people listed here are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Writing Center nor by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; we are not responsible for the services they provide or for any aspect of their interactions with you.

We simply provide web space for interested individuals to advertise their availability. We cannot recommend a particular editor or tutor for your situation. We recommend that face-to-face meetings between editors/tutors and clients take place in a public location. By reading their qualifications, requesting their references, and emailing/talking with them, you can make an informed choice on your own.

Click on the names below to view the full ads.

Marilyn Adams

I am a 2006 graduate of the UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication and have spent the last three years writing and editing content professionally for websites, emails, print materials, and blogs. Now, I’d like to expand and start helping others with their writing. I am skilled at creating tone and voice and varying it to suit the intended audience. I can help you clean up and tighten your writing when you feel like it’s gotten away from you, or I can help you expand upon ideas and fight writer’s block. I live in Durham and am happy to meet in the surrounding Chapel Hill/Raleigh/Durham area to help, if necessary.

Charles J. Alden

I offer scientific and technical editing assistance for dissertations, journal articles, research reports, and grant applications and specialize in helping foreign-born authors. I have a Ph.D. in biophysics and was managing editor for technical publications for the National Toxicology Program (Public Health Service) from 1983-2014. I have 40 years of technical editing experience in a wide variety of disciplines, including assisting authors from NASA, EPA, and the NIH as well as universities, and I can help you too.

Audrey Archer

**I welcome both Native and ESL Students.
I offer comprehensive ongoing (iterative) dissertation coaching, editing & writing services from start to finish – from developing a strong topic and a convincing proposal, crafting the literature review & producing an A-grade analysis to editing, formatting, and creating the presentation PPTs. Once I have all the guidelines and relevant information for your project, I will assess them & get back to you with recommendations for service & a quote, including the turnaround time. If my proposed offer of services meets your needs, I will accept the first payment and begin the work immediately. Contact me at audreyarcher247@gmail.com to get started.

Laura Augustine

I offer one-on-one tutoring and editing to help you express your ideas in a clear and effective way. I’m available to meet in Chapel Hill or online– whatever works best for you. I’m comfortable with ESL writers and I’m familiar with standards for academic papers and business writing, including emails, marketing collateral, and project documentation. Contact me at lauraaugustine32@yahoo.com for a free quote.

Emily Bowles

I excel at—and truly enjoy—polishing a writer’s own words, from personal statements and cover letters to articles and book manuscripts. My clients include undergraduates, graduate students, faculty members, and independent scholars in the arts, humanities, and education, as well as university departments and art museums. I have extensive experience working with individuals who speak English as an additional language. My goal is to help you elevate your writing while retaining your voice. Contact me and let’s get started.

Mary K. Brown

I specialize in helping students and faculty – especially those whose first language is not English – improve dissertations, reports, proposals, articles, journal submissions, and similar documents. My clients have been extremely pleased with my editing and appreciative of my help in improving the readability of their papers.

Stephen Michael Campbell

I have over 20 years of experience in public health and health research. As part of this, I have contributed editing or writing for brochures, guidelines, procedures manuals, manuscripts, journal articles, papers, theses and dissertations. I have helped students, faculty, and business colleagues with their writing, both native English speakers and those for whom English is not their first language. All of the students, faculty and colleagues I’ve worked with have been pleased with my assistance and many have asked repeatedly for my help in improving their writing. I am committed to helping people communicate and to improving understanding through writing. Editing is not my primary source of income, so I am able to provide my service at affordable and negotiable rates. I can work with you by email and I am also willing to meet with you in person or talk over the phone. I also offer statistical consulting for public health students.

Rene Caputo

Rene D. Caputo (M.Ed.) has taught writing courses at college and universities for over 20 years, also serving as a writing tutor and editor for much of that time. She has extensive experience working with multilingual clients who want to improve their writing in English and specializes in helping them strengthen their message and its impact. Through editing and tutoring, Rene supports writers with personal statements, teaching statements, cover letters, dissertations, and application essays.

Christopher Catanese

As a Durham-based editor with experience in academic and literary publishing, I work primarily with academic writers who are preparing work for journal publication, conference presentation, or submission to their committee. I also have experience with grant-writing for the non-profit sector, literary fiction and non-fiction, as well as editing professional and academic genres like application essays, personal statements, and cover letters. Please be in touch to discuss your project!

Joanna Chang

I have a PhD in musicology from Duke University, where I work as a Graduate Writing Consultant at Duke’s Thompson Writing Center. I have extensive experience in polishing successful grant proposals, applications for medical/grad/professional school, and editing for academic writing (essays, journals, publications). I specialize in the humanities but welcome STEM-related scholarly prose, whether for specific or non-specific audiences. All stages of writing process are welcome: brainstorming, outlining, first/middle/near-final drafts.

Erik Cofer

I have a Master’s in English and have taught for eight years, including five years of writing instruction at the university level. My passion for writing (both academic and creative) extends to teaching and tutoring. From my time in the classroom and in writing centers, I have worked with students on any number of writing assignments, such as personal essays, research papers, creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. I am always excited for the opportunity to work with writers at any stage of the writing process, whether you’re still in the idea phase or have an entire draft ready. One of my primary objectives is to demystify the writing process and help you achieve all your writing goals.

Caroline Connor

I can help you with any writing or editing needs. I specialize in science editing but also work with graduate students in a variety of fields. My experience includes scientific report writing, manuscript preparation, grant editing, and assistance with fellowship applications. I have helped my clients address reviewer comments following article submission. I also work with graduate students to improve the flow and readability of papers. Please contact me at ceceditor@gmail.com.

Antoinette V. Corsentino

I have been teaching college English composition courses for five years. My specialty is assisting native English speakers and international students, from high school juniors to post-doctoral candidates, to find their writing voice. My experience includes: scholarship essays, research for public health policy papers, dissertations in engineering, resumes, and cover letters. I can help you at any stage of the process, whether it is formulating a thesis statement for your term paper or completing final edits on your dissertation.

Maureen Dolan Rosen

I specialize in editing draft documents for undergraduate and graduate students, particularly resumes/CVs, personal statements, and letters of application for scholarships, etc. Additionally, I coach students for upcoming interviews on how to present themselves confidently and professionally.

Myra Emerson

I have 20 years’ experience editing academic papers, articles, and dissertations, and I specialize in ESL editing. I also do English language tutoring. My qualifications include an MA degree in sociology, a JD degree, and extensive research experience.

David C. Francis, Jr.

Hello, I’m David Francis, an adjunct professor in the journalism school. I have nearly two decades of writing, editing and research experience. I’m happy to assist with written assignments and large research projects. Please reach out if you have any questions or want to discuss a specific project.

Howard M. Fried

I am a Certified Editor with the Board of Editors in Life Sciences and a recently retired UNC Professor of Biochemistry. For 40+ years, I have written, reviewed, and edited all types of documents in the life sciences and unrelated fields. I have also performed editorial services for my department, a publishing company, and a leading professional scientific editing company. My service is comprehensive, covering grammar, punctuation, word usage, syntax, clarity, consistency, organization, logical flow, and figures, graphs, and tables. I am interested primarily in improving the writing and content of research papers and grant proposals. I am also available to assist undergraduate students, especially ESL/International students, with term papers and reports, and to assist graduate students with dissertations and theses.

Heidi Scott Giusto, PhD, CPRW, CEIP

I offer highly customized editing and tutoring services to individuals ranging from high school students to CEOs. I have a strong academic tutoring background and welcome the opportunity: to work with writers whose native language is not English, to help prepare students for the college and graduate school application processes, and to edit a range of documents that span dissertations to conference papers to resumes to business websites.

Kelly Goyette

As a writing specialist with nearly 20 years’ experience, I proudly bust the myth that only “bad” writers seek the kind of help I offer. My clients occupy a broad spectrum of confidence and ability. I work with published authors, medical school applicants, PhD students learning English who need to publish complex research in STEM journals, high school students– and anyone in between! But all my clients accept one simple truth: good writing doesn’t happen in isolation. I work with my clients as an advocate to teach them new writing strategies, dismantle creative blocks, copyedit grammar, or provide highly tailored feedback as an expert outside reader. My approach builds mastery and amplifies clients’ voices while protecting their authorship and promoting a sustainable writing practice.

Wendy Graber

I have been a freelance editor for 10 years and have worked as writer/editor across environmental science, policy, and creative writing for the last 14 years.

Julia Green

I am a writing instructor, editor, and coach and have worked with students ages 12 to 92 on a diverse range of writing projects. I provide structure, technical advice, and expertise to help those struggling with a project successfully complete it. I also regularly edit documents short and long to tighten language and coherence and communicate the message more effectively. Whatever your writing project, I can help. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, supportive editor and coach, please contact me. For more information on my experience, expertise, and specialties, please visit juliafgreen.com.

Shelli Gustafson

Words, ideas, stories, and learning! These have been my passions for as long as I can remember. Extensive travel around the world broadened my mind and brought me into friendships with people from many countries and cultures. I’ve lived in many regions of the United States and learned from many challenging life experiences. I have worked as a paralegal, a community educator in healthcare decision-making, and as a research scholar in biomedical ethics at Stanford University. I love working with my clients and learning from their expertise and creativity. I work in MS Word using Track Changes to edit and provide comments, bringing a writer’s work to a high standard of excellence.

Hadley Hartwell

I specialize in editing scientific content for ESL writers. I have a master’s degree in biology and extensive experience editing scientific manuscripts and grants. I have worked with Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Dutch and American writers. I can help you get your peer-reviewed manuscripts ready for submission. I also provide simple proofreading for things like scientific abstracts or posters. Big or small, I can help.

Stephanie Holmer

Tired of re-reading your thesis, dissertation, or manuscript? Need a fresh pair of eyes to review the grammar, spelling, and word choice in your paper? Want suggestions for how to improve your cover letter, application, or resume? Perhaps English is your second language and you need English language editing services? Try Professional Editing For You! You can have your document edited by an experienced academic editor. I have a PhD from Duke University and over 2 years of experience as a professional academic editor. I specialize in biomedical research editing, but I have extensive experience in many disciplines and types of documents, including academic writing and professional applications, and with ESL writers. Contact me for a quote at ProfessionalEditingForYou@gmail.com . Please send a one-page sample of your writing and total word count for your project for a faster estimate.

Derek Keever

I have been a freelance editor for 5 years, helping writers to express themselves more clearly and effectively. My specialty is editing academic essays, theses, and journal articles for non-native English speakers. I lived in Asia for 10 years and have been teaching ESL and EFL for 15 years. I have an MAT in TESOL and a CELTA certificate.

Nancy Mamlin

I hold a PhD in special education, and have numerous publications, book chapters, and one book that I have authored over the past 25 years. As an instructor of both graduate and undergraduate students, I have assisted them in becoming better writers by my extensive, thorough feedback. I am an expert in APA style. I can work with you on the details of APA formatting, as well as word choice, syntax, grammar, and other such issues. I can work with individuals who are not accustomed to writing in English, or who are not accustomed to academic writing. apadr.nancy@gmail.com; nancymamlin.com

Kati McArdle

I love helping people to improve their writing and through that process, become better writers themselves. I’ve had the privilege of working with many international students and ESL writers over the years through my experiences at Michigan State University, where I completed my undergrad, and North Carolina State University, where I earned an MS in Natural Resources. My background working in parks and conservation has cultivated for me a keen interest in natural and social sciences, but I enjoy editing everything from cover letters and resumes to article manuscripts and dissertation chapters. Look forward to hearing from you!

Daniel M. McCarthy

I am currently an instructor at Duke in the English for International students program. More specifically, I teach academic writing to graduate and Ph.D. students that require further English language support. Before beginning work at Duke in Fall 2017, I worked for two years as an ESL and writing teacher at Massachusetts International Academy. My students were mostly aiming to begin undergraduate study in the UMASS system, but some I also worked with some graduate-level students in this job as well. I worked as a writing tutor in both as an undergraduate (University of Oregon) and in graduate school (Middlebury Institute of International Studies). I have a BA in Linguistics from the University of Oregon and an MA in TESOL from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.

Kristen Moore

UNC doctoral students: Do you detest the idea of formatting your dissertation? Do you wish someone would do it for you? We have expertise formatting dissertations in Microsoft Word according to the UNC Graduate School Guidelines. These documents can be in the proposal stage, right before submission to the graduate school or after receiving formatting flags from the graduate school. We have references from other satisfied students upon request. If you would like more information on our services please email dissformat@gmail.com.

Molly Mullin

If you need help getting your message across, I can help. I have more than 20 years’ experience as a college writing professor, lecturer, and published author. I have a PhD in Cultural Anthropology and specialize in making complicated ideas clear.

Katie Murray

Hi, my name is Katie! I received my BA in English from UCLA and my MA in Literature from UC San Diego. I am in the last year of my Literature Ph.D. program.

Amy E. Ochterski

I’m a full-time RN at Duke University as well as a published online and print journal fiction writer. I have a Masters in English Literature from SUNY Brockport and am a former adjunct instructor for Corning Community College. I have a wealth of real life experience and a drive to help you succeed with your writing and reading projects.

Andrew Ofstehage

I provide developmental editing and book coaching for writers working on academic books, journal articles, and dissertations. I deeply enjoy working with writers and specialize in finding the throughline in your writing and helping your voice and creativity shine through. I also provide guidance on writing book proposals. As a coach I will talk you through and suggest writing strategies and tactics that I practice and teach. As a developmental editor I will provide detailed chapter-by-chapter or paragraph-by-paragraph suggestions on how to connect ideas, stories, and evidence.

Kristina Peterson

I am a recently retired public health research scientist. I have a Ph.D. in Political Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology, so I am knowledgeable in a wide range of subject matters. As a senior scientist at a large research organization, I spent much of my time writing, editing and tutoring in writing skills. I specialize in writing and editing high quality technical and scientific reports and highly competitive grant applications. I can help you present your ideas more effectively. My goal is to help you improve your grades and/or your ability to obtain research funding.

Robert Pleasants

I’ve been a freelance editor for more than 15 years and particularly enjoy working with scholars readying manuscripts for publication, graduate students looking to polish their dissertation/thesis, and international scholars. I’ve edited hundreds of manuscripts and dissertations, and I’m happy to offer both copy editing and feedback on clarity, concision, communicating meaning, and anything else you need. My job is to make sure your ideas come through clearly and concisely.

Wade Ponder

Your success depends on the quality of your writing, so let an experienced editor provide the help you need. I will take your work as seriously as you do, provide top-quality editing, suggest improvements, meet your deadline, and answer your questions. Click on my name for details.

Chris Rogers

I attended UNC at Chapel Hill and graduated with distinction in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree. I returned to UNC and earned a master’s degree in digital communication from the School of Media and Journalism in 2018. During my time at Southern Cultures journal, I completed a course on professional editing training and have continued to edit professionally since. mr.rogers85@gmail.com

Dr. Genevieve Romeo

I have a Ph.D. in English literature and nearly 15 years of teaching, writing, and editing experience. I have helped students with academic essays, dissertations, theses, journal articles, grant proposals, resumes, and application materials. I look forward to helping you turn that frustrating project into something that you are proud to have written! I am also available to help you sharpen your English language skills or prepare for the GRE verbal exam. I can met in-person or collaborate via GoogleDocs. My rates are negotiable depending on the type of work you would like me to do. Please contact me for a consultation!

BJ Rudell

Hello, my approach to writing and editing is simple: Develop narratives that are both relatable and fresh, inspiring audiences to connect emotionally with the content. Because while intellectual connectivity is valuable, studies show that emotional connectivity drives action. Whether on CNN or on National Public Radio or through delivering a speech at an event headlined by future First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, I continually seek out the verbiage and rhythm that most effectively fosters engagement. Because if your writing resonates with your audience, it’s served its purpose.

Deepa Sanyal

Hello international students, researchers and visiting faculty embarking upon your theses, dissertations, and professional papers. I can assist you with key phases of the research process – identifying and developing your topic, formulating your research question, conducting library searches, organizing your literature review – and with key aspects of academic writing – positioning, expository prose, interpretation and discussion of data, summaries, critiques, and preparing your paper for submission and/or publication.

I have over 20 years of experience as an education and planning professional. I currently work as an International Visiting Faculty and Dissertation Supervisor and am Associate Editor of an open access academic journal. My qualifications include a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems, a MA in Urban Planning and Policy and a BA in English Literature.

I’m available to consult with you face-to-face, via email or video Skype. My rates are flexible depending on your requirements and timeline. Please contact me at deepasanyal@gmail.com for an initial consultation.

Elizabeth Vincent

As an editor for a university-based international research and teaching center, I edit research papers by authors from many different fields, ranging from veterinary science to anthropology, sociology, and political science. I have also edited college application essays for high school seniors, master’s theses, and PhD dissertations. I am a certified teacher of English as a second language and am comfortable working with non-native speakers. I am happy to meet in person or work with you by email. My rate depends upon the length of your document, the amount of editing needed (from proofreading to more substantive editing), and the speed with which the editing needs to be done. Please contact me for your editing needs.

Ryan Vu

I am a professional editor with experience guiding writers through all stages of the writing process, with the ultimate goal of publication. I am particularly proficient at helping writers convey complex or technical subjects to a nonspecialist audience, and I have worked with graduate students and professionals in both humanities and STEM disciplines. For beginning writers and those struggling with larger structural concerns, I can offer one-on-one tutoring. For those with finished or near-finished drafts, I can offer revision assistance and/or proofreading. Note that I am currently unable to offer proofreading on larger documents (longer than ~8,000 words).

John Yewell

I have a Master in Fine Arts in Creative Writing (fiction) from San Francisco State. I spent twenty years in journalism as both an editor and reporter, writing everything from magazine-style investigative pieces to book reviews. I have worked as the director of communications for an educational nonprofit and as a technical editor for Japanese engineers. I speak French and German, and can help foreign students make their writing in English sound native-quality. I have edited half a dozen books and written one novel. In short, whatever you’re writing—dissertations, papers, fiction or non-fiction—I can help you make it sing. I’m happy to coach one-on-one, or edit via email. I live in Durham. I conduct private memoir writing classes in Chapel Hill, and co-run a writing retreat program in France, Italy and the Outer Banks called Writeaways.
Contact me at johnyewell@gmail.com, or call (831) 392-7062.