Preparing your academic manuscript for publishing or defense? Balogh Academic LLC helps clients further their academic publishing goals in a variety of ways, whether their project is in the development stage, the proposal stage, or the end stages of production. One of my specialties is editing manuscripts authored by non-native English speakers.
I also have years of experience assisting graduate students across the humanities and social sciences with their MA theses and PhD dissertations, both in my role as a university lecturer and on a freelance basis.
Here is a sampling of the services I offer, all of which can be combined and customized to suit your project’s needs. Information about rates and my experience is at the bottom of the page.
Consulting:
Have an idea but not sure if you have an argument? Have writer’s block and need to talk through an issue with a critical, objective, and fresh reader working in the humanities? I work with clients to develop, refine, or complete works in progress at any stage.
Copyediting:
When I copyedit, I correct spelling, grammar, usage, and punctuation. I review all aspects of the manuscript at levels of response that vary from light (e.g., making a notation to the author) to heavy (i.e., revising the text without revising the meaning). Copyediting pairs well with line editing and/or formatting.
Developmental Editing (Sometimes called “Substantive” or “Content Editing”):
With this type of edit, I deal with content, organization, and genre considerations. In a typical developmental edit, I provide a revision letter (also called an “editorial letter” or “edit letter”) that outlines the big-picture issues to be addressed in revision. I may also include some line or copy edits in the manuscript to show the author how to revise effectively.
Formatting:
This type of editing focuses only on format and conforming your manuscript to the publisher’s style guide.
Indexing:
Indexing is performed at the second proof stage, when the page numbers of the book have been finalized. I work from these proof pages to create a back-of-the-book index(es), an alphabetical list of topics, names, places, and important terms used in the work that provides page numbers for where they can be found.
Line Editing (Also called “Stylistic Editing”):
This work is done at the sentence or paragraph level of a project. As in copyediting, I correct errors, but my main focus is on improving the language and style of the text. This is a great option if English is your second language.
Proofreading:
While proofreading, I check the penultimate text of a project for errors, including typographical errors and problems with typesetting specifications and page makeup.
Rates:
As a member of The Editorial Freelance Association, I use the EFA 2024 editorial rates sheet to start the conversation about cost, but don’t be scared by their suggestions. Factors such as budget, academic rank (e.g., student, contingent, tenured), and the condition of the manuscript are a few of the variables I take into consideration when putting together an estimate.
editorial Experience in addition to freelance work
Complete list of titles available upon request
2023 – Present Gorgias Press Editorial Assistant (Part-time)
- Edit the work of non-native English speakers writing in English to suit American English convention
- Line editing, copyediting, and proofreading
- Work with scholars to clarify their arguments and better present their work to the intended audience
- Assist early career scholars in converting their dissertations into monographs
- Communicate necessary corrections and suggested edits in a collegial, respectful, and thoughtful tone
- Manage Gorgias 360, an initiative that provides libraries and scholars around the globe access to vital contributions to the humanities from publishers outside North America and Europe
2012 – Present Lexham Press Contractor
- Trusted assistant, academic, developmental, contributing, line, and copyeditor, as well as proofreader
- Serve as primary contact between authors and managing editor during the academic review stage
- Communicate necessary corrections and suggested edits in a collegial, respectful, and thoughtful tone
- Work with scholars to clarify their arguments and better present their work to the intended audience
- Biblical Hebrew translator for edited volumes, monographs, and dictionaries
- Check Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek characters for typographical and other errors
- Assistant editor for Lexham Geographic Commentary: Historical Books (2 volumes) and Lexham Geographic Commentary: Poetry and Prophecy (both forthcoming)
- Write content for specific projects, such as the Lexham Research Commentary: Ruth and Lexham Context Commentary (Chronicles)
- Write chapters for edited volumes, such as the introduction to Lexham Methods Series, Vol. 3:Social & Historical Approaches and the forthcoming Lexham Geographic Commentary: Poetry and Prophecy
- Translator for Lexham English Bible (Proverbs)
Ready to get in contact? Email me using the Contact page!
Amy L. Balogh 