Editing

I provide comprehensive editing services that strengthen your writing while preserving your authentic voice. With expertise in theology and American history, I help scholars, clergy, and professionals communicate their ideas with clarity and precision.

  • Dissertation and Thesis Line Editing and Copyediting

  • Footnote Formatting

  • Essays for clergy seeking diocesan, judicatory, and presbytery leadership positions (strictest confidence is always maintained)

  • Mongraphs and articles

  • This type of editing focuses on the big picture, such as a manuscript’s argument, its evidence, its organization, and its purpose. It often involves substantive recommendations and reformatting.

    “Does this manuscript make sense?”

    “What is the relationship between the author’s intent and output?

  • This type of editing focuses on sentence structure, word choice, and overall writing quality. It points out run-on sentences, clichéd words, and convoluted phrasing.

    “Is the writing clear, consistent, and eloquent?”

  • This type of editing is often the final step in the writing process. It addresses, grammar, usage, punctuation, and formatting (including footnotes). Please note that I work in the Chicago/Turabian style most often used in history, theology, and fine arts.

    “Is the writing free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors?”

    “Does the formatting conform to the appropriate style guide?”

    *I am happy to combine line editing and copyediting services.

  • I offer rush editing (72 hours) on a case-by-case basis for manuscripts 5,000 words or less. Payment is required upfront for rush editing.

Process & Turnaround

Initial Consultation: 20-minute conversation to discuss your project scope and timeline

Sample Edit: First 2-3 pages edited to establish approach and style preferences

Timeline: Varies by Project

Maria’s ability to cut to the heart of the matter, both in writing and in life, is unparalleled. To share your life, writing, and heart with Maria is to share it with a trustworthy companion who will listen carefully and hold you gently in the love of the divine.

Claire McKeever-Burgett, author of Blessed Are The Women: Naming and Reclaiming Women’s stories from the Gospels