Hire the Best Non-Linear Editing System Specialists in Chicago, IL

Hi, I’m Leah, your go-to proofreader and editor for clean, compelling, and error-free content. With a background in data annotation, AI training, and creative writing, I’ve spent years honing my eye for detail—every word, every comma, every nuance matters to me. That obsessive attention to language now powers my work as a freelance proofreader and editor. Whether you're a writer polishing a final draft, a business professional needing client-ready documents, or a student fine-tuning an essay, I can help you bring clarity, flow, and precision to your work. What I offer: Proofreading for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency Line editing for flow, tone, and readability Fast, reliable, and deadline-conscious communication A collaborative, judgment-free editing experience I treat every project with care and respect, and I’m here to make your words shine! Let’s make your writing the best it can be. I’d love to work with you!

I believe my role as an editor is to help writers express themselves in their own voice as clearly and eloquently as possible. This calls for honesty, sensitivity, excellent communication, a collaborative mindset, and an obsessive attention to detail, all traits I strive to embody every day. As they say, variety is the spice of life, and for me this holds true in editing as well. That's why I edit most types of content (yes, including AI-generated or assisted, though I advise writers to please at least attempt to write your own content), and am always eager to forge long-term relationships. I have years of experience editing: - Fiction (Adult, YA, and middle-grade): fantasy, thriller, mystery/suspense, literary, historical. All lengths, from short stories to epic fantasies - Non-fiction: memoir, historical, self-help/personal development, marketing collateral, white papers, consultant reports, etc. *Please note that AI-generated content is more difficult to edit than human writing because of its deceptive nature and lack of depth/personality/nuance, which can result in longer timeframes for completion. We editors are trying to adapt to the 'AI slop' flooding the market, but trust me, we'd much rather be helping you polish your own writing and enhancing your authentic voice! While I will edit AI content, I have never and will never use AI in my editing process. Personally, I don't believe AI is capable of doing what I can do with my human brain. I'm passionate about what I do, and consider it a privilege to help writers of all skill levels bring their vision to life. Know that I will be as invested as you are in the quality of your final draft. Reach out to me and let's get started! I look forward to working with you.

From 2007 to 2017 I was the owner of the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography, which published 40 books for total distribution of over 20,000 copies. Along the way, CCLaP's books won or were finalists for a half-dozen awards, including the Pushcart Prize, the Lambda Award for LGBTQ literature, and the Independent Publisher Book Award; and the center itself was named one of the 10 best indie presses in the United States by both BookRiot and Poets & Writers magazine. Now I bring that same award-winning deep experience to your own self-published or small-press manuscript, helping you hone it with a fine knife into the best book it can possibly be. I currently offer three services as a freelancer, the first and main one being editing. I provide not only developmental editing (helping you identify “big picture” problems regarding the story, characters, dialogue, information logic, and more) but also copy editing (including a close-in technical pass for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage, also sometimes known as “line editing” or “content editing”) and post-production proofreading (where I review not only the text but also all the book parts, such as headers and footers, the title page and synopsis, etc.). I charge half a cent per word for proofreading, 1 cent per word for either developmental or copy editing, or a bundled discount of 1.5 cents per word for all three. Secondly, I offer graphic design of your book’s interior pages. If you have specific ideas beforehand of what you’d like included, I’m happy to incorporate those wishes; or otherwise we work in an iterative process, where I present you multiple options as far as layout style and typeface choices, and over several back-and-forth discussions we whittle things down to a design you love. For books of less than 500 pages/100,000 words with no tables, I charge a flat $300 for the entire process, plus provide EPUB and Kindle ebook versions for free; please drop me a line if you have a bigger or more complicated book. (My apologies, but I do not offer cover design as a freelance service.) And thirdly, I offer help as a story coach, which you can think of as a creative writing college course but with only one student, you. I meet up with you at whatever frequency works best, review the latest work, give you pointers on where to go next, help you brainstorm ideas, and serve as an accountability partner during mental blocks. You determine exactly what kind of help would work best for you, and the maximum amount of hours I should work per week, at a rate of $30 per hour. See my portfolio section at the bottom of the page for a broad selection of testimonials from authors I've worked with as a freelancer, and praise my books have garnered over the years from such publications as Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, the Chicago Tribune, HTMLGIANT, and more. Proud member of: American Copy Editors Society Romance Writers of America (fellow RWA members get a discount; write for more) Chicago-North Romance Writers ANTI-AI PLEDGE: I promise that all work I complete for clients has been, and will always be, accomplished using only my human brain and ten human fingers, never using AI bots, Grammarly, or other software options.

BUSINESS ☽ CREATIVE ☾ ACADEMIC ► Content editing — big picture attention to style, structure, and story-telling elements. ► Line editing — focused attention to word choice, clarity, pacing, and flow. ► Proofreading — ensuring flawless punctuation and grammar, and that your final product is properly formatted and free from typos. If you need a second pair of eyes (and let's be honest—who doesn't?), I'm here to help. Whether your project is business or personal, academic or non-academic, fiction or non-fiction, I will improve its readability while maintaining your original voice and intent. My background is in academia (PhD, Political Theory, 2018), and I have 15+ years of highly varied professional experience as an editor. Past projects I've been hired for include novels, memoirs, short stories, children’s books, website copy, journal articles, marketing materials, textbooks, financial literacy blogs, and a series of books on personal wellness, just to name a few. ————— I am available to those who need a quick turnaround on a single project, as well as to those who are interested in building a long-term relationship with an editor who they can trust. I also have experience helping independent authors self-publish through Kindle Direct Publishing (which distributes e-books, paperbacks, and hard covers). If you want, I can see your manuscript through all aspects of the formatting and uploading process.

Hi there! I’m Kendyll, a versatile writer, meticulous editor, and dedicated researcher with a strong background in crafting compelling content and delivering data-driven insights. With over five years of experience, I specialize in creating engaging narratives, refining technical documents, and producing polished, professional copy across a wide range of industries. As a fourth-year student at Carnegie Mellon University majoring in Policy and Management with a concentration in Data Analytics, I’ve developed strong research, analytical, and writing skills. My academic training, paired with hands-on internship experience, has allowed me to excel in a variety of projects—from co-authoring raciolinguistic research presented at a national conference to producing data-driven policy briefs and original academic content. Here’s what I can offer: ✅ Copywriting: Whether it’s revamping a website, creating concise messaging for investor presentations, or developing compelling blog content, I deliver copy that engages audiences and aligns with brand identity. ✅ Content Writing: Whether you seek thought leadership pieces, comprehensive guides, or deep explorations of complex topics, my writing is meticulously researched, compelling, and carefully coordinated with your unique goals. By providing valuable, high-quality content, I help establish trust and credibility with your audience, cultivating long-term engagement and loyalty. ✅ Editing: I provide developmental, line, and copyediting services to enhance narrative flow, strengthen structure, and ensure grammatical accuracy. My experience spans novels, short stories, blogs, technical documents, grant proposals, website pages, presentations, and product descriptions. ✅ Research: I specialize in gathering and synthesizing complex information to create well-structured, informative content. Drawing on my expertise in legislative analysis, policy evaluation, and academic research across diverse topics, I deliver meticulously researched and polished content that resonates with your audience. Further, every piece I produce is not only engaging but also reflects a high standard of accuracy and depth. If you’re looking for a professional who can transform data into compelling, authoritative content, I’m here to help. When you work with me, you can expect a collaborative partner who values clear communication, delivers on deadlines, and takes pride in producing exceptional work. My approach combines creativity, precision, and a passion for helping clients achieve their goals. Let’s connect and bring your project to life with polished, impactful content!