Publication editing for researchers, academics, and practitioners.
Chief Editing Officer | Kirstin I. Conti, PhD
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About Kirstin
I am the Founder and CEO - Chief Editing Officer - of Elamik Works Editing. I collaborate with researchers and knowledge workers to ensure their messages get out into the world and get READ!I obtained my PhD in Geography from University of Amsterdam in 2017 and have over 15 years experience in project management for international development agencies as well as research, writing, and editing across several social sciences disciplines. Having solo and co-published over 1,200 pages across academic journals, book chapters, manuscripts, and flagship publications, I am intimately familiar with how intensive large research and writing projects can be. I also understand how bringing together collaborative multi-author pieces is a skill in its own right. The process of moving from a first draft to a publication-ready document can be daunting because all the ideas are on the page and there are many ways they could be presented to your target audience. It is also difficult to self-edit and find errors that your eyes are glossing over.
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As an editor, working with authors in the drafting stages is a very exciting time. I get to support them in clearing those final editorial hurdles and getting their work into the world. At the same time, this is often where I see what could have been an incredible piece of work trapped in mediocre packaging to due a lack of an editorial strategy. I want to ensure your next project doesn’t become ensnared. The world needs the knowledge you are generating and working with an editor across the phases of your writing project can help maximize your work’s impact.I am located in Oakland, California USA and serve clients globally. When I'm not editing, I also consult with international development agencies, take nature walks with my dog, and enjoy cooking up new recipes. I look forward to the opportunity to join you on your publication journey.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone/SMS/WhatsApp: +1.510.761.9279
Services
Copy Editing and Proofreading
Looking for editorial support for a planned or in-progress publication? I work with authors and organizations hoping to strengthen the quality of their knowledge work. I can engage at any stage of the publication process and support several types of projects including academic publications, grey literature publications, flagship reports, results stories, case studies, and graduate thesis manuscripts.* If we begin our work early in your writing process, we can also support your project by generating stylesheets and other materials that will get your project off to a strong start. This is particularly helpful for multi-author and multi-chapter writing projects. Turn-around times range from 3-5 business days for shorter documents (e.g., journal articles or case studies) to 10-12 business days for longer documents (e.g., white papers and PhD manuscripts). Copyediting and proofreading services are $65/hr for a students and $75/hr for all others.
*If you are a student, please confirm with your academic institution whether paid editorial services are permitted. For many institutions, hiring an editor is a violation of their academic policies and I will require written confirmation that this is not the case before commencing an assignment. If policy prevents you from hiring editor for the content sections of your documents, please consider my formatting-only services.
Formatting Only
-includes California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) Technical Review-
Is your publication or manuscript nearly done? All your words are on the page and reading well, but gosh the formatting and references are a mess. Well, our formatting only service will ensure your document complies with institution-specific or standardized citation and formatting guidelines such as American Psychological Association (APA), Modern Language Association (MLA), Chicago Manual of Style (CMS), and Harvard Business Review (HBR). Formatting includes reviewing citations, footnotes, tables, figures, references, and, if needed, creation of front matter e.g. title page, table of contents, etc. Typical turn-around times range from 2-4 business days for shorter documents (e.g., journal articles or case studies) to 8-10 business days for longer documents (e.g., white papers and PhD manuscripts). Formatting only services are $45/hr for students and $65/hr for all others.
Editor-on-Call
Editor-on-call services provides ongoing support for authors and organizations who need consistent, high-quality editing throughout the lifecycle of their projects. This service is similar to a retainer, wherein you gain access to expert editing and proofreading on a scheduled basis, ensuring that your projects are always polished and publication-ready. Once you have subscribed to the service, you and your organization can submit documents for editing as they arise, with priority turnaround times based on your plan. This gives you the flexibility to focus on your publication with the comfort your work will be polished and professional when finalized. The benefits of the edit-on-demand services include predictable costs, priority service, and a long-term partnership with an editor who understands your writing style and publication goals. Say goodbye to last-minute stress and ensure your work is always of the highest standard. Editing services on retainer are priced individually based on the clients needs. Not-for-profits and academic institutions may qualify for special pricing as well.
Rush Services
Requests for rush services for copy editing and proofreading are considered on a case-by-case basis. The flat-rate surcharge is $10/hr in most cases, but will be assessed based on the size and complexity of the project. Quality is always my primary concern and tailored approaches are essential for rush services. Please schedule a consultation call to discuss the approach your rush project and ensure alignment of goals.
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation here to discuss your specific needs.
FAQs
1. What types of academic documents do you edit?
I provide editorial services for a wide range of research documents or academic and professional audiences, including journal articles, research manuscripts, PhD dissertations, master’s theses, policy reports, grant proposals, working papers, and more.
2. Do you provide editing for non-native English speakers?
Yes. I specialize in academic English editing for non-native English speakers, particularly researchers and PhD candidates working in the US, Canada European and International Organizations. My edits focus on clarity, tone, and discipline-appropriate academic style while preserving the author’s voice.
3. What is the difference between proofreading and copy editing for academic and research publications?
Proofreading focuses on correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Copyediting goes further by improving clarity, structure, flow, terminology, and adherence to academic or publisher conventions, making manuscripts suitable for journal submission, formal review committee review, or public dissemination.
4. Do you edit PhD dissertation manuscripts?
Yes. I provide PhD dissertation editing at all stages, from early drafts to final submissions. However, editing services must be permissible by your academic institution. I help ensure consistency, clarity, and academic tone while respecting institutional guidelines and supervisor expectations.
5. Can you help prepare manuscripts for academic journal submission?
Absolutely. I offer research manuscript and journal article editing services designed to improve clarity, coherence, and readability, increasing the likelihood that your work meets your selected journal's standards and peer-reviewer expectations.
6. What disciplines do you work with?
I work primarily with clients in the social sciences (political science, public policy, international relations, economics, law, psychology) and natural resources management (climate, water, environment). I also work with specialty publications for international development practitioners and agencies. If you are would like to know whether your research is a good fit, please get in touch.
7. Which style guides do you work with?
I offer editorial services using American Psychological Association (APA), Modern Language Association (MLA), Chicago Manual of Style (CMS), and Harvard Business Review (HBR) style guides. I can also work with institution-specific style guides as needed.
8. How do I get started and request a quote?
You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me where we will discuss your project and editorial goals.