Elamik Works, LLC
Well-written and impactful science with social impact.
I am Kirstin Conti and I established Elamik Works LLC as an advisory and strategy consultancy dedicated to supporting at least 10,000 emerging and senior technical experts publish their impactful and groundbreaking research by 2035.If you are a scientist, consultant, development practitioner, lawyer, or policy-maker looking to share your knowledge through publicly accessible writing, you are in the right place.You may have spent years implementing research projects in an academic, applied, or policy context. But now, you're frustrated with stalled career progress, bored with your work, struggling to get funding or attention for your findings, or even worried your wealth of knowledge will die with you.You want to turn your knowledge into well-written scientific works. You are ready to accelerate your career, build your professional profile, and positively impact society.Only one problem, you can't even finish one publication. That PhD manuscript, a peer-reviewed publication, white paper, case study, op-ed, or grant proposal is stalled with writer's block, stuck in an infinite review cycle, or worse...still inside your head.If this is you, you are likely struggling with at least one of the following challenges:Mechanics. Your writing feels too dense, too cautious, too in the weeds or your wan't to sound more fluent in your English writing.
Motivation. You've lost sight of why you're publishing and for who. You started brain dumping ideas without a defining your goal or audience and now you're lost in a sea of your own ideas.
Management. You can't find the time because you're crushed with personal and professional responsibilities.
Mindset. You've faced endless delays and revisions. You're demotivated and ready to give up because the next steps are unclear and there's no finish line in sight.I've seen this many times, which is why....I work with scientists, researchers, and thought leaders like you, who need to get their publications written and out into the world quickly and with minimal stress.I help you…
• Overcome blank page syndrome and writer's block;
• Block time for focused-writing;
• Develop a writing and publications strategy;
• Resolve challenges with document structure, logic, clarity, and flow;
• Improve English language usage for scientific communication;
• Calibrate technical details for your audience;
• Strengthen voice without losing technical rigor; and
• Increase your publications' social impact and policy relevance.Book a free 20-minute consultation with me to get your next actionable-next step for breaking through your biggest block to publishing. Let's get you unstuck!
§1. Areas of Expertise
| ･Applied research | ･Water, climate, environment |
| ･Scientific writing | ･Law + political economy |
| ･Impact assessment | ･Public affairs |
| ･Case studies | ･Institutional assessment |
| ･Publication strategy | ･Technical and copy editing |
§2. Start Here
| → About |
| → Services |
| → Newsletter |
§3. Contact
Land & Labor Recognition
I acknowledge that my work takes place on the territory and ancestral lands of the Ohlone people. I also acknowledge our debt to enslaved Africans, whose labor and suffering built and grew the economy and infrastructure of a nation that refuses to recognize our humanity. I am inviting you to take a moment to reflect on whose land you are living and working on. You can learn more about the native lands you reside on (US) at Native Land Digital.*
* Adapted from the land and labor recognition of Decolonizing Therapy.
Kirstin Conti, PhD
Scientific Publications Advisor + Impact Strategist
Hello! My name is Kirstin Conti. I am the Founder and Principal Consultant at Elamik Works LLC. I collaborate with researchers and knowledge workers to ensure their messages get out into the world and reach their intended audience!My work sits at the intersection of rigor, clarity, and impact.I help people translate complex science into writing that is accurate, compelling, and makes an impact with scientific and dissertation committees, boards, policymakers, and the public.The goal is not to dilute your expertise. The goal is to make it easier for the right people to understand it, trust it, and act on it.
I believe rigorous science deserves impactful writing.
I obtained my PhD in Geography from University of Amsterdam in 2017 and have over 15 years experience in project management for international development organizations including the International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre and the World Bank. I have also conducted research, writing, and editing across several social sciences disciplines for these organizations and for individual researchers from PhD to professorial level.Having published 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. The ideas are there but you need to present them in a way that’s going to resonate with your target audience. It is also difficult to self-edit and find errors that your eyes are glossing over.
I help researchers and scientific leaders turn complex ideas into writing that is sharp, accessible, and designed to shape the world.
As an advisor, working with authors in the drafting stages is very exciting. I get to support them in producing their drafts, clearing editorial hurdles, and getting their work into the world. I want to ensure your next project doesn’t become trapped in mediocre packaging or worse....never get published at all. The world needs your research. Working with an experienced writer and editor throughout the different phases of your writing project can help maximize your 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.
Book a free 20-minute consultation with me to get your next actionable-next step for breaking through your biggest block to publishing. Let's get you unstuck!
Services
§1. Private Coaching
In private coaching, you will develop a publication-ready draft in at least one key area of impact for your career. As part of this program, you will receive one year of 1:1 support, including eight weeks of training. You will develop your unique and repeatable writing strategy that allows you to regularly publish and create a personalized publication roadmap that helps you elevate your career as you publish.Learn more about private coaching here.
§2. Accountability and Feedback
The accountability and feedback program keeps you moving toward your most important publications goal. Each week you will send me your in-progress text and I will provide timely, succinct, and strategic feedback. The program helps you develop and maintain a writing habit and steadily improve your writing mechanics.Learn more about the accountability and feedback program here.
§3. Publication Audit
The publication impact audit is designed to advance your works in progress. You submit your writing, and I send back a concise, strategic diagnostic that identifies what is working and what is getting in the way of your messaging whether it be poor structure, unclear arguments or phrasing, or misalignment with your intended audience. I will also provide clear next step for you to finalize and publish quickly.Learn more about the publication audit here.
§4. Editing
I open up places for private editing clients a few times per year. Join my newsletter to be the first to know when I do.I have regular availability for those from institutions with which I have a retainer agreement. If you would like to explore setting up a retainer agreement please inquire via email.If you are from Californina Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) please send your inquiry via email.
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, Europe 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 (CMoS), and Harvard Business Review (HBR) style guides. I can also work with institution-specific style guides as needed.
8. Can my institution or funder pay for this?
Often, yes. Many universities, foundations, and research organizations have professional development funds, discretionary budgets, or grant lines that cover editing and writing support. I can provide invoices and documentation to support reimbursement or direct payment.
9. How do I pick a rate on your sliding scale?
Recognizing that wealth, race, citizenship, disability, caregiving load, institutional affiliation, national and local economic context, and professional status all affect how much ease or strain people experience when seeking support, I offer sliding-scale pricing so people can choose a rate that fits their financial situation. This allows me to serve a wider range of clients, while keeping my services financially sustainable.When choosing a rate, I ask you to consider:
• Your current income and savings.
• Whether your work is salaried, grant-funded, or contract-based.
• Whether you have access to employer, university, or organizational professional development funds (also see, the “Can institutions or organizations pay?” FAQ below).
• The level of financial pressure you are currently experiencing.
• Your level of job and income predictability.
• The degree to which socio-economic factors have impacted your access to education, career advancement, and professional support, including structural privileges and inequities.
• The broader economic context you live in, including differences in national income levels and local cost of living.If you have stable income, strong savings, or institutional support, I ask that you consider choosing a rate at the higher end of the scale. Higher rates also make it possible for me to provide pro bono coaching and editing services to clients who would not otherwise be able to access these services. If paying the higher rate would not cause meaningful strain, I ask that you choose it. That helps support the sustainability of my business and expands access for others.If you live in a lower-income context or have limited access to funding, choosing a rate at the lower end of the scale may be more appropriate. If you truly need a lower tier, choose that without hesitation.You do not need to explain your choice. I trust you to select the rate that fits your situation. If you’re unsure, choose the rate that feels honest and workable. A useful test is whether paying the rate would feel manageable, stressful, or genuinely difficult over the duration of the work.
10. How do I get started and request a quote?
You can schedule a free 20-minute consultation with me to discuss your project and editorial goals.