Developmental &

For academics at all stages

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I take a refreshingly distinct approach to developmental editing.

A holistic approach - helping you to refine both your unique writing process and your identity as a writer. For this reason, my process includes both editing as well as one-on-one sessions to provide targeted individualized support, catered to your academic and writing goals.

Though you may feel like you’ve lost your motivation or your inspiration, I believe in you, and am here to guide you across the finish line.

I’ll listen to your needs, pay close attention to your specific context, and customize our process to fit your specific situation, creating a tailor-made experience that leaves you feeling seen, heard, and empowered.

I’ve been there and helped thousands of clients achieve their academic goals.

I know the weight of imposter syndrome and I've conquered it. I've turned countless rejections into valuable lessons, using them to guide my future decisions. I've felt burnt out, overlooked, and misunderstood, yet I've refused to see my "oddness" as a flaw. Instead, I've embraced my uniqueness as a scholar and writer. Despite being told that I don't fit into academia, I've forged my own path—one rooted in compassion, authenticity, and strength. I want to help you carve your own academic niche and craft your scholarly narrative.

01

The Discovery Call 

The first step is to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me. This brief consultation is an opportunity for you to share your needs, ask any questions, or relay any details that you think I should know about. My job will be to listen attentively and offer a plan that suits your needs.

03

Technical & Content Editing

Technical and content editing involves independent, asynchronous editing on my part; depending on your preferences, we can continue to have regular weekly check-ins during this part of the process.

Developmental & Technical Editing Packages 

The Signature

The Signature Package option is for you if you are seeking a comprehensive and compassionate support system that includes technical/developmental editing and individual support sessions. 

You are a doctoral student or faculty member seeking wraparound support for one or several projects (dissertation proposal, dissertation, book, article(s), chapter(s), grant proposal(s), etc.).

You need some editing assistance (technical, developmental, and otherwise) on your writing project(s) and you ALSO would love a trusted guide to walk alongside you on the often treacherous path of academia.  

Average Investment: Starts at $5100

What’s included:

Timeline: 3-6 Months

➢ 30 hours of developmental editing/support sessions
➢ All of the technical and content editing you don't want to deal with
(​Correcting technical errors such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, and word usage and addressing content editing issues such as: eliminating wordiness, triteness, and inappropriate jargon; smoothing transitions and moving sentences to improve readability; suggesting and sometimes implementing additions and deletions; and enforcing consistent style and tone).  

➢ 1:1 Virtual Consulting Sessions (15, 30, 60, or 90-minute sessions)
➢ SMART timeline creation to get your project(s) in order
➢ Comprehensive Scholarly/Career Review - to determine if your personal vision aligns with your everyday activities
➢ Access to an online collaboration app for managing work and communicating

The Essentials

The Essentials Package option is for you if you are primarily seeking technical/developmental editing but may also benefit from some support sessions.  

You are a doctoral student or faculty member seeking wraparound support for one or several projects (dissertation proposal, dissertation, book, article(s), chapter(s), grant proposal(s), etc.).


You may feel more or less on track with your academic journey, or maybe you are struggling. Either way, holistic editing assistance that pairs impeccable technical and developmental editing with compassionate personal support is the key to getting you across the finish line.

Timeline: 2-4 Months

Average Investment: Starts at $3500

What’s included:

➢ 20 hours of developmental editing/support sessions
➢ All of the technical and content editing you don't want to deal with
(​Correcting technical errors such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, and word usage and addressing content editing issues such as: eliminating wordiness, triteness, and inappropriate jargon; smoothing transitions and moving sentences to improve readability; suggesting and sometimes implementing additions and deletions; and enforcing consistent style and tone).  

➢ 1:1 Virtual Consulting Sessions (15, 30, 60, or 90-minute sessions)
➢ Access to an online collaboration app for managing work and communicating

The Standard

The Standard Package option is for you if you are not completely sure if you need technical/developmental editing and/or holistic support.  

You are a doctoral student or faculty member seeking wraparound support for one or several projects (dissertation proposal, dissertation, book, article(s), chapter(s), grant proposal(s), etc.).  

You aren’t quite ready to commit to a long-term relationship with an editor but want to dip your foot into the developmental editing pool. You are ready to experience compassionate support and skillful editing for a limited time. 

An ideal starting point

Timeline: 1-4 Weeks

Average Investment: Starts at $1800

What’s included:

➢ 10 hours of developmental editing/support sessions
➢ All of the technical and content editing you don't want to deal with 
(Correcting technical errors such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, and word usage and addressing content editing issues such as: eliminating wordiness, triteness, and inappropriate jargon; smoothing transitions and moving sentences to improve readability; suggesting and sometimes implementing additions and deletions; and enforcing consistent style and tone).  

➢ 1:1 Virtual Consulting Sessions (15, 30, 60, or 90-minute sessions)
➢ Access to an online collaboration app for managing work and communicating

 And remember, you can always add on more hours later. Longer, more substantial projects may require more than 30 hours and are also available at a discounted rate. During your free discovery call, we’ll discuss your needs and determine together what the appropriate amount of hours needed are for your project. 

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“Dra. Aurora was recommended to me by several Latinas that successfully completed their doctoral work with her assistance. Dra. Aurora was an outstanding, detail oriented editor for my dissertation proposal. I highly recommend her. She carefully edited my entire 100+ page proposal providing insightful suggestions that were key to the its timely approval of my committee. I am looking forward to work with her again. Thank you Dra. Aurora.”

Kind words from

Dr. Claudia M.

I’ll be there for those instances when a conversation would be better than track changes on a document. 

Why me?

My CV includes 30 years as an educator, 10 of which I spent as a tenure-track professor at The University of Wyoming and Loyola University. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, a Master’s of Education in Secondary Teaching, and a Doctorate in Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Cultural Studies. 

I’ve held numerous administrative and faculty positions throughout my career, and have published over two dozen academic articles and two academic books. 

I take all of this experience now and use it to help academics become the best writers they can be and find/hone their voice. 

Developmental Editing faqs

​Think of a developmental editor as an all-in-one personal mentor, technical editor, and thought partner for your academic project(s) or situation. As a developmental editor, I help guide you in the writing development process and on your academic journey– I will meet you WHEREVER you are, no judgment, only support.

Once you select the package that suits your specific needs, we’ll decide together how those hours will be used. But, in case you’re wondering, here is an example of what a 20-hour package might look like: 
  • 1 hour: First Session (Sharing Your Academic Path, Developing Your Timeline, Establishing Our Working Relationship)
  • 4 hours: 4 hour-long writing development sessions (Talking through ideas, Reviewing feedback, Outlining a paper)
  • 5 hours: 1:1 Check-In Sessions (Regular accountability and wellness check-ins of 15, 30, 60 and/or 90-minute duration)
  • 10 hours: Document editing

Certainly! I invite you to visit the portfolio of my client’s work here.

I do all of my own editing work - this ensures quality control and assurance that I approach your work with care and integrity. The only exception to this is formatting which my editorial assistant manages.

Yes, and all formatting styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, Turabian, etc.) are welcome. 

If you are a doctoral student, post-doc, faculty member, or academic staff person that needs guidance, editing, and/or accountability for a project, dissertation, thesis, manuscript, article, book project, or tenure dossier - a developmental editor is for you.

In adherence to the principles of responsible and ethical AI usage, I recognize the importance of ensuring that AI technologies are employed in a manner that upholds integrity, fairness, and respect for all individuals. As part of this commitment, I have implemented a comprehensive ethical use of AI policy within my editing services.
  1. Data Privacy: I prioritize the privacy and security of client data. All information shared with me during the editing process is treated with strict confidentiality, and it is never stored or utilized for purposes beyond the agreed-upon editing services.​
  2. Respect for Intellectual Property: I respect the intellectual property rights of my clients. The editing contract ensures that any content shared with me remains the sole property of the client, and I will not claim ownership or reproduce it without explicit permission.
  3. Transparent Communication: I strive to maintain clear and transparent communication with my clients regarding the involvement of AI technologies in the editing process. I provide information about the tools used, their limitations, and the human oversight involved to ensure that clients are informed and have control over their work.
  4. Continuous Learning and Improvement: I am committed to staying informed about emerging AI ethics guidelines and industry best practices. I regularly review and update my policies to align with evolving ethical standards, ensuring that my editing services promote responsible and beneficial AI usage.
  5. By adhering to this ethical use of AI policy, I aim to foster trust, respect, and accountability in my editing services, while prioritizing the well-being and rights of my clients.

I’ll make sure that your authorial voice comes to life and that you have a piece of work that you are proud of

If you are ready to work with an engaging thought partner, a meticulous editor, and your newest #1 fan, then let’s get started. 

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