About
I'm Alie. I've spent over a decade editing other people's writing, and almost as long writing my own, which means I know exactly how it feels to hand something over and spend the wait worrying about what's going to come back.
I work with novelists, non-fiction authors, academics and students, and C-suite business executives. On any given week that might mean I'm developmentally editing a fantasy manuscript, copyediting a memoir, helping to structure a doctoral thesis, and reviewing a first-time author's opening three chapters ready to query agents. Helping those new to writing and publishing is the part of the job I like most. I'm originally from the UK, before travelling to Canada, so my spelling is a slightly unrepentant mix of both.
I hold a doctorate from the University of Toronto, in addition to two prior master's degrees from UK institutions and a teaching credential; I continue to research, write, and publish academically as Alison Elizabeth Jefferson, most recently in work that sits across education and sociology. I also currently work as an acquisitions editor for the publisher, Peter Lang, contracting manuscripts and seeing them through the publication process. I take on my hands-on freelance editorial work through Reedsy and private referral, providing a wide range of editing services covering structure to sentence-level work, for all kinds of genres, subjects, fields, and media.
I've tutored students at secondary and post-secondary levels, and developed business coaching skills working at several large companies. I continue to work with graduate students and early career researchers who need help with academic writing, research, and the publishing landscape—it could be editing, coaching, or in most cases, a little of both. You can also now find me on SuperProf.
The book stays yours
My job is to pick the work apart so you can build it back up in its best possible form. That sounds brutal — it often looks that way too, when you get back your manuscript and it's covered in highlights and comments, accompanied by a 20-page editorial report. I want to be straight with you, rather than flatter a manuscript into failing later—that benefits no-one.
What I won't do is cleave away your voice, the thing that makes your work uniquely yours. I've read a lot of over-edited books and they were all quite competent and none were very interesting. Every suggestion I make is aimed at strengthening what you're already doing, not making the book mirror my own preferences. I work hard to keep your voice and style whilst ensuring your story or the argument is solid, and refining the writing, suitable for your target audience.
You're under no obligation to accept a single change I suggest. Ask me why, and I'll tell you — I won't be offended, and sometimes the conversation is where the real answer turns up.
I'll also tell you what is working, without fan-girling you. Knowing your strengths is at least as useful as knowing your weaknesses, and it's much harder to see those yourself, looking at your own writing.
Shall we talk about your project?
Tell me what you're working on and where you've got stuck. I'll tell you honestly what I think it needs.
What authors say
When I first got the editorial report from Dr. Alison I was scared to read it. From the first paragraph I was blown away by the insight and technical expertise… I would recommend Dr. Alison if you need insight, honesty and guidance that you can actually use.
Peter S.
Dr. Alison E. Jefferson was beyond patient, professional, understanding, and thorough throughout the entire process… Dr. Alison has provided me with an extremely informative and practical blueprint to ensure that my manuscript can become the best version possible. And for that I will be forever grateful.
Jacob F.
Alison is extremely competent, helpful and kind. Willing to work on a project, understand your needs and give a helping hand, going above and beyond what's technically requested. Can't recommend her enough!
Edi Z.
Dr. Alison J. was an absolute delight to work with! I enjoyed my collaboration with her. She was responsive, polite, professional, and most important, I loved her edits. She took my manuscript and made it shine! I would recommend her, and would hope to collaborate again on future projects.
Mathew J.