Shary M.
Developmental, Line & Academic Editor | Political Research Expert
I transform dense, high-stakes research and complex non-fiction into compelling, purposeful, publication-ready prose. Whether you are preparing a peer-reviewed ranked journal submission, launching a policy brief for an international institution, or finalizing a deep-dive non-fiction manuscript, your arguments must be airtight, your structure flawless, and your voice unmistakable. As a researcher and editor holding a PhD in the History of International Relations, I don't just fix grammar; I deeply engage with your ideas. My background includes editorial and research work with the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps, the Australian Civil–Military Centre, and leading European think tanks. I work with researchers, academics, non-fiction authors, and policy professionals who need their writing to be sharper, better structured, and ready for its intended audience, whether that's a peer-reviewed journal, an institutional report, or a full-length non-fiction manuscript. ### What I Offer ### 1. Academic, Developmental & Line Editing | Formatting & Citations • Structural and developmental feedback on academic papers, theses, and dissertations • Line editing for clarity, argument flow, and consistency of tone • Journal house style formatting and citation conversion (APA, Chicago, MLA, and journal-specific styles) • Implementation of peer reviewer and editor comments at the "revise and resubmit" stage • Abstract editing and keyword optimization for submission requirements ### 2. Policy Analysis & Research Writing • Writing from scratch for policy briefs, institutional reports, and analytical articles • Research support and literature review for policy-oriented projects • Editorial review of policy documents for clarity, internal consistency, and audience fit • Long-form research and writing for think tanks, NGOs, and institutional or corporate clients ### 3. Non-Fiction Developmental & Line Editing | Proofreading • Developmental feedback on book-length non-fiction manuscripts, including structure, argumentation, and narrative coherence • Line editing for readability, rhythm, and stylistic consistency • Proofreading for grammar, punctuation, and formatting • Editorial support across all stages, from early draft to submission-ready manuscript • Amazon KDP formatting for ebook and print-on-demand publication, including interior layout, margin setup, and file preparation to KDP specifications ### What working with me looks like: I bring the same care to a 2,000-word policy brief as to a 100,000-word manuscript: deadlines are met, editorial judgment calls are explained, and near-obsessive fact-checking, uncompromising attention to detail, and genuine engagement with the ideas (not just the words) are included in the package. I remain available through revisions without the clock running every time you have a question. Long-term collaborations are where I do my best work: I invest in understanding your voice, your field, and your goals, so that each project builds on the last rather than starting from scratch every time. #Disciplines: International relations, security studies, political science, modern and contemporary history, military history, sociology, and psychology. I bring a particular depth in geopolitics, defence policy, multilateral institutions, and digital governance. ###A note on ethics & transparency: I do not offer academic ghostwriting for journal submissions or theses. My academic editorial services are provided on a best-efforts basis and do not guarantee acceptance for publication. ###Languages: English and Italian (native)
Earnings and projects
Last 6 months ÷ 6
Last 6 months: $21k
Billed in all: $67,952$68k
$2.9k in the last 6 months
Across 8 contracts
Across 42 contracts
Earnings, last 30 days
Skill rankings: #1 in 1 skill of 20
Rarest: top 0.90% in English, of 17,148. Ranked by MRR among everyone on Upwork with the skill.
- Professional Journal Citations35 freelancers · 🇮🇹 #1Top 3%🇮🇹#1 of 2
- References & Citations208 freelancers · 🇮🇹 #1Top 0.96%🇮🇹#1 of 2
- International Relations213 freelancers · 🇮🇹 #1Top 1%🇮🇹#1 of 10
- Political Science169 freelancers · 🇮🇹 #1Top 2%🇮🇹#1 of 2
- #8Policy Analysis270 freelancers · 🇮🇹 #1Top 3%🇮🇹#1 of 5
- #12Research Proposals705 freelancers · 🇮🇹 #1Top 2%🇮🇹#1 of 7
- #12Policy Writing469 freelancers · 🇮🇹 #1Top 3%🇮🇹#1 of 2
- #12KDP Interior444 freelancers · 🇮🇹 #1Top 3%🇮🇹#1 of 4