Nicole G.
Professional Editor of Memoir, Fiction & Dissertations
I help authors and graduate students transform drafts into polished, publication-ready manuscripts. Whether you're revising a novel, memoir, poetry collection, or dissertation, I provide thoughtful, detail-oriented editing that strengthens clarity, structure, and readability while preserving your voice and story. 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 & 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 I own and run my own editing company, Sidewalk Editorial Services, and have edited 100+ books and 30+ dissertations. My background includes over fifteen years in higher education (program management, instruction, and advising) and proofreading for the University of Washington. I hold a B.A. in English Language & Literature, an M.Ed. in Learning Sciences & Human Development, and have completed a creative writing program at Stanford. I participate in professional development through the Editorial Freelancers Association, the Northwest Editors Guild, and ClubEd Freelancers. I also publish my own poetry. 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 What does your manuscript need? I can help you determine where we should start: • Developmental Editing and Manuscript Assessments: Big-picture feedback on structure, organization, pacing, character development, argument clarity, and content accuracy • Line + Copyediting: Sentence-level refinement to enhance voice, flow, clarity, and emotional resonance, plus the technical corrections of copyediting • Copyediting: Grammar and syntax corrections for consistency and technical accuracy using the Chicago Manual of Style • Proofreading: Final polish and error detection before submission or publication • APA 7 Support: Consistency of references and in-text citations in APA style for dissertations 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 Across genres, I specialize in manuscripts addressing themes of trauma, healing, identity, healthcare, family systems and relationships, social issues, aging, chronic illness, grief, education, and life transitions. My favorite types of manuscripts to edit include: • Fiction: Literary fiction, romance, suspense, fantasy, sci-fi, thrillers, YA, and historical fiction • Nonfiction: Self-help, mental health, business, education, parenting, healthcare, and history • Memoirs, personal narratives, and legacy books • Children's picture books and workbooks • Poetry collections My clients include indie authors, physicians, business leaders, poets, entrepreneurs, small business owners, publishers, research centers, teachers, and ghostwriters—all of whom want a skilled eye on their manuscripts. 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 Graduate students—if you’re nearing the finish line with your dissertation or thesis and need copyediting and APA 7 formatting to finalize your manuscript, I’d love to assist. I've copyedited dissertations for dozens of doctoral students at institutions including Stanford University, UC Berkeley, USC, Smith College, Delaware Valley University, and University of Washington. In addition to copyediting, I review citations, references, headings, tables, figures, block quotes, tables of contents, and other manuscript elements to ensure compliance with APA 7 and institutional formatting requirements. I identify discrepancies between in-text citations and reference entries and work with you to standardize them. Using track changes in Word, I help you successfully submit a polished, committee-ready manuscript. I typically work with one active dissertation client at a time so I can focus on the specific requirements of your institution and prioritize quick turnaround. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁? Send me a message! Every project begins with a review of your manuscript and goals. From there, I'll recommend an editing plan, timeline, and budget tailored to your needs. I look forward to collaborating with you.
Earnings and projects
Last 6 months ÷ 6
Last 6 months: $12k
Billed in all: $173,419$173k
$901 in the last 6 months
Across 17 contracts
Across 296 contracts
Earnings, last 30 days
Skill rankings: Top 2% in Grammar & Syntax Review
Ranked by MRR among everyone on Upwork with the skill.
- #5Memoir86 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #4Top 6%🇺🇸#4 of 49
- #6Grammar & Syntax Review361 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #4Top 2%🇺🇸#4 of 142
- #6Citation Style202 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #1Top 3%🇺🇸#1 of 55
- #9Chicago Manual of Style277 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #7Top 3%🇺🇸#7 of 208
- #11Poetry487 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #6Top 2%🇺🇸#6 of 224
- #15Writing Critique591 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #10Top 3%🇺🇸#10 of 335
- #15APA Formatting348 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #6Top 4%🇺🇸#6 of 125
- #16Fiction522 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #9Top 3%🇺🇸#9 of 241