Working on a writing project but not sure it’s ready for an audience? Have something to submit for publication but want to get another set of eyes on it? I’m here to help! I have decades of experience as an editor for a variety of professional publications. I specialize in helping writers make their ideas accessible and engaging to readers.
Who am I?
My name is Teresa Preston. I am the former editor-in-chief of Phi Delta Kappan, a magazine focused on preK-12 education. I have also served as a managing editor and associate editor for the Association for Talent Development, Educational Leadership magazine, and Music Educators Journal.
I am an avid reader, who wrote about books for more than 10 years on my personal book blog. I was also a regular contributor to the Book Riot website.
As a freelance editor, my goal is to help individuals and organizations craft messages that are clear, correct, and compelling. Let me help you!
What services do I offer?
For most of my career, I’ve helped subject-matter experts communicate their ideas to busy readers who may be less immersed in the details of the subject. I can help you make sure your article is in good shape before you submit it for publication, give your dissertation a close look before you finalize it for review, or work with you to make sure your website copy is clear before you hit post.
If you’ve never hired or worked with an editor before, you may not be aware that there are different types of editing, each of which is important at a different point in the writing process. At each stage, your editor will focus on different aspects of your work. Then, as the author, you’ll make changes based on your editor’s advice before moving on to the next phase in the process. These are examples of the types of editing you might need.
Substantive Editing
This level of edit focuses on the structure of your manuscript, making sure the ideas make sense and that each section flows well into the next. This type of edit takes place early in the process, once you have the words in place and want to make sure you’re on the right track.
Copyediting
This level of edit focuses on the sentences and words you’re using. I’ll look at whether the words you’re using make sense, whether they flow nicely, and whether they adhere to a particular style manual. I might also look for overuse of certain words or phrases or confusing diction.
Proofreading
This level of edit focuses primarily on checking for misspellings and grammatical slip-ups. It is typically done after a publication is designed, but some writers appreciate proofreading before they submit a piece to an editor for possible publication. It may also involve checking previous versions of a manuscript to ensure that changes were made correctly.
Not sure what type of editing you need? That’s OK! Get in touch, and I’ll help you figure it out.
How much does editing cost?
Editing rates vary, depending on the length and complexity of your manuscript and the amount of work it needs. The Editorial Freelancers Association rate chart will give you a general sense of what to expect. In most cases, I charge a project rate of 4-8 cents per word. For some projects, I will charge a hourly rate of $60-90 per hour.
To determine a rate, I’ll review your manuscript (or a sample) to determine how much work it needs and discuss what types of changes you’d like me to make. With that information, I’ll be able to offer you an estimate and timeline. If you would like to begin the process now, please complete my inquiry form.
What do authors say?
“Teresa Preston is one of the best editors I’ve ever worked with. Anyone who’s writing a book or considering it would be wise to work with her.”
JOSHUA STARR, Former CEO, On Leadership columnist, PDK International
“Teresa has edited my columns for years, and she is both a wonderful editor and a lovely person – the whole package! She has a great eye for detail and nuance and also is extremely responsive. I recommend her highly!”
PHYLLIS FAGELL, Former Career Confidential columnist, Kappan magazine
“Teresa is the kind of editor every writer wants and needs: a perfect balance between restraint and respect for the perspective and intentions of the author and fearless application of the scalpel to do the necessary surgery on the author’s work.”
ROBERT KIM, Executive Director, Education Law Center
“Teresa helps me strengthen the central argumentation of my writing, while also supporting my tendency to take stylistic risks. She offers true collaboration.”
JONATHAN E. COLLINS, Teachers College, Columbia University
“I always felt Teresa made my meaning and words clearer.”
LINDA F. NATHAN, University lecturer and leadership coach
“Your ability to capture what we were saying is stunning.”
ARTICLE AUTHOR