About fifteen years ago, I began editing textbooks and instructor manuals for a small publishing company in Los Angeles. Since then, I have edited novels, nonfiction manuscripts, dissertations, screenplays, web copy, product pitches, and marketing materials. I am always interested in new types of projects.
When editing your work, my focus is on what you need as a writer. I work with clients to customize the editing process to meet their needs. Some people need a quick proofreading; others want assistance rewriting entire manuscripts. Having worked with writers and students extensively, I have learned how to tune in to the author's goals and the challenges faced in reaching those goals. I pride myself on being able to understand what you want from the final product and helping you get there.
My rates vary from project to project based on content and turn-around time, but the general price range is $5-$10 per page.
I currently teach academic writing at the California Institute of Technology and creative nonfiction for Writing Workshops LA. I have a Ph.D. in English from the City University of New York Graduate Center.
chrismdaley@gmail.com
323.963.3564
I was in a crunch to get a small piece edited and proofed very quickly for a last minute deadline. Chris saved me with a quick turnaround and with editing that was precise, clear, and very helpful. Her keen eye made it easy for me to tighten up all the loose threads, and I appreciated the copy editing notes she gave about the piece, which made it easier for me to clarify what I was trying to get across. She was a lifesaver.
- Cecil Castellucci, author of Boy Proof, The Plain Janes, and Beige
Chris's thoughtful editing brought some much needed clarity to two academic articles that were then successfully published in peer-reviewed journals. Her work helped to refine the flow of the story and made the article more readable to those both in the field and outside it. It even made more sense to me! In an entirely different realm, she recently brought a steely gleam to marketing material that I'm confident will be just as effective and successful.
Insightful, professional, and trained in multiple disciplines. It's a good thing she's not a cage fighter. But she is an excellent editor. Highly recommended.
- Stephen Immerwahr, Research Scientist (NYC Department of Health)
For the past two years, I have relied on Chris Daley's skills to polish and perfect the clarity of my jewelry company's marketing materials and merchandizing memos. Twice a year, I present a new collection of jewels to buyers, the press, and the public. The narrative materials surrounding the collections must clearly articulate the inspirations, innovations, and intent of the work. As I run all aspects of small but growing business, these materials are often developed in an organic way that need a swift and professional polishing at the eleventh hour. It is a relief to be able to confidently relinquish this responsibility to Chris and know that my voice, intent, and aesthetic will be respected and optimized under her care.
- Randi Mates, Aesa Jewelry
Chris is a capable editor who can parse through complex text and quickly produce clear and focused material. She has consistently taken our interactive web copy aimed at physicians, researchers, and academics and created leaner and more user-friendly text. Her suggestions for layout and copy division across web pages made final site design easier for us all. Highly recommended.
- David Jetton, Interactive Web Designer (Eveo.com)
Quick, detailed, and personal editing help. With only one month left before a required start date for my postdoc, Chris Daley came to my rescue by providing a fresh pair of eyes to help edit the text for my dissertation thesis. Within a week, she had read through the several hundred pages of text, catching typos and providing suggestions on how I might more clearly communicate the technical details of my work. Over coffee, she walked me through her comments, line-by-line, to make sure that I understood her editing suggestions. During the crunch time leading up to my oral defense, it was reassuring to have such helpful feedback.
- Jasper C. Simon (Department of Biology, Occidental College)