Alja Kooistra – Editor

As a freelance copy editor, proofreader, and editorial project manager, I specialize in academic books and articles in the humanities and social sciences and literary nonfiction. After earning a master's in publishing and interning at Routledge, I learned the proverbial ropes at university presses and then served as a senior editor for many years at a highly reputable academic reference publisher. I left the corporate publishing world and now enjoy successfully collaborating with authors and publishers in a freelance capacity, focusing on communication and quality.

Competencies include applying Chicago Manual of Style, APA, AMA, or MLA style guidelines; ensuring accurate references and documentation; editing figures and tables; fact-checking and researching to avoid pesky factual errors; and suggesting editorial changes and querying authors to ensure their voice and intent are both clear and respected. I can work in many disciplines, including literature, education, theory, social sciences, and general health and currently also edit materials for a public health nonprofit. If you seek a kind, thorough, and detail-oriented professional to help you publish the best possible work, please contact me! I'm happy to provide samples and references.