Laura Josephsen

Laura Josephsen – Editor

Experienced editor with a passion for helping authors fulfill their vision. I edit many genres, including fantasy, romance, sci-fi, and YA.

Overview

I'm a copy editor with many years of experience. I started out two decades ago as a beta reader and critique partner, and then in 2011, I was hired as an editor for Whiskey Creek Press, which was eventually purchased by Start Publishing. In 2017, I opened my own editing business. I love working with authors and helping them make their books the best they can be. I've worked with beginning authors and experienced authors, and some of my clients are best-selling and award-winning authors.

I know what it's like to go through the editing process as a writer. I've been published through a small publisher, I've self-published, and I've worked with a literary agent. I know what it's like to write a book and to pour your heart and emotions into the story and characters. After all the sweat and tears, late nights and early mornings, joys and triumphs, and maybe a few too many caffeinated beverages, it can be very hard to turn all of that hard work over to an editor for scrutiny. I strive to be honest, kind, and respectful in my work on any project.

Though my focus is on copy editing, there is developmental editing that happens as I work. I correct grammar and spelling, offer suggestions on how to smooth out clunky prose, watch out for redundancies in words and phrases, make sure wording is clear, look for inconsistencies in overall plot and little details, and more--all without disrupting an author's unique voice and style.

I have a degree in American Sign Language Interpreter Preparation, which required an intense focus on the English language as well as ASL. I also have a certificate in Deaf Studies.


Client testimonials:

"Laura is the best editor I’ve ever worked with. She is thorough and timely and her corrections and suggestions are always fantastic." - JA Andrews, author of the epic fantasy The Keeper Origins

"Laura is a joy to work with on every level and does the absolute best line editing job I've ever seen. Between her keen eyes and insightful comments, she really helps make my stories shine." - Constance Lopez, author of The Kasmian Chronicles

"Laura is the most thorough editor I've used, and I've tried about 7 of them. She is meticulous and insightful and takes great care with developmental and copy editing all in one. She is also good at keeping to her schedule. Since I discovered her, I've used her on every book I've written and recommend her without reservation." - R.M. Schultz, fantasy and sci fi writer, author of the Calec of the Woods mystery thrillers

"Laura is so much more than an editor. Not only does she smooth my sentences and correct my errors, she watches for inconsistencies and cheers me on. I love working with her!" - Alisha Klapheke, USA Today bestselling author of fantasy
Services
Fiction
Coming of Age Contemporary Fiction Contemporary Romance Epic Fantasy Mystery & Crime Space Opera Young Adult
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jul, 2017 — Present

Whiskey Creek Press (later acquired by Start Publishing)

May, 2011 — Jun, 2014 (about 3 years)

Portfolio

Copy Editing
The Gods of Men

Kloss, Barbara

Copy Editing
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Copy Editing
Married by Treachery

Kloss, Barbara

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
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Copy Editing

Laura has 6 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Mason P.

Mason P.

Nov, 2023

Laura is exceptionally responsive. She finished edits on my novel early yet was very thorough and kept me apprised of her progress along the way. Encouraging but not afraid to mark up every line of your manuscript with edits or suggestions (if needed). I've already hired her for another project and planning on even more.
Colleen S.

Colleen S.

Oct, 2023

The best thing about Laura is her communication! She provides regular updates on her progress and is always available to answer questions or address concerns. I hired her to edit my fantasy novel. It had been through several beta reads and multiple self-edits and was ready for editing prior to proofreading. She pointed out repeated words, and gave me a list of those I used too often which was h...
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T.K. W.

T.K. W.

Aug, 2023

Working with Laura was amazing. She is extremely knowledgeable and capable of sharing her knowledge in a way that is helpful and easy to understand. I would definitely work with her again.
Laura J.
Thank you so much! I enjoyed working with you on your book!
Nathan P.

Nathan P.

Jun, 2023

Laura was absolutely phenomenal to work with. She was patient, understanding, honest and above all, incredibly meticulous, knowledgeable and thoughtful. My story is far superior to what it was before Laura worked her magic and i truly believe i found the perfect editor for my book, I will most definitely work with Laura again, and will 100% recommend her to anyone who asks.
Laura J.
Thank you, Nathan! You worked so hard and enthusiastically, and it was a joy to collaborate on your story!
Greg M.

Greg M.

Apr, 2023

Laura had great suggestions and caught issues that I would never have found. She was professional, communicated quickly and easy to work with.
Laura J.
Thank you, Greg! I am thankful I had a chance to work with you on your book.

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