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
Contemporary Fiction Contemporary Romance Epic Fantasy Mystery & Crime Romantic Fantasy 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
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Dirge of Titans (Revelation ARK)

Adair, S.J.S.

La Tène House Publishing

Tribulation (Mark of the Beast Book 2)

Parsons, M. R.

M. R. Parsons Books, LLC

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Married by Treachery

Kloss, Barbara

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing

Laura has 16 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

CM R.

CM R.

Oct, 2024

Working with Laura Josephsen has been an absolute pleasure. She was incredibly responsive throughout the entire process and never pushed her ideas, but rather offered support where I was open to change. What I appreciated most was her ability to respectfully offer differing opinions—always presenting them as suggestions, not judgments. Her approach allowed me to remain true to my vision, while ...
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Chantelle F.

Chantelle F.

Aug, 2024

Your search is at an end! Laura is nothing short of a miracle-maker. She is now the voice inside my head, urging me to do better. I am incredibly grateful for all her support, her incredible attention to detail, and am delighted with the final result. Your book-baby is in safe hands.
Sean K.

Sean K.

Jul, 2024

I hadn't used an editor before, so I don't have anyone to compare my experience with Laura to, but I really don't see how it could have been any better. She is one of the hardest working individuals I have ever met in my life. It was inspirational, really. I don't think I could ever thank her enough; her eye for detail is incredible, she is patient, kind, and held my hand through the process, m...
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MJ C.

MJ C.

Jun, 2024

This is the second time I've worked with Laura and it was even better than the first! She was amazing and found things I never would have caught. Loved it and will definitely be working with her again.
S.J.S. A.

S.J.S. A.

May, 2024

Laura was so great to work with! She thoroughly cleared up my book, helped me find the right words, and assisted me with key developmental areas that made my work shine. She encouraged me throughout the process, giving vital feedback and corresponded seamlessly from the first draft to the final revision. I highly recommend her!

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