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
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
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 11 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

T.K. W.

T.K. W.

Apr, 2024

I've worked with Laura twice and would absolutely work with her again. She doesn't miss a thing and is extremely knowledgeable. She is able to help you to understand any relavent principle and doesn't speak down to you when providing an explanation. She's very understanding and positive with her feedback.
M W.

M W.

Mar, 2024

Remarkable. I simply can not say enough good things about Laura's work. As a first time fantasy author navigating the daunting task of editing my 90k word debut novel, her guidance was a godsend. With patience and expertise, she coached me to be a better writer. She definitely helped me "up-my-game" and put out a polished product. Her quick turn around times and responsiveness left me in awe of...
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Akiva G.

Akiva G.

Feb, 2024

Laura is a fantastic resource and editor! She will always write thorough and in-depth responses to even the most basic questions when you need clarification. Could not recommend more!
MJ C.

MJ C.

Feb, 2024

Fantastic at her job. Very impressed and pleased.
Ella Walker H.

Ella Walker H.

Jan, 2024

Laura did an excellent job. I appreciated her flexibility, professionalism, and timeliness. She was always quick to respond and was a pleasure to work with. She provided excellent insight, feedback, and attention to detail. I would gladly work with her again!

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