Laurel Hecker

Laurel Hecker – Editor

I am an experienced editor specializing in K–12 education, memoir, and other nonfiction.

Overview

I am an experienced editor specializing in nonfiction. I have edited dozens of books in the K–12 education space, as well as memoirs, travel writing, and other informative texts. I provide a fresh perspective, actionable feedback, and precise edits. My role as your editor is to help you create the best book possible, and I enjoy teaming up with authors to do just that!

As a developmental editor, I'll look at the big picture of your book and provide feedback on the structure, content, and overall flow. I examine the individual parts and how they work together to impact your readers and achieve your goals for the book. You can expect well-thought-out edits and clear explanations of how each one benefits the text.

At the copyediting stage, I provide detailed edits for clarity, consistency, and style, drawing on my deep familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style. If your book cites sources, I'll ensure your reference list is accurate and aligns with your chosen reference format.

Testimonials From Previous Clients
"Very good at taking messy writing and turning it into clear, concise sentences. Great at remembering the all the pieces to identify repeated phrases and references to sections that had been moved. Your edits were spot on and helped me improve my writing!"

"The changes you made to the sequencing of content have been fantastic. Your editorial response is very thorough and incredibly helpful. It's been a pleasure working with you!"

"Thank you, with all my heart, for your support during the birthing process of my first book. You were the doctor who brought it into the world. I am grateful for your help."
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Education & Reference Humanities & Social Sciences Travel
Fiction
Poetry
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Advanced Copyediting (Editorial Freelancers Association)

Work experience

Solution Tree Press

Jan, 2023 — Present

Design, revise, and provide training on editorial processes
Lead a team of editors and provide growth-oriented feedback
Review manuscripts at key stages to ensure quality and consistency
Coach authors to complete initial drafts
Manage the flow of work to freelance editors, printers, and other service providers
Track task completion to keep projects on schedule

Solution Tree Press

Jun, 2021 — Jan, 2023 (over 1 year)

Collaborate with authors to produce high-quality manuscripts
Improve text through defensible, reader-friendly edits and clearly communicate my changes to the authors
Guide the author's revisions with concise, actionable queries
Manage seven book projects per year throughout the production process, meeting strict deadlines and collaborating with other editors, designers, endorsers, printers, etc.
Review manuscripts to provide feedback to other editors
Suggest improvements to department processes to increase efficiency and quality

Solution Tree Press

Nov, 2018 — Jun, 2021 (over 2 years)

Collaborate with authors to produce high-quality manuscripts
Improve text through defensible, reader-friendly edits and clearly communicate my changes to the authors
Guide the author's revisions with concise, actionable queries
Manage book projects throughout the production process, meeting strict deadlines and collaborating with other editors, designers, endorsers, printers, etc.
Review manuscripts to provide feedback to other editors

The Creator Institute

Oct, 2018 — Sep, 2019 (11 months)

Coached first-time authors through the content-development stages of their writing program
Managed cohorts of up to ten authors
Provided specific feedback on content and the direction of their work
Suggested writing strategies and gave motivational support, including check-in calls

Marzano Resources

Jan, 2016 — Mar, 2018 (about 2 years)

Evaluated book proposals, assigned accepted projects to editors, and reviewed manuscripts at key process points
Collaborated closely with and gave feedback to authors to develop ideas and produce high-quality manuscripts
Functioned as a ghostwriter, developmental editor, or copy editor according to project needs
Composed copy, formatted and proofread PDFs, and produced videos for online products

Marzano Resources

Jun, 2014 — Jan, 2016 (over 1 year)

Managed and executed manuscript development and publication processes for up to five books per year
Composed clear, concise text for books, reports, etc. to explain research and other challenging topics
Communicated with authors and other editors to ensure timely, accurate progress on various projects

Portfolio

Take to the Unscathed Road

Raphaelson, Justin

Laurel has 13 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Michael M.

Michael M.

Aug, 2023

As a first time writer, I found Laurel to be very patient and knowledgeable in helping me through the steps of writing. Her feedback and suggestions were excellent which made the editing process painless. I would highly recommend Laurel to anyone who might consider using her in the future.
Pj B.

Pj B.

Apr, 2023

I recently had the pleasure of working with Laurel on editing my manuscript, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Laurel put in a tremendous amount of time and research into the project, which was evident in the final product. Her attention to detail and dedication to getting every word just right was remarkable. Throughout the process, Laurel provided insightful feedback that not only ...
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Natasa V.

Natasa V.

Dec, 2022

Laurel is friendly in communication and professional in execution. While working on my manuscript she paid attention to details, double checked facts, and made some really good suggestions related to the flow of the story. I could not be happier with our cooperation.
Peter L.

Peter L.

Nov, 2022

Laurel was great to work with. Very professional, timely, and thorough in her work.
Michael J.

Michael J.

Aug, 2022

Laurel did AMAZING.... Everything was on time and she was in great detail on her work and my vision for my book! 10 out of 10

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