Elizabeth Sain

Elizabeth Sain – Editor

Twenty years as a copy editor and proofreader of Christian fiction, history, and other nonfiction. I look forward to working with you!

Overview

I have twenty years of experience working as a professional editor, including twelve-and-a-half years as a manuscript editor at the University of Notre Dame Press. I enjoy copyediting and am a strong believer in maintaining the author’s voice while suggesting edits, clarifications, and corrections that help to eliminate errors and make the text easier to read. I have also done quite a bit of proofreading as well as some writing, indexing, and formatting.


I have edited books in a wide variety of areas, including both fiction (stories and poetry) and nonfiction (history, philosophy, theology, political theory, literary criticism, memoirs, photo books with captions, and textbooks and workbooks on cooking, baking, and restaurant and bar management). I have worked with over four hundred authors and editors on their books and with fifty to one hundred other authors and contributors on articles, essays, programs, newsletters, help systems, tutorials, and technical documentation.


Clear and pleasant communication with authors is important to me, and many authors have thanked me for my work editing their projects, answering their questions, explaining complex and potentially unclear edits, and making the process of editing their work “calming” and “a happy experience.” I would love to help you too!


Endorsements:

“Elizabeth is a thorough professional—a dedicated and knowledgeable editor of the highest standards. Indeed, I have never worked with a better editor, and I say this as a seasoned author of many books, who has worked with many university presses. Working with Elizabeth, one knows that one’s book is going to be meticulously edited and that she will answer all queries that one puts to her in a thoughtful and helpful way. I recommend her enthusiastically.” —Teodolinda Barolini, author


“Elizabeth has had wide experience in book editing and is thoroughly professional. She was familiar with my book’s subject matter and always sought clear and concise expression. She harmonized my writing style well with the press’s desired format and was patient and understanding as I defended my own preferences. Her wide vocabulary enabled her to make valuable word-change suggestions, and she had a keen eye for unnecessary repetitions throughout. Her contributions were always prompt and on time.

In addition, it was comfortable and a pleasure to work with her. She has a winning personality, a good sense of humor, a pleasant way of criticizing, and is generous with her time and efforts. I was indeed fortunate to have her as a copy editor, and she has my highest recommendation." —Thomas E. Blantz, C.S.C., author


“Elizabeth proved at every turn to be a sensitive, smart, responsive copy editor throughout our entire process of working on Because You Have To: A Writing Life. I remain very grateful for her welcome expertise, and would recommend her to anyone.” —Joan Frank, author

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Christian Non-Fiction History Photography
Fiction
Christian Fiction Poetry
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Award-winning books edited include: The University of Notre Dame: A History (Catholic Media Association Book Award: History), Because You Have To: A Writing Life (Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award: Writing), Mary's Bodily Assumption (Catholic Press Association Book Award: Theology), Disturbing Spirits: Mental Illness, Trauma, and Treatment in Modern Syria and Lebanon (Choice Outstanding Academic Title), Love beneath the Napalm (Notre Dame Review Book Prize), and The Chapels of Notre Dame (Named "Outstanding" University Press Book by the University Press Books Committee, American Library Association).

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2003 — Present

I copyedit, proofread, and review books, articles, essays, and other materials. I have also created, edited, and reviewed indexes.

University of Notre Dame Press

Nov, 2010 — May, 2023 (over 12 years)

I edited hundreds of books, including both fiction (short stories and poetry) and nonfiction (memoirs, photo books with captions, and books focused on history, philosophy, theology, political theory, and literary criticism). I also checked, edited, and proofread indexes for clarity, formatting, and accuracy.

Moody's Analytics

Jul, 2004 — Jun, 2009 (almost 5 years)

I edited, developed, and coordinated documentation, help systems, and tutorials for several financial software products.

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

Sep, 2003 — Jun, 2004 (10 months)

I edited and proofread a newsletter and several educational books (including textbooks and workbooks) on cooking, baking, and restaurant and bar management.

Portfolio

The Battle in the Midst of the Storm

Dickson, E

Palmetto Publishing

Unveiled (Land of the Living)

Cox, Ernest J

Independent Publisher

Chapels of Notre Dame

Cunningham, Lawrence S.

Mary's Bodily Assumption

Levering, Matthew

Elizabeth has 17 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jocelynn H.

Jocelynn H.

Nov, 2024

I highly recommend Elizabeth to others looking for an excellent editor. She was very professional and knowledgeable of her craft. Communicated well throughout the process, had a genuine care for me and my work, fair price and answered all my questions. I enjoyed working with her and will definitely use her services again in the future.
Elizabeth S.
Thanks, Jocelynn! I enjoyed working with you too. And I love your poem!
Deborah M.

Deborah M.

Nov, 2024

Her work is always done with excellence! She is a blessing!
Elizabeth S.
Thanks very much, Deborah! I loved your story!
Bobby M.

Bobby M.

Nov, 2024

I'm very happy with the work Elizabeth did. I would hire her again.
Elizabeth S.
Thanks, Bobby!
Jay K.

Jay K.

Nov, 2024

High quality & super responsive!
Elizabeth S.
Thank you, Jay! I wish you and your book all the best.
Sarah T.

Sarah T.

Sep, 2024

Elizabeth was wonderful as an editor! She went above and beyond for me. She held my hand through the process as a newbie. I would recommend her in a heartbeat!
Elizabeth S.
Thanks, Sarah! I really enjoyed working on your book and I hope it reaches the people who will benefit from reading it.

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