Paul Franz

Paul Franz – Editor

I edit books and essays on politics and philosophy. A former magazine editor, trained in Classics, I can help you reach varied audiences.

Overview

I’m an experienced editor working with academic projects, literary journalism, and crossover projects bringing scholarly research to a general audience. Working with writers to develop their voice and ideas is what I love about editing. I have taught writing at Yale and The Cooper Union, among others, and I always explain my edits and suggestions to help you strengthen your writing ability.

I have edited for large research projects at the University of Toronto, the Leo Strauss Center at the University of Chicago, as well as for private clients. I have served on the editorial boards of several literary magazines. At the Yale Review, a leading US quarterly of arts and ideas, I rose from the rank of Adjunct Editor to Senior Editor, in which role I commissioned and developed non-fiction essays and reviews for a broad readership. Since 2008, I have worked as a freelance editor for clients both inside and outside of academia, including junior academics and distinguished senior scholars.

My services come in two varieties. As a copy editor and proofreader, I tackle issues that have an objectively right or wrong answer. (A sentence is grammatical or it is not; a bibliography is formatted according to the publisher's specifications or it is not.) As a stylistic and developmental editor, I address more nuanced issues, engaging with your style and taking deep dives into argumentation and structure.

Whatever service I am providing, I take pride in delivering punctual service of the highest quality. Working with writers who have English as a second language is a particular source of joy.

Hire me to put your best foot forward!

Services
Non-Fiction
Philosophy Political Science & Current Affairs
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2022 — Present
Editing for Scholars provides proofreading, copy editing, and developmental editing for article- and book-length projects across the Humanities and Social Sciences. We thrive on building long-term relationships with our clients and are committed to helping you find your voice and present your hard-won expertise in its best light.

The Yale Review

Jan, 2016 — Jun, 2022 (over 6 years)
The Yale Review is a leading US quarterly of arts and ideas. During my time there, I rose from the rank of adjunct to senior editor, commissioning and developing nonfiction writing and criticism for a general audience.

Paul has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Stan K.

Stan K.

Feb, 2026

I did not know what to expect when I first approached Reedsy, but Paul Franz submitted a timely proposal, and when we started working together, he set a pattern of professionalism, excellence, partnership, and understanding that made me realize: I needed his edits; I benefited from his suggestion...
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Yi C.

Yi C.

Dec, 2025

Paul helps a lot!
Samuel R.

Samuel R.

Aug, 2025

Paul is a spectacular editor. He is prompt, insightful, and flexible. I highly recommend utilizing his service.
Paul F.
Thanks, Samuel! It was a pleasure working with you.
Willie C.

Willie C.

Aug, 2024

Paul was very timely in his responses and provided exactly the feedback and editorial comments I hoped for. Look forward to working with Paul again.

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