Paul Higgins

Paul Higgins – Editor

I have a PhD in philosophy and two decades' experience in editing nonfiction manuscripts for university presses and independent authors!

Overview

A little about me:

I'm a freelance editor and also a contracted copy-editor with an academic press. Over the years I have done a very wide range of editing work, including copy-editing, editorial assessment, developmental editing, proofreading, indexing, and vetting manuscripts for acquisition/publication for various university presses and other publishers.

I have a PhD in philosophy and a significant amount of my experience involves editing texts that utilize this expertise (in the fields of philosophy and theology), though I have also edited more broadly: here on Reedsy, I've had the opportunity to work on a broad range of nonfiction -- everything from textbooks to memoirs!

I'm originally from Florida, and currently live in Vancouver, Washington, with my wife and six (very energetic!) children. When I'm not editing or consulting, I'm usually reading or out doing photography.

Working with me:

I love Reedsy because it allows me to connect with unpublished and independent authors; through the Reedsy marketplace, I've had the privilege of working on a number of brilliant manuscripts that may not have been perfect fits for a traditional publisher, but which nevertheless deserved to receive professional editing and to have the chance to reach a broader readership.

I view the editorial process as a collaboration, where I'm here to help you enhance your work. Over the years, I have worked with all types of authors -- academic and otherwise -- to help books become the best they can be. Through my editorial assessment and developmental editing, I will provide expert-level holistic advice regarding how to improve your work, while my copy-editing services will help to improve everything from grammar/spelling to prose style and argumentation (I've even found new data/sources for authors, on occasion). I am friendly, thorough, and professional -- and I haven't missed an editing deadline in two decades!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Christian Non-Fiction History Judaism Philosophy Self-Help & Self-Improvement Sociology
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2004 — Present
Over the past 22 years, I have provided developmental editing, copy-editing, and/or proofreading services for more than 200 books published by a mix of independent authors and university presses (including The Catholic University of America Press and Indiana University Press).

Portfolio

Being is Better Than Not Being: The Metaphysics of Goodness and Beauty in Aristotle

Mirus, Christopher V.

The Catholic University of America Press

Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
The Wisdom We've Lost: Forgotten Keys to Joy

Secord, Logan Gabriel

Logan Secord

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
Focus: Mastering Life's Distractions to Unlock Purpose, Clarity and Destiny (The Leadership Clarity Series)

Ehimare, Evans

Ehimare Publishing Imprint All 4 One Enterprises ltd.

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
The Seven Deadly Sins: Sayings of the Fathers of the Church

Clarke, Kevin M.

The Catholic University of America Press

Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
The God Debate: A Beginner’s Guide to the Conflict of Reason and Faith

Sherman, Doug

Independently published

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Jewish Perspectives on the New Testament

Strazhnik, Victor

Victor Strazhnik

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
The Atlantis Puzzle

Kelley, Jack

Empire Builder Productions

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
The King's Warrior: Becoming the Man Christ Desires

Hughes, Matthew

Matthew Patrick Hughes

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Intimate Friendship with Jesus

Egbebike, Dr. Joseph

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Great Decision

Brito, Dr Eddie

Independently published

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
From the Alien to the Alone: A Study of Soul in Plotinus

Gurtler, Gary M.

The Catholic University of America Press

Copy Editing Proofreading
The Jesuits and Italian Universities, 1548-1773

Grendler, Paul F

The Catholic University of America Press

Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Ministry to the Sick and Dying in the Late Medieval Church

Izbicki, Thomas M.

The Catholic University of America Press

Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Indexing

Paul has 103 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Dana T.

Dana T.

Aug, 2026

Pinned
I hired Paul to copyedit a 76,000-word literary memoir. He returned about 7,000 tracked changes and a separate document of fifteen substantive queries, and the second document is what earned this review. The process alone is worth knowing about. He locks the file for version control so the autho...
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FRANK K.

FRANK K.

Aug, 2026

Pinned
Paul was an absolute pleasure to work with and exceeded my expectations in every way. As a first-time author and first-time Reedsy user, I really appreciated how responsive, thorough, and helpful he was throughout the entire process. He provided thoughtful feedback that truly elevated my book in ...
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Krisan M.

Krisan M.

Aug, 2025

Pinned
Working with Paul was a pleasure. Paul delivered my manuscript ahead of schedule—even after I added significant last-minute revisions. His careful line-editing removed subtle typos and tightened the prose without altering the tone or voice. Throughout the project he remained consistently responsi...
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Mislav C.

Mislav C.

Sep, 2026

My experience with Paul was absolutely fantastic! Paul was knowledgeable on my subject matter, he was patient with me and understood that as a first time author I had many questions about the process. He was receptive to changes and always open to discussing any issue that arose from our collabor...
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Phil C.

Phil C.

Sep, 2026

Paul handled the editorial assessment on my first book, a 96,000+ word comic retelling of the Bible. He delivered ahead of schedule, and the notes were detailed, clear, and immediately actionable — no vague encouragement, no padding. The thing that earned my trust: when I asked what the next st...
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