Shaun Lawson – Editor

Testimonials:

"I have worked with Shaun on numerous academic articles and book chapters, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. He is an exceptional editor whose breadth of knowledge is remarkable: well read, deeply interested, and genuinely insightful across a wide range of subject areas, including international relations and the social sciences.

One of his greatest strengths is his innate sense of what to cut and what to retain. With a clear, detached perspective, he is able to identify and remove unnecessary waffle while preserving the integrity and depth of the argument. At the same time, he pushes authors to refine and expand their ideas, often encouraging them to go further than originally planned. This collaborative approach consistently strengthens the overall quality of the writing while also helping authors develop their voice and confidence.

Working with him is always constructive and inspiring. His sensitive, thoughtful feedback makes a real difference to the writing process and the final output. I recommend him wholeheartedly to my postgraduate students, many of whom have benefited enormously from his guidance. He is, quite simply, an outstanding editor".

- Dr Marissa Quie, Fellow and Director of Studies in Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS), University of Cambridge

"Shaun is an outstanding editor! Every chapter and journal article I have published since becoming a lecturer in 2014 has been reviewed by Shaun. He glides through my work, subtly reworking grammatical mistakes and effortlessly removing some of the wordiness. What is left is a lighter, punchier version that still retains my voice. He is a very skilled practitioner, and I recommend him wholeheartedly".

- Dr Matthew Sparkes, Assistant Professor in Sociology, Fellow and Director of Studies in HSPS, University of Cambridge

"Shaun is a genius who edits and proofreads the work of Cambridge professors. He has an extraordinary knack for writing perfect, concise prose and I've never met anyone who understands grammar better. I have no hesitation recommending Shaun".

- Dr Eleanor Drage, Senior Research Fellow, Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, University of Cambridge

Since 2011, I've helped authors turn complex ideas, fascinating research and deeply personal experiences into compelling books. My work has ranged from history, politics and world affairs to biography and memoir, peer-reviewed journal articles and academic chapters. Yet what I enjoy most is helping writers tell inspiring, real-life stories which truly connect with readers.

I bring extensive experience, breadth and depth of knowledge and real curiosity about people and their lives - but I always preserve the author's voice in full. Clients tell me my empathy is my greatest asset: I immerse myself so deeply, I always get a very clear sense of exactly what they're trying to say and never deviate from it.

If you'd like to work with me, first I offer a free video consultation, where we can talk through your ideas and what you want to achieve. At all stages of the process, I'll keep you fully updated and be in touch immediately if anything unexpected presents itself.