My 20+ years of editing experience include academic research papers, grant proposals, textbooks, and magazine articles for a general audience.
Independent editor for science-related documents
If you are:
- A science book author who wants a manuscript that will attract publishers and buyers
- A researcher who wants a clear, understandable manuscript that scientific journals will publish and peers will read
- A researcher who needs clear, persuasive language explaining why a proposed study is worth funding
- A science writer who needs developmental and line editing for a pitch or science magazine article
You have come to the right place. I am here to help you meet your science communication goals.
I provide developmental and line editing services and work remotely. I am familiar with numerous style guides, including the Chicago Manual of Style, APA 6th and 7th editions, AMA, and AP.
- Developmental editing looks at big-picture issues of structure and concepts. Some questions a developmental editor asks when reading a manuscript are: Is it focused? Is it balanced? What’s missing? Are there any gaps in logic?
- Line editing focuses on style and the flow of the language. Some questions a line editor asks when reading a manuscript are: Is the language clear and concise? Is the language engaging, evocative, active? Does the author avoid cliches and jargon? Use inclusive language? Does the story fit guidelines, like word count?
- As part of my line-editing work I typically include copyediting, but I do not provide stand-alone copyediting work. Copyediting focuses on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style guide compliance.
Professional Directories:
- “Editors for Hire” directory from ACES, The Society for Editing
- “Hire a Freelancer” listing, Editorial Freelancers Association
About Anne N. Connor, Editor:
I have over 20 years of editing experience across genres, including science textbooks, science nonfiction books for general audiences, research journal articles, research grant proposals (from foundation applications to R01 proposals), and magazine articles. Before becoming a freelance science writer and editor, I directed a healthcare grant-making program for a large healthcare conversion foundation. I am on the faculty of Johns Hopkins University, offering a course, “Principles of Editing,” in the MA in Science Writing Program.
Selected Experience
Faculty:
Johns Hopkins University’s MA in Science Writing Program, contracted to develop a course, “Principles of Editing,” that will be offered starting in Fall 2023.
Research Development Editing:
Senior Science Writer, Johns Hopkins University, Office of the Vice Provost for Research. Editing research grant proposals and manuscripts for publication. March 2023 to present.
Contracted Editor:
Johns Hopkins University’s Editorial Assistance Services Initiative (EASI), supporting research faculty by editing manuscripts and grant proposals. June 2021 through March 2023.
Editor-in-Chief:
The Science Writer, an online magazine featuring the work of students in the Johns Hopkins University science writing program. I lead a team of alumni editors to edit and produce the magazine. Pro bono. Term: July 2021 through June 2023.
Developmental Book Editor:
- Title to be announced: Nonfiction book on air pollution and human health (general audience), in press. Developmental and line edits for authors from Harvard University and Brigham Young University. November 2022 to present.
- Ecological Sustainability, published in 2013 by CRC Press. Includes a chapter on sustainable agriculture. Co-author and pre-submission editor.
- Introduction to Molecular Biology, Genomics, and Proteomics for Biomedical Engineers, published in 2008 by CRC Press. Co-author and pre-submission editor.
Quality Control Editor and Team Leader:
The Ask a Scientist portal, hosted by the Federation of American Scientists. Edited hundreds of scientific responses to be sure they were lay-friendly, clear, and well-documented. Pro bono, 2020-2021.