I offer writing, editing, and coaching services in science writing and across literary genres. For researchers and organizations in the natural and social sciences, I create and edit communications content that highlights the broader impacts of your work by translating complex information to difference audiences. As a developmental editor and coach, I work with both seasoned and novice writers on creative projects and professional development materials. My top priority is to honor and support your intention, voice, and vision while providing specific, discerning, and considerate feedback on the craft, mechanics, and impact of your work.
I approach all projects with open-minded curiosity, with the aim to understand the intention of a given work and clarify its meaning and impact.
Services
Science Writing & Communication
I can help you apply best practices in science communication and storytelling techniques to convey complex information in engaging and impactful ways. I offer science writing, technical editing, copywriting, ghostwriting, and consulting for a broad spectrum of communication products including websites, grants, reports, manuscripts, white pages, brochures, StoryMaps, posters, and more. No matter the project, you will gain curious, discerning, and creative new perspectives and approaches to communicate your work.
Developmental Editing
I offer detailed editorial feedback to propel your work-in-progress to the next level. With fresh eyes, I can provide big picture assessments that can encourage you to explore ideas, approaches, underlying themes, and help you identify the core “why” of your book-length manuscript or short-form stories and essays. This can include feedback on organization, structure, plot or narrative arc, character development, audience, arguments, and/or research strategies. I can also provide insight into how these big ideas are shaped at the sentence and paragraph level through line-editing.
Writing Coaching
I provide holistic support, insider knowledge, and accountability for you in your writing life. Some ways I can support you: clarifying and developing your ideas and goals; setting deadlines; jumpstarting your writing with prompts; honest and encouraging feedback on your projects; exercises to hone your skills; personalized reading recommendations, tools and resources to organize your workflow; savvy perspectives into literary publishing and submission advice; a supportive container for working through the vulnerabilities of the creative process; fresh perspectives into managing sustainable writing practices within your work-life balance.
Testimonials
“Nell is an insightful reader of all genres and styles of prose. When offering feedback on my fiction, she considered each of my stories’ current choices and how they might affect a reader’s emotional connection to the work. These notes were especially helpful regarding narrative distance, characterization, and pacing. The ability to consider a piece on its own merits is a sign of a skilled and empathetic editor, and I’d happily have Nell read my work any day!”
– Sarah Merrill
“Nell has a special skill for editing. I am most impressed by her ability to tease out the underlying ideas I’m getting at. From word choice and syntax to macro scale rearrangement, she helps me find the optimal structure to clearly communicate my ideas (and sometimes even reveal them to me). Whenever I work with Nell, I come away motivated with a clear path forward.”
– Parker Davis
My background
I earned an MFA from the University of Wyoming, where I completed a joint-degree in Creative Nonfiction and Environment & Natural Resources. While there, I taught undergraduate communication courses in Environmental Humanities and English, and designed an introductory course on memoir and personal essays. Previously, I worked as a writing center consultant at Prescott College, an environmental educator, and in a variety of other experiential programs on land and at sea. I’ve served as an editor or reader for many literary journals and contests, and in creative writing workshops and informal writing groups. See Literary Work for more on my editorial experience and publication history and Science & Fieldwork for an overview of my experience in the natural and social sciences.
Ready to connect?
Most clients choose to work with me through written feedback and/or 1:1 coaching via video conferencing. I know the challenges of juggling creative projects alongside jobs, families, and caregiving; rest assured that we can come up with a format and schedule that will work for you.
Please contact me to discuss rates and scheduling.
Nell Smith 