Editing Services

I’m passionate about helping writers bring their work into the world and shape their stories. I’ve worked with high school students, undergrads and grad school applicants to craft personal statements that bring their experiences to life, as well as authors working on memoirs, essays and narrative nonfiction. I also provide developmental and copy editing services to institutions and nonprofit clients on products like white papers and reports.

As an editor and coach, I strive to be a thought partner, collaborator and sounding board. I relish the challenge of distilling the root of an idea, refining structure, ensuring that logic is sound, connecting different parts of a through line and helping people actualize their vision. I take pleasure in working with writers across a wide range of experience levels — including new writers, seasoned literary voices and subject matter experts seeking to translate their knowledge into digestible language.

I’d love to hear about what you’re working on! Please get in touch at sterncarly96@gmail.com to discuss bespoke editing packages and rates.

‘Effective editing’ Series

For Nieman Storyboard, I launched a new series exploring what makes an editor-writer partnership shine. I spoke with editors across the industry to reveal helpful nuggets about their creative process and how they cultivate the special chemistry with writers that helps a story reach its fullest potential. The series is meant to help aspiring editors hone their craft.

Teaching

In 2022, I designed and taught a new workshop series for Duke University journalism students on the business of freelancing. As the program’s first hire to cover this material, I taught students about how freelancers can market their services, diversify income streams, calculate the value of their time, monetize different writing-related skills, negotiate rates and contracts, find grants, understand liability, build a portfolio website and manage a variable income. I also offer 1:1 business coaching that covers these topics to aspiring freelancers and writers of all kinds.

How I work with clients:

“Carly has a truly impeccable eye. She has an amazing ability to get at the meat of an idea, ask the right questions and bring forth the most important elements of a piece. As a developmental editor, she helps hone in on the meaning behind your language and shapes structure accordingly. Her thoughtfulness, insight and empathy are matched by her sharp instincts, attention to detail and rigor. It is a brilliant combination and feels like a magic potion for bringing ideas to life. She is, simply put, a joy and an honor to work with.” —Jessica Petrow-Cohen, developmental editing client

“Saying that Carly was a pleasure to work with is an understatement. Carly starts the process with many clarifying questions to understand the essence of the idea, gives thorough and thoughtful feedback, and requests revisions based on that feedback. As the draft gets closer to completion, she has such a keen eye for grammar, sentence structure and flow. I would recommend Carly for any editing, but found her knowledge and skill particularly helpful for my grad school application essays.” —Erin Livingston, developmental editing client

“Carly is a talented writer who uses her skills to guide students in writing outstanding essays. She possesses an exceptional ability to connect with students and inspires new writers to explore their ideas — and express them confidently. Carly’s patient and collaborative approach makes the essay writing process both enjoyable and successful for students across all ranges of experience.” —Debra S., owner of Top Tier College Counseling and colleague

“For over five years, Carly has helped me craft columns, applications, and cover letters that I’m proud to submit. Her linguistic prowess has proven invaluable in helping me shape my narrative. In working with Carly, I’ve learned what a joy it can be to collaborate with an empathetic and skilled editor.” —McCall Wells, editing client