
Laura Marshallsay, MA
I’ve led a varied and somewhat crazy life. But what a life it’s been!
I started my professional life as a soldier/administrator in the US Army. Over the years I have also been a secretary, mom, and even a tour guide. Then, when I was in my forties, I headed to university to study my two passions: history and writing. A few years ago, we moved to Germany, and I began editing professionally and teaching English as a foreign language.
So, why should you choose me for your editing needs? From a technical perspective, I have a deep understanding of grammar, voice, and structure. I know the issues writers face – particularly if English isn’t their first language. I am a specialist in the Chicago Manual of Style. I know how to create an argument and how to tell a story. But most importantly, I genuinely believe that words matter.
Contact me today, and let’s get started!
Professional experience
- Editor specializing in nonfiction and academic texts that use the Chicago Manual of Style. Clients include the journal Theological Studies and academics preparing articles for submission.
- More than six years experience as a Business English trainer in Frankfurt. Clients include top executives at Deka Bank, Helaba, Interxion, Logicor, and Jones Lang LaSalle.
- Interpretive historian at the US National Park Service, the Museum of American History (Smithsonian), as well as smaller community museums in Dorset, UK.
Certification and courses
- Structural editing, Simon Fraser University
- Line editing for fiction and creative nonfiction, Editorial Freelancers Association
- Developmental editing for academics, Manuscript Works
- Copyediting 1 & 2, Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading
- Introduction to fiction editing, Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading
- Fundamentals of editing, ACES/Poynter
- CELTA certification (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Cambridge Assessment, Cambridge University
Education
- Master’s degree in historical studies, public history track
Graduated summa cum laude (4.0 GPA)
- Bachelor’s degree in history and writing
Graduated magna cum laude (3.87 GPA); writing courses include:- The structure of English
- Advanced grammar
- Creative non-fiction
- The art of the essay
- Journalism
- Advanced exposition and argument