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.
For more detailed information on my professional experience, see my LinkedIn profile here.
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
