For information and estimates, you can reach me at laura.b.garwood at gmail dot com. Giving me some background on your project, the word count, and information on what you might be looking for (what kind of editing or writing, for example, and any special goals or concerns) helps me give more precise estimates.

I am an experienced editor and writer with a master's degree and over a decade of experience, based in Sacramento, California. I have a bachelor's degree in English/French from UCLA, and a master's in writing/book publishing from Portland State University. 

While I specialize in editing book manuscripts for individuals or publishers (I've worked on a few hundred book projects to date), I also help clients with writing and editing of curriculum development projects, note taking, business materials, articles, short stories, websites, regulatory documents, and academic projects. I enjoy working with both local and remote clients, as I largely work electronically, often in Microsoft Word. I can also collaborate using Adobe Acrobat, Google Docs, or other programs as needed.

In addition to my own expertise, I am part of a vibrant community of editors, writers, designers, indexers, and more, and am able to provide quality referrals for services outside my areas of expertise. 

My Business

I have been running my own business since 2006. In the past, I was lifestyle department editor for intentionally urban magazine and senior editor for Ink&Paper Group, a Portland-based publishing company.  In addition to working on my own, I also subcontract for Indigo Editing & Publications and work as a contractor for Sacramento State University’s College of Continuing Education  and a number of private businesses and public entities. Please see my clients page for more information.

I am also available for speaking at workshops and writer's conferences. Most recently I spoke on a panel at the 2016 AWP conference and presented to the Capitol Crimes writing group and an Editorial Freelancers Association meeting. I am a member of the Northern California Chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association.

Laura Garwood, Editing and Writing Services is a California state-certified small (micro) business. My certification ID number is 1797148.

More Personally...

I have three children, a multitude of animals, and a new Star Wars–loving husband. I foster kittens and volunteer in my community, and I also enjoy laughing, playing outdoors, bicycling, and drinking wine and playing games with friends.

My personal blog: www.shortwinded.net

If you would like to watch a video of my reading in the Listen to Your Mother Show, you can find it here: