Developmental Editing Services That Empower Nonfiction Authors to Create Their Best Works
I will help shape and refine your draft into a manuscript ready for publication. Together, we’ll make the writing process productive, fulfilling, and fun.
Focus areas include:
- Musicology (especially jazz)
- Pan-African studies
- Natural history (especially birds and birding)
- Alternative medicine
- Computer science
Consider visiting this page to see if we are simpatico.
Services
Testimonials
“Sean Dennis is an insightful, experienced, and very capable writing partner, providing excellent guidance for both structural and substantive editing. Plus, he is a pleasure to work with. I can recommend him for any project that you may want to elevate from good to great.”
“My experience working with Sean as an editor was seamless. At all times, he was very professional and prompt. However, what stands out most of all was that he offered a very educational and informative perspective, as all of his suggestions came with explanation. Working with him was easy due to his open-mindedness. I would recommend writers to work with Sean no matter what the content area, because this kind of editor is difficult to find.”
“I’ve written two books. The first was without Sean’s editorial help and wasn’t great (check the reviews). The second was with his help and turned out much better on all fronts. I’d believe these facts weren’t related if I didn’t enjoy working with Sean, appreciate his great feedback, or appreciate his wisdom for an inexperienced technical writer like me. Hope to work with him again in the future!”
“Sean was my excellent development editor for Manning Publication’s Learn Git in a Month of Lunches. He was inserted into the book’s development mid-stream, taking over from a transitioning editor. He handled this turnover with ease, getting up to speed quickly and diligently. Sean provided steady, constructive feedback as he oversaw a revamp of my table of contents and the delivery of several chapters. His guidance made the book clearer. He was terrific at managing not just my expectations but also the publisher’s, and I was grateful for his work on the book. I highly recommend him as an editor!”
“Sean has a wide-ranging knowledge of music and a great passion for sharing that knowledge. But know-how matters very little without a work ethic, and Sean also happens to be a dependable and enthusiastic editor”
“Sean was excellent in all aspects! He conducted an editorial assessment of my manuscript. He’s prompt, communicates effectively, and shared excellent and insightful comments (his critiques were gently delivered!). I highly recommend Sean, and plan to work with him again.”
Recent Projects
Taking Action Online for the Environment, Social Justice, and Sustainable Development
by Adam Rogers (in progress)
The Wonder of It All
by William Judge (Propertius Press, in progress)
Sacrifices and Betrayals: Black Africa, Black India, Black America
by Cherryl Garner, PhD (in progress)
Black Men’s Studies: Black Manhood and Masculinities in the U.S. Context
by Serie McDougal III, PhD (Peter Lang)
A Scrum Book: The Spirit of the Game
by Jeff Sutherland, James O. Coplien, and the Scrum Patterns Team (Pragmatic Press)
Career Experience
Currently, I serve as associate nonfiction editor for Propertius Press, copyeditor for Pragmatic Press, and volunteer proofreader for the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology. And—obviously—I selectively take on projects as a freelancer. My prior roles include:
- Associate Editor, JazzTimes and BirdWatching
- Quality Assurance Analyst, Fire Engine Red
- Developmental Editor, Manning Publications
- Senior Technical Writer, DataPath/Rockwell Collins
- Program Development Specialist, NOAA
- Multimedia Developer and Cofounder, Sage Island
