Every work of nonfiction, be it academic or popular, benefits from time, care, and multiple perspectives. As a developmental editor I work with nonfiction writers who seek to refine their arguments and present their ideas with clarity and precision. My own experiences as a writer of history and popular nonfiction gives me insight into the challenges of organizing research materials, framing an argument, and substantiating that argument over the course of a book-length project. I am glad to provide editorial services at any stage of the writing process, from discussing initial ideas and helping to plan book proposals, to reading manuscripts with care and offering suggestions at the level of the sentence.

Please contact me (ben dot wurgaft at gmail dot com) to discuss editorial engagements.

Testimonials:

Working with Ben has been a terrific experience! It became clear to me through our conversations and through his thoughtful feedback and valuable advice that Ben is an immensely generous reader who understands the task of editing as an effort to think with authors, to provide a space where their ideas can really develop and flourish.

– Nima Bassiri, Duke University

Ben is a fantastic developmental editor! He is patient, meticulous, and intellectually generous. Our work together proved crucial for completing my scholarly manuscript. Despite my demanding deadlines, he was able to provide careful and thoughtful comments on each of my chapters. As I restructured the book, Ben helped me make difficult editing decisions that improved my writing and deepened my arguments. It was clear from the start that he is an expert in academic publishing, and I highly recommend him to any scholar navigating this highly demanding market.  

– Neta Alexander, Colgate University, NY