By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively.

Developmental Editing & Writing Coaching

Hi, I'm Tess! I'm a developmental editor and writing coach with over a decade of experience helping professionals find their authentic writing voice.

I work with coaches, therapists, artists, physicians, scientists, and solopreneurs who are looking to build a public presence while staying true to their unique self. 

Working with me is different than just hiring a copy-editor to fix your work. My goal is to build your confidence and skill in communicating what you offer so that the more you work with me, the less you'll need me in the future!

Some of the things we can work on together include:
  • Website content development.
  • Web listings content development.
  • Short-form articles for blogs, newspapers, magazines.
  • Understanding writing basics and finding your voice.

Why Hire Me

I have a keen eye for communicating complex thoughts or data into simple language. 
  • PhD and MSc. Medical Anthropology, University of Oxford (2012-2018)
  • Former Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Writing for the Social Sciences at Wesleyan University (2018-2020). 
  • Current managing editor of Caring for the Ages, the official news publication of the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (since 2021).
I have a unique ability to understand your needs and mirror your writing style so that my edits feel authentic to your voice. 
  • ​I draw on my experience as an ethnographer/interviewer and natural ability to mirror and pattern language in order to develop content that feels right for you.
I'm trained in entrepreneurship and business development. 
  • 2017: Training at University of Oxford Entrepreneurship Centre
  • 2021: Training at Connecticut Small Business Development Center at the University of Connecticut.
I've been doing this since I was 19!
  • I started as a peer-writing tutor at the University of Connecticut during my first year of undergrad in 2005.

Testimonials
​"After using Grammarly Pro and spending time editing my website content with fellow female social entrepreneurs, I started working with Tess. This decision might easily be my smartest business move yet. Tess not only makes my content clear and compelling, but she also gives the writing my voice, and I see my personality coming through in her edits. Working with Tess brought me back ease and joy when thinking about how to tell my story and how to reach my clients. It allows me to focus on what I love to do and what I'm good at. She is asking me all the right questions, tuning into me, as well as into my clients, which leads to an abundance of accepted edits, instead of more work for me. Receiving her edits and comments is always a rich experience that helps me grow and see something from a new angle, as much as it is encouraging and nurturing." ​
-Carina Schmid, Resonant Healing Practitioner, Nurse, MPH

"I highly recommend Tess Bird for her exceptional editing work on my book, "Type Tricks: User Design". As a PhD holder, Tess has the academic skills and expertise necessary to bring a high level of professionalism and precision to her work. Throughout the editing process, Tess demonstrated a keen attention to detail and a deep understanding of language and communication. She was able to identify areas that needed improvement and provide insightful suggestions for how to make the content more clear, concise, and engaging. Her contributions helped to elevate the book and make it a more valuable resource for readers. Overall, I believe Tess would be an asset to any editorial project."
-Sofie Beier, PhD, Professor and Head of Centre for Visibility Design; author of Type Tricks: User Design.

Authenticity Package for Solopreneurs

Are you tired of constantly writing and re-writing your website because you're not sure if you're capturing your authentic self and your audience at the same time? I draw on my expertise in nuancing sentence structure, my skills as an ethnographer/interviewer, and numerous trainings in entrepreneurship and business development to bring you exactly where you want (and need) to be with your business or practice.

This ($350*) package includes:
  • Coaching call (1 hour) to understand your goals and help you overcome your communication-related self-doubts. 
  • Developmental edit on up to 3000 words of a rough draft of your website or other material (you write it first, and I offer extensive edits and feedback).
  • Second-round of feedback after you make edits on the document.
  • Final copy-edit of the material you decide to use.

*Additional words or rounds of edits incurs an additional cost.

English-Language or Content Editing

I also offer line-by-line editing for academics and other professionals. This is not just copy-editing or proof-reading. I pay attention to your goals and/or research (if applicable) and provide feedback about how to strengthen your work, including:
  • Academic journal articles
  • Magazine or newspaper articles
  • Blog posts or emails
  • Grant proposals

Rates start at $65/hour and time varies based on language skill. Estimates given when I see your document.

Ready to Get in Touch?

Email me: tessbbird [at] gmail.com or fill out the contact form.

​Please note that as I have a full-time job, I often need to schedule clients over the weekend.