You've done the hard work—the research, the analysis, the long hours at your desk. Now let me help you cross the finish line with a manuscript that's clear, compelling, and submission-ready.
I'm Wendi Griffiths, current Assistant Editor for the Journal of the Society for American Music (JSAM), with years of experience in copyediting, arts marketing, and academic writing. I specialize in working with music scholars—graduate students, early-career researchers, and published academics—who want their work to shine. I am a current DMA candidate at the University of Iowa just finalizing my own dissertation, so I understand the process and all the feelings that come along.
My background isn't just in editing; it's in music. I understand the discipline, the terminology, and the specific expectations of musicology journals and dissertation committees. You don't have to explain your field to me—I already speak your language.
I'm Wendi Griffiths, current Assistant Editor for the Journal of the Society for American Music (JSAM), with years of experience in copyediting, arts marketing, and academic writing. I specialize in working with music scholars—graduate students, early-career researchers, and published academics—who want their work to shine. I am a current DMA candidate at the University of Iowa just finalizing my own dissertation, so I understand the process and all the feelings that come along.
My background isn't just in editing; it's in music. I understand the discipline, the terminology, and the specific expectations of musicology journals and dissertation committees. You don't have to explain your field to me—I already speak your language.
Why work with me?
Credentials That Matter |
What This Means For You |
Assistant Editor, JSAM |
I know exactly what journal editors and peer reviewers are looking for. I can help you avoid common pitfalls and meet publication standards on your first submission. |
Arts Marketing Background |
I understand how to communicate clearly and persuasively—not just for academics, but for broader audiences. Your writing will be accessible without losing scholarly rigor. |
Dissertation Editing Experience |
I've copyedited dissertations from start to finish, as well as writing my own. I know the structure, the formatting demands, and the emotional weight of this process. |
Musician & Scholar |
I'm not just an editor—I'm a colleague who understands your field. I know what "historically informed performance" means. I can untangle a messy footnote. I care about your work. |
SERVICES, PACKAGES & PRICING
Choose the Package That Fits Your Needs
Choose the Package That Fits Your Needs
Value |
The Polish |
The Comprehensive Edit |
Best For |
Clients with a solid draft who need a final polish before submission |
Clients who want deep, structural feedback alongside line-level editing |
Copyediting |
✅ Grammar, spelling, punctuation |
✅ Grammar, spelling, punctuation |
Style Guide Alignment |
✅ Chicago, APA, MLA, or your preferred style |
✅ Chicago, APA, MLA, or your preferred style |
Footnote/Bibliography Formatting |
✅ |
✅ |
Structural Feedback |
❌ |
✅ Flow, argument clarity, chapter transitions |
Heavy Copyediting |
❌ |
✅ Conciseness, wordiness, awkward phrasing |
Two Rounds of Review |
❌ |
✅ Initial edit + final check after your revisions |
Price |
$0.04–$0.06/word* |
$0.08–$0.12/word* |
*rates vary based on scope and type of project
Pricing
I charge on a per-word basis, which ensures you're only paying for the work your project actually needs.
Pricing
I charge on a per-word basis, which ensures you're only paying for the work your project actually needs.
These are estimates based on typical project lengths. Your final quote will depend on your specific word count, timeline, and editing needs.
Payment terms: 50% deposit due at the contract signing, The rest will be due prior to the release of the finalized files.
Not sure what your project will cost? No problem. Contact me for a free, no-obligation quote. I'll ask you a few quick questions and give you a clear, upfront price.
Payment terms: 50% deposit due at the contract signing, The rest will be due prior to the release of the finalized files.
Not sure what your project will cost? No problem. Contact me for a free, no-obligation quote. I'll ask you a few quick questions and give you a clear, upfront price.
Add-On: The Accountability Accelerator
"I have the draft. I just can't make myself sit down and finish it."
I hear this all the time. If you struggle with time blindness, task paralysis, or competing demands, this add-on is for you.
What's Included:
"I have the draft. I just can't make myself sit down and finish it."
I hear this all the time. If you struggle with time blindness, task paralysis, or competing demands, this add-on is for you.
What's Included:
- Personalized writing schedule broken into weekly milestones
- Weekly 15-minute check-in calls (Zoom or phone) to review progress, troubleshoot blocks, and set goals for the week ahead
- Brief email support between sessions for quick questions
Option |
Price |
Best For |
Per Session |
$75/session |
Testing it out or just need 1–2 weeks of structure |
Monthly Retainer (4 sessions) |
$250/month |
Clients with a clear deadline 1–3 months out |
Bundle with Comprehensive Edit |
$200/month |
Maximum value—editing + accountability together |
The Accountability Accelerator can be added to any editing package or purchased on its own.
WHAT I EDIT
I work with:
I specialize in musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, and performance studies—but I'm open to other humanities and social science fields as well.
I work with:
- Dissertations & Theses (from proposal to final submission)
- Journal Articles (pre-submission or post-review revisions)
- Book Manuscripts (monographs, edited volumes, chapters)
- Conference Papers (ready for publication or presentation)
- Grant Proposals & Fellowship Applications
I specialize in musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, and performance studies—but I'm open to other humanities and social science fields as well.
MY PROCESS
Here's how we work together:
Here's how we work together:
- Free Consultation: You tell me about your project, your timeline, and your goals. I give you a quote and answer any questions.
- Quote & Contract: You approve the quote, and we sign a simple contract outlining scope, timeline, and payment terms.
- You Send Your Manuscript: I review it and get to work.
- I Edit & Return: I deliver your edited manuscript with tracked changes and a summary of major revisions.
- Review & Final Check: You review my edits, accept or reject changes, and ask questions. If you purchased the Comprehensive Edit, I do a final pass.
- You Submit (with confidence!).
TESTIMONIALS SECTION
"I honestly don't know if I would have made it through the thesis process as smoothly without Wendi's support. Her regular check-ins gave me the accountability I needed to keep moving forward, even on the days when the work felt like too much. Knowing I had someone checking in on my progress made it much easier to stay focused.
Wendi was also incredibly helpful with editing my thesis. Her feedback helped me express my ideas more clearly and gave me confidence in the work I was producing.
Finishing a thesis is no small thing, and I'm so extremely grateful Wendi was part of that journey. Her support made a difficult process feel more manageable, and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone who needs accountability, encouragement, and thoughtful writing support."
-Halie A., DMA, University of Iowa
"I honestly don't know if I would have made it through the thesis process as smoothly without Wendi's support. Her regular check-ins gave me the accountability I needed to keep moving forward, even on the days when the work felt like too much. Knowing I had someone checking in on my progress made it much easier to stay focused.
Wendi was also incredibly helpful with editing my thesis. Her feedback helped me express my ideas more clearly and gave me confidence in the work I was producing.
Finishing a thesis is no small thing, and I'm so extremely grateful Wendi was part of that journey. Her support made a difficult process feel more manageable, and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone who needs accountability, encouragement, and thoughtful writing support."
-Halie A., DMA, University of Iowa
Ready to Get Started?
Let's talk about your project. I'll give you a free, no-obligation quote based on your word count, timeline, and editing needs.
I respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
Let's talk about your project. I'll give you a free, no-obligation quote based on your word count, timeline, and editing needs.
I respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
FAQ SECTION
Q: What's the difference between copyediting and proofreading?
A: Copyediting addresses grammar, clarity, flow, and style consistency. Proofreading is the final polish—checking for typos and formatting errors after all other edits are complete. My packages include copyediting (and proofreading as part of the process).
Q: How do you handle confidentiality?
A: Your work is your work. I sign a confidentiality agreement as part of our contract, and I never share your manuscript or any part of it with anyone.
Q: What if I don't like the edits?
A: All edits are made using tracked changes, so you can accept or reject each suggestion individually. My job is to improve your work, not to change your voice.
Q: Do you work with non-native English speakers?
A: Absolutely. I have experience working with scholars from around the world and can help ensure your work meets the language expectations of Anglophone journals and committees.
Q: What's the difference between copyediting and proofreading?
A: Copyediting addresses grammar, clarity, flow, and style consistency. Proofreading is the final polish—checking for typos and formatting errors after all other edits are complete. My packages include copyediting (and proofreading as part of the process).
Q: How do you handle confidentiality?
A: Your work is your work. I sign a confidentiality agreement as part of our contract, and I never share your manuscript or any part of it with anyone.
Q: What if I don't like the edits?
A: All edits are made using tracked changes, so you can accept or reject each suggestion individually. My job is to improve your work, not to change your voice.
Q: Do you work with non-native English speakers?
A: Absolutely. I have experience working with scholars from around the world and can help ensure your work meets the language expectations of Anglophone journals and committees.
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