About Me

Hi! My name is Laura, the editor behind Penultimate Edits. 

Growing up, I always had my nose in a book. I was drawn to rich, immersive stories -- the kind that reveals something deeper about the world.

When I studied theatre in university, I resonated with the idea that art holds a mirror up to society and reflects back what it sees. Over time, I came to believe that good art—the kind that truly resonates emotionally and honestly—requires an understanding of what is in the mirror: how systems, behavior, and culture intersect to shape the world we live in.

This realization led me to the social sciences, where I learned the tools and frameworks to explore big-picture questions: Why are things the way they are? What shapes how people act and believe? And does it have to be this way? 

With my background in the social sciences and humanities, and the wide range of reading that comes with it, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on what makes writing effective. In my opinion, good writing clearly expresses thoughtful ideas, has a sound internal structure and logic, and stays true to the author's voice. Editing, therefore, is a gradual process of refinement to achieve this goal.

No matter the project, your work deserves thoughtful attention and respect for your ideas.

If you’re looking for an editor who is curious, collaborative, and not afraid to ask the tough questions, please check out my editorial packages and get in touch!

Coursework

Before launching Penultimate Edits, I spent years writing, re-writing, and editing in academic settings. At DePaul University and Northwestern University, I took a wide variety of classes, resulting in a interdisciplinary approach to writing and editing. Here is a small sample of the classes that have shaped my editorial approach: 

Writing and Communication ✍🏽  

  • Intermediate Composition: Business Communication

  • Reading and Writing Creative Nonfiction

  • Discourse Analysis

Storytelling and Media Studies 🎭

  • Dramatic Theory

  • History of Dramatic Literature

  • Topics in Media Studies: Monsters in Popular Culture 

Religion & Society 🕊️

  • Introduction to Catholicism

  • Catholicism and World History II

  • Early & Medieval Church History

  • Religion and Law

Social & Political Sciences 🧐

Health & Society⚕️

  • Bioethics

  • Health, Biomedicine, Culture, and Society

  • Medical Anthropology 

Psychology 🧠

  • Developmental Psychology

  • Psychopathology

Law, Politics, & Society ⚖️

  • American Government and Politics

  • Famines, Pandemics, Politics

  • Sociology of Organizations

My background in the humanities and social sciences has given me frameworks for understanding how people, culture, and environment intersect. These and many other courses also taught me how to critically read and evaluate a wide range of writing. Through collaborative workshops and peer editing, I developed the invaluable skill of tailoring my editorial approach to meet the needs of each person and their project.

If you’re looking for an editor who can meet you where you are—let’s chat!

Placeholder