Editorial services
Editorial expertise in books, periodicals and digital.
I bring over 30 years of experience in publishing and editorial leadership to help authors, publishers and organizations craft compelling content.
My work spans acquisitions, developmental editing, copyediting and proofreading, content strategy and editorial direction. (Note: I’m not using Oxford commas here, but I use them where the style calls for it.)
Great editing is about honoring an author’s vision and voice while helping them improve clarity and impact. Whether working with first-time authors or established voices, my goal is always the same: to help ideas reach their fullest potential.
Services
Copyediting and proofreading
Work with authors and publishers to edit for clarity, word choice, proofreading and fact-checking. Much as I love big picture work, this is where I’m in the zone.
Developmental editing
Work with authors to strengthen structure, voice and argument from early drafts to finished manuscripts.
Content strategy
Develop editorial vision and content plans for publications, journals and digital platforms.
Editorial direction
Serve as interim or consulting editorial director for publishers and organizations.
Areas of expertise
While I work across many genres, I have particular depth in:
Editorial experience
Editor, Paraclete Press
Acquired over 35 titles during my tenure, working with diverse voices in Christian spirituality, contemplative practice, and faith formation. Effectively editor-in-chief for all lines except art and poetry. Managed projects from acquisition through publication, including developmental editing and creating original content.
Director of Content, Patheos
Led content strategy and editorial operations for one of the web’s largest platforms for religious and spiritual conversation, spanning Catholic and Evangelical to Pagan and Atheist perspectives.
Editorial Director, Spiritual Directors International
Was editor-in-chief of Presence, SDI’s esteemed journal, working with thought leaders and practitioners in spiritual direction and contemplative practice across multiple faith traditions, and handled weekly emails and other content for the nonprofit.
Technology Editor, Computer Reseller News
On senior editorial team of industry’s top weekly publication. Assigned and edited hundreds of stories and wrote two regular columns.
Why work with me?
Deep subject matter knowledge. With about 30 years of meditation practice, training in spiritual direction, and extensive work in contemplative traditions, I bring genuine understanding to spiritual content. Originally a coder and IT manager, then in tech media, then back to the industry as a director of product design, I have never stopped being immersed in the latest tech developments. With decades of sobriety and a lifetime of exploring self-improvement strategies, I come with both understanding of and appreciation for the desire to be and do better.
Proven track record. From acquiring and editing dozens of titles at book publisher Paraclete Press to leading editorial efforts at major platforms and weekly and monthly periodicals, I have a history of bringing quality work to publication.
Collaborative approach. Whether working with authors, publishers or content teams, I believe the best work emerges from thoughtful partnership and mutual respect.
Additional background
Beyond editorial work, I offer spiritual direction to individual clients, lead a weekly contemplative group at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle and give talks and workshops on contemplative practices and issues. Until recently, I was Executive Director of Underhill House, a contemplative space in Seattle. This ongoing immersion in spiritual practice and community keeps me connected and grounded.
Let’s work together
Whether you’re an author seeking editing, a publisher looking for editorial support or consulting, or an organization needing editorial leadership, I’d love to explore how I can help.
What authors say
We had an incredible experience working with Phil on our copyediting project! He was highly responsive, prompt, and completed the project well-within our preferred timeframe. His edits were exceptionally accurate and truly additive—and we even learned a lot through his thoughtful feedback (didn’t know it’s “home in on,” not *“hone in on”!). His expertise in Chicago style was evident throughout—better than some publishers we’ve worked with in the past. We would absolutely work with him again and highly recommend his services.
Phil is the consummate copy editing professional. He is a grammarian and a wordsmith. I feel fortunate to have found him. Thank you, Reedsy! Phil made my manuscript tighter, more engaging and more readable. I give him my highest recommendation. I only hope he doesn’t feel the necessity to copy edit this note. He’ll find all kinds of errors, I’m sure.
Working with Phil was a very positive experience from start to finish. He provided thoughtful, detailed feedback that greatly improved the structure, clarity, and overall flow of my manuscript. His comments were professional, constructive, and easy to understand, even as a first-time author. What I appreciated most was that Phil did not just correct grammar or wording—he really took the time to understand the purpose of the book and the audience I am trying to help. His suggestions strengthened the introduction, transitions, chapter organization, and overall reader experience while still preserving my voice. He was also flexible, respectful of my budget, and easy to communicate with throughout the process. I always felt that he genuinely cared about helping me create the best possible version of the book. I would absolutely recommend Phil to any author looking for a professional editor who is thorough, supportive, and experienced, especially for nonfiction and self-help projects.
I am extremely pleased with the quality of work and attention to detail that Phil brought to my book project. His line editing and proofreading were exceptional. I was consistently impressed by the details he caught, the thoughtful questions he asked, and his ability to identify areas that needed greater clarity. Rather than simply correcting mistakes, Phil helped strengthen the overall message and flow of the book. His feedback made the manuscript more readable, more polished, and ultimately more impactful. Throughout the process, he was professional, thorough, and genuinely invested in helping me produce the best book possible. I would highly recommend Phil to any author looking for a skilled editor. When I begin my next project, Phil will be one of the first people I contact. His expertise helped make my book sound better, flow better, and communicate more clearly to readers.
Phil was very thorough and provided detailed feedback. He did not force his thoughts into the material, even as he provided strong structure to the book. He gave recommendations in places and lets the author decide on changes, which is great.
Phil is popular so it took awhile for him to get started (due to his other projects), but after that he made quick work on my book and it was completed on time. Easy to work with and I will hire him again. Great editor.
Reach out and say hi
If any of this interests you, please reach out and say hi. Whether it’s to talk about spiritual direction, editing, some other collaboration or just to connect, send me a note or ask for a 15-minute chat on Zoom. I look forward to connecting.
Or email me at phil -at- philfoxrose -dot- com.