Julie McGonegal

Strong writing is as much about style as it is about substance. As a published author and editor with a PhD in English literature, I am committed to helping my clients convey nuanced ideas with clarity and eloquence. Let me help you craft language that informs and illuminates. I offer a full range of editorial services and a genuine spirit of support. 

I specialize in serious non-fiction, including academic writing, and invite manuscripts in the fields of literature, cultural studies, sociology, political science, history, philosophy, and theology. For academics, I offer expertise in editing the following: book manuscripts, dissertations, scholarly articles, conference papers, abstracts, grant materials, and curricula vitae. 

I have a special passion for projects related to social justice, together with a solid background of working with non-profit organizations. For non-profits, I edit content for newsletters, magazines, and websites, among other media. Closest to my heart are issues of Indigenous justice, climate change, and social equality.

Bio

I began my career as an academic. After completing a PhD and postdoctoral fellowship in English literature, I decided to pursue editing in a full-time capacity.  My passion for editing was first sparked through my service on the editorial board of a scholarly journal, and as co-editor of a substantial collection of essays (Literature for Our Times, Rodopi Press). As a published author of a book (Imagining Justice, McGill-Queens UP) and several articles in journals and magazines, I know how important it is to have a knowledgeable and encouraging editor by your side. I have been working as an editor for more than a decade now, always with the aim of treating others’ words with the same care that I do my own.

Education

PhD, English, McMaster University, 2004.

MA, English, McMaster University, 2000.

BA Honours, English and Political Science, University of Western Ontario, 1999.

Selected Publications

Imagining Justice:  The Politics of Postcolonial Forgiveness and Reconciliation. Kingston:  McGill-Queen’s University Press.

Literature for Our Times: Postcolonial Studies in the Twenty-First Century. Co-edited with Bill Ashcroft, Ranjini Mendis, and Arun Mukherjee. New York: Rodopi Press. 

Testimonials

“Julie is an excellent editor who helped me refine my manuscript and bring out my own voice even more clearly. As she approached my work, she listened to and addressed my needs, while simultaneously providing her own independent and professional judgment with clarity and encouragement. Her attention to detail was just what I needed to complete my work.”
– John Borrows, Loveland Chair in Indigenous Law, University of Toronto Faculty of Law

“Julie is well-informed, prompt, has a keen eye for detail, and is genuinely engaged in the work she is reading. She is a pleasure to work with. Thank you, Julie!”  – Dr. Chandrima Chakraborty, Associate Professor, McMaster University

“I want to stress what a positive and rewarding experience this has been for me. If I hadn’t contacted you for your editorial services, my paper would probably still be sitting on my desk, untouched and unread. I wanted to convert the paper into an article, but I felt overwhelmed and uncertain. Truly, your advice about how to restructure and supplement the paper was the kickstart I needed, giving me the motivation to move forward with confidence. What’s more is that I was able to revise, and then revise and resubmit, the paper without getting sidetracked or falling behind on my dissertation writing–in large part because I was able to rely on your consultation and advice to walk me through every step along the way. You’ve helped me to manage my time and keep my anxiety levels to a minimum. I can’t thank you enough.” – Lindsay Diehl, PhD Candidate, University of British Columbia

“I just finished reading your comments and corrections, and was very impressed. They were brilliant. Your comments were insightful and your corrections were well explained.  Also, I cannot thank you enough for your promptness. I would gladly recommend you to anyone seeking an editor and look forward to working with you again in the near future.”  – Sandra Comeau, PhD