I have been an academic and nonfiction editor for seventeen years, specializing in academic works in the social sciences and humanities, creative nonfiction, and memoir. I focus particularly on texts that offer a critical analysis of social and political issues, such as racism, anti-Black racism, colonialism, white supremacy, gender and sexuality, and wealth inequality.

I believe the written word is a powerful tool for change. You are here because you have written a book, report, article, whatever it might be, because you are passionate about something. I am passionate about ensuring that your writing is clear, precise, and persuasive, that you reach your audience, and that you inspire your readers to hope and act for something more.

I edit

• books and book chapters
• journal and magazine articles
• dissertations-to-books
• PhD dissertations and MA theses
• reports
• book proposals
• grant applications
• job applications
• tenure and promotion files
• web content
• and more!

Visit my projects page to view a selection of the texts I’ve worked on.

I offer

• developmental editing
• copy editing
• line editing
• manuscript evaluation
• proofreading
• sensitivity reading
• word count reduction

Visit my services page for more information on these different levels of editing.

I work with

• new scholars
• established scholars
• PhD and MA students
• community-based authors
• non-native English speakers
• research institutes
• publishers
• nonprofits

Send me an email and tell me about your project and what you’re looking for!

Wonderful words from some of the lovely people I’ve worked with

“I had the absolute pleasure of working with Candida on my monograph. Her careful reading and thorough editing led to a more polished product. I especially appreciated her efforts to maintain my voice as an author while gently suggesting ways to strengthen this voice. Perhaps what impressed me most was Candida’s knowledge on feminism, queer, and transgender issues, which came in useful for my book. It was also a joy to discuss these complex issues with her and she was always generous with her time when I had follow-up questions.”

Michelle H.S. Ho is an Assistant Professor of Feminist and Queer Cultural Studies at the National University of Singapore and the author of Emergent Genders: Innovating Categories and Living Otherwise in Tokyo.

“Candida is an excellent editor. I had the pleasure of working with her with her on my first book, and she made the process less intimidating and even fun. I appreciated having an editor with a wide knowledge of social justice, feminism, and social movements. Candida’s gentle encouragement and thoughtful questions helped me further develop my voice and articulate my arguments. She helped me grow as a writer. At all stages I felt that she had my back and supported me, from the reviewers’ comments and title discussions to the cover design. She is professional, skilled, and passionate about her work. I would highly recommend Candida and would be happy to work with her again!”

Krys Maki is the author of Ineligible: Single Mothers Under Welfare Surveillance

“I thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Candida. From our very first meeting she allowed me to express myself, what it was I needed, how best I liked to work, and what was important to me. She paid attention to what my writing challenges were and brought out my strong suites. As a neurodivergent writer, I felt that I was able to be myself, she never made me feel like I was too much. Her editing greatly enhanced my writing. She asked insightful questions, was knowledgeable, and well versed in the literature to offer valuable suggestions. Candida always came with astute precision and attention to detail. Thank you for taking my Ph.D. dissertation to the next level, Candida. I look forward to working with you again in the future.”

Dorothy Attakora-Gyan is the author of Becoming Rhizome-Tree: Black North American Highly Sensitive Feminists Shaming White Feminism as a Multiplicity

“There is a smile on my face as I read and re-read your letter. My head was nodding in assent and I actually said, “Yes, yes” to some of your most helpful and detailed comments on the proposal. In addition to being an excellent editor you are a fine teacher. The advice and suggestions you have provided will help me now and in the future. I particularly appreciate that you provide thoughtful and helpful corrective feedback and then provide an example of how I could do it better. Thank you. You have exceeded my expectations in so many ways and your advice will make this project much better.”

Paul L. Brown is the author of Accent on New Paltz: Turbulent Times in a Small Town

“Candida Hadley is an outstanding editor. I had the pleasure of working with Candida on my first book, and I can say without a doubt that the book was improved many times over through her thoughtful and intelligent editorial guidance. Her editorial work was rigorous in a way that pushed me to sharpen and deepen my analysis of the material, while also being supportive and encouraging. This included help with the overall crafting of the arguments, the tone of the writing, the use of evidence, and the more technical aspects of the style and writing. I would work with Candida again without any hesitation, and recommend her to anyone looking for professional editorial assistance.” 

David Thomas is an associate professor in Politics and International Relations at Mount Allison University and the author of Bombardier Abroad: Patterns of Dispossession

“Candida is an amazing editor. She suggested many, many changes that immediately and powerfully clarified what I had been trying to say. In her comments to me, she challenged me to do better, to be more critical, and more intellectually rigorous while she somehow simultaneously made me feel very much capable of those things. She deeply challenged me to do better while encouraging me and boosting my confidence, helping me feel capable of meeting the challenges she set. Both direct and gentle, she helped distill my muddy thoughts and messy ideas into something I feel very proud of. She encouraged me to put more of myself into the pages, to tell the story I want to tell, to let my own voice emerge. She guided me in ways that have made me a better writer, communicator, storyteller going forward. The book will have my name on it, but it was a collaborative endeavour with Candida through and through. I am really, really grateful to her and excited for any writers out there who get the chance to work with her!” 

Jen Gobby is a scholar-activist currently doing a postdoc at Concordia University and the author of More Powerful Together: Conversations with Climate Activists and Indigenous Land Defenders

Visit the Testimonials page for more!