I specialize in academic works, particularly in the social sciences and humanities, narrative nonfiction, and memoir. I am particularly interested in books that offer a critical analysis of social and political issues, such as racism, anti-Black racism, colonialism, white supremacy, gender and sexuality, poverty, and the like.

Whether it’s an article, book chapter, thesis, book, proposal, web content, or grant application, I help ensure that any writing project is ready to withstand the withering academic gaze.

I have eleven years experience as an acquisitions and development editor with an independent political/academic press and nine years experience as a researcher in the university sector.

I offer developmental and stylistic editing, copy editing, proofreading, and sensitivity reading as well as research and fact-checking. Visit my services page for more information, or send me an email and we’ll figure it out!

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

“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

“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

“I was most fortunate to work with Candida, a gentle, skilful, and wise editor. She provided solid guidance and direction and raised insightful questions and comments that helped sharpen my points. She offered helpful understanding, empathy, and support whenever I indulged in sharing some of those ‘writer’s obsessions’!” 

David Forbes recently retired from Brooklyn College, CUNY and is the author of Mindfulness and Its Discontents: Education, Self, and Social Transformation

“I doubt my book would have ever made it into the world without Candida’s superb editing. Although rigorous and exacting, she is also an incredibly generous and supportive editor who helps the author realize and communicate their vision. I always had a sense she had my back and every stage of the process went smoothly and professionally. She has particularly acute skills at helping to pitch the manuscript to its intended audience.  I have worked with other excellent editors, but can say unconditionally that Candida is the best!” 

Eva Mackey is a professor in the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies, Carleton University and the author of Unsettled Expectations: Uncertainty, Land and Settler Decolonization

Visit the Testimonials page for more!