@PoliSciPHD

So committed and professional. I couldn't ask for a better editor.

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@Profesora_de_historia

I won't trust another editor!

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Trusted by 250+ Academics and Writers

Sensitive, affirming editing
and coaching for scholars who
carry more—at work and at home

Sensitive, affirming editing
and coaching for scholars who carry more—at work
and at home

Sensitive, affirming editing
and coaching for scholars who
carry more—at work and at home

Banish high-stakes stress and deliver your submissions calmly, confidently, and on time with the help of a subject-matter expert.

Banish high-stakes stress and deliver your submissions calmly, confidently, and on time with the help of a subject-matter expert.

Banish high-stakes stress and deliver your submissions calmly, confidently, and on time with the help of a subject-matter expert.

Book a Call

Book a Call

Let's explore how I can help you…

Let's explore how I can help you…

You need an academic editor if you're feeling :

You need an academic
editor if you're feeling :

• Overburdened and exhausted by too many high-stakes projects.
• Worried about doing right by the communities that your research represents.
• Guilty that you don't have enough time for your kids, family, and friends without sacrificing your work.

I know that pressure well, but it doesn't have to be this way.

That's why I built my academic editing service around one guiding principle:

• Overburdened and exhausted by too many high-stakes projects.
• Worried about doing right by the communities that your research represents.
• Guilty that you don't have enough time for your kids, family, and friends without sacrificing your work.

I know that pressure well, but it doesn't have to be this way.

That's why I built my academic editing service around one guiding principle:

Laura Vasquez Bass, PhD

Laura Vasquez Bass, PhD

to preserve the nuance, care, and politics of your research while ensuring it’s polished and publication-ready.

My expertly informed, fast editing service takes the burden off your shoulders so you're free to move on to the next project…and rest in between!

to preserve the nuance, care, and politics of your research while ensuring it’s polished and publication-ready.

My expertly informed, fast editing service takes the burden off your shoulders so you're free to move on to the next project…and rest in between!

Your Problem
  • I'm overburdened and exhausted.
  • These deadlines are killing me!
  • Asking an outsider for help is hard.
  • I don't want my work to be sanitized.
  • Where do I cut? It's all too important.
  • I'm overburdened and exhausted.
  • These deadlines are killing me!
  • Asking an outsider for help is hard.
  • I don't want my work to be sanitized.
  • Where do I cut? It's all too important.
My Solution
  • I edit, so you don't have to.
  • Fast turnaround, letting you move on.
  • Work with a trusted collaborator.
  • I stand by your politics, always.
  • Let me worry about the cuts.
  • I edit, so you don't have to.
  • Fast turnaround, letting you move on.
  • Work with a trusted collaborator.
  • I stand by your politics, always.
  • Let me worry about the cuts.

How can we work together?

Maybe you keep pushing the submission deadline on your book because you're scared to outsource the tedious editing. Or, maybe you're hesitant to make the cuts the journal or publisher are demanding because it's all so important! I get it, and I can help. Here's an overview of how we can work together:

01
Message, Share, and Quote
Message, Share, and Quote

Tell me about your project, send me a draft (rough is fine), and approve my up-front quote.

Tell me about your project, send me a draft (rough is fine), and approve my up-front quote.

02
I Do My Editing Magic
I Do My Editing Magic

 I work within your deadline to get your work polished and publication-ready.

 I work within your deadline to get your work polished and publication-ready.

03
Fast, Finished Docs Incoming
Fast, Finished Docs Incoming

Sit back. Relax. Play with your kids. Get other things done. Your clean copy is on the way! 

Sit back. Relax. Play with your kids. Get other things done. Your clean copy is on the way! 

04
Publish and Move On
Publish and Move On

Press that submit button and move on with your life.

Press that submit button and move on with your life.

Serving scholars in:

  • Africana Studies

  • American Studies

  • Anthropology

  • Architecture

  • Caribbean Studies

  • Criminology

  • Cultural Studies

  • Education

  • Global Black Studies

  • History

  • Latin American Studies

  • Law

  • Literature

  • Modern Languages

  • Political Science

  • Psychology

  • Sociology

and more

What can I help you with?

Explore my simple packages, designed with your needs in mind

What can I help you with?

Explore my simple packages, designed with your needs in mind

The

Lighten

Edit

Corrects surface errors at a budget-friendly price. Ideal for manuscripts already in good shape, without sentence-level intervention on word choice, flow, or logic.

Features included:

  • Citation adherence correction

  • Guideline-accurate formatting

  • Typo & punctuation correction

  • Egregious grammar correction

  • No sentence-level editing

The

Lift

Edit

A comprehensive, line-by-line edit covering everything needed for a polished, publication-ready manuscript. Ideal for complete manuscripts needing a thorough clean-up.

Features included:

  • Full grammar & punctuation correction

  • Citation adherence correction

  • Guideline-accurate formatting

  • Sentence-level clarity improvement

  • Consistency across all elements

The

Elevate

Edit

The most comprehensive service—combining meticulous line-level editing with developmental feedback that sharpens your argument, structure, and flow. For manuscripts that need to be not just polished, but truly publication-ready at every level.

High Demand

Features included:

  • Full grammar & punctuation correction

  • Citation adherence correction

  • Guideline-accurate formatting

  • Sentence-level clarity improvements

  • Argument, structure & flow feedback

The

Transform

Edit

Big-picture developmental editing that deepens the impact of your ideas while preserving their integrity. For scholars who need more than clean writing, but an expert collaborator who engages seriously with the work itself.

Features included:

  • Argument & logic feedback

  • Structure & flow recommendations

  • Content & restructuring suggestions

  • Style & writing improvements

  • Detailed comments & collaboration

Do you need more than editing? If you’re a grad student parent or caregiver seeking dissertation support, here’s how I can help

The Graduating Parent: Dissertation Support for Grad Student Parents

Does childcare keep eating into your writing sessions?
Do the constant interruptions mean your writing flow is non-existent?
Is your advisor breathing down your neck about missed submission deadlines?

Does childcare keep eating
into your writing sessions?
Do the constant interruptions mean
your writing flow is non-existent?
Is your advisor breathing down your neck
about missed submission deadlines?

I've been there and it was miserable, but it doesn't have to be that way for you.

I edited and revised my PhD dissertation myself while juggling caring for my toddler and passed my defense with distinction.

I can guide you through my proven process and help you reach the finish line too.

Who is it for?

For parents, caregivers, or those who are “carrying more” in their personal lives who are struggling to finish their dissertations and want to do so.

How will it help me?

  • This program will provide you with the framework for a consistent, realistic writing routine that will enable you to finish your dissertation on time.

  • Designed to anticipate interruptions and derailment, you will learn how to pick up where you left off when the expected unexpected happens.

  • You will receive regular and consistent support, accountability, and gentle, empathetic motivation to keep persevering on hard days and weeks.

The Graduating Parent Dissertation Program

Get in touch

Build a less stressful, sustainable writing routine that works around your schedule and time constraints.

Build a less stressful, sustainable writing routine that works around your schedule and time constraints.

Book a Call

Book a Call

What’s included:

  • 8 weeks of 1-hour dedicated developmental feedback sessions on your work.

  • Custom writing framework created around your family's routine.

  • 2 weekly email check-ins, offering support and accountability.

  • 2 optional crisis calls as needed

  • 2 optional crisis calls as needed.

  • My expertly designed resources for success:

    • Interruption-Proof Writing Toolkit

    • Bulletproof Argument Blueprint

    • Dissertation Structure Workbook

Kind words from my clients

Kind words from my clients

  • Professor Donette Francis

    Associate Professor of English and American Studies; Director, Center for Global Black Studies, University of Miami, FL, USA

    Laura is a very thorough editor. She reads closely and carefully raises questions to help the author see gaps and connect dots. I'd recommend her services to all academics and researchers; she’s the best editor!

  • Professor Donette Francis

    Associate Professor of English and American Studies; Director, Center for Global Black Studies, University of Miami, FL, USA

    Laura is a very thorough editor. She reads closely and carefully raises questions to help the author see gaps and connect dots. I'd recommend her services to all academics and researchers; she’s the best editor!

  • Ellaina Jancewicz

    Master of Counselling, City University in Canada

    Great experience with Laura. She was prompt with her work and made very thorough adjustments while still keeping the work my own. Absolutely work with her!



  • Ellaina Jancewicz

    Master of Counselling, City University in Canada

    Great experience with Laura. She was prompt with her work and made very thorough adjustments while still keeping the work my own. Absolutely work with her!



  • Mohammed Hettini

    CEO and Founder, UniNewsletter

    Laura's eagle-eye attention to detail, commitment to safeguarding scholarly voice, and ability to strengthen argumentation and structure while remaining sensitive to political research set her apart as an editor. She brings deep compassion to her work, understanding the pressures academics face—particularly those balancing caregiving and other significant responsibilities—while communicating with warmth, ease, and a genuinely cheery demeanor. Laura consistently meets even the most rigid deadlines, making her a calm, trusted partner in demanding academic environments.

  • Mohammed Hettini

    CEO and Founder, UniNewsletter

    Laura's eagle-eye attention to detail, commitment to safeguarding scholarly voice, and ability to strengthen argumentation and structure while remaining sensitive to political research set her apart as an editor. She brings deep compassion to her work, understanding the pressures academics face—particularly those balancing caregiving and other significant responsibilities—while communicating with warmth, ease, and a genuinely cheery demeanor. Laura consistently meets even the most rigid deadlines, making her a calm, trusted partner in demanding academic environments.

  • Miguel Antony

    Former Assistant Editor, Anthurium: A Caribbean Studies Journal

    Laura is a very skilled editor. Her detail-oriented nature combined with her knowledge of academic publishing workflows help any academic who works with her to reduce the stress and uncertainty that often comes with academic publishing. She is very organized, always meets deadlines, and is a pleasure to work with.

  • Miguel Antony

    Former Assistant Editor, Anthurium: A Caribbean Studies Journal

    Laura is a very skilled editor. Her detail-oriented nature combined with her knowledge of academic publishing workflows help any academic who works with her to reduce the stress and uncertainty that often comes with academic publishing. She is very organized, always meets deadlines, and is a pleasure to work with.

  • Katey Warrener

    Master of Counselling, City University in Canada

    I had a wonderful experience working with Laura. Her edits were incredibly thorough and improved the clarity, flow and overall quality of my paper. The turnaround time was fast, communication was excellent and I truly appreciate Laura's thoughtful feedback. I highly recommend her services to anyone needing academic editing!

  • Katey Warrener

    Master of Counselling, City University in Canada

    I had a wonderful experience working with Laura. Her edits were incredibly thorough and improved the clarity, flow and overall quality of my paper. The turnaround time was fast, communication was excellent and I truly appreciate Laura's thoughtful feedback. I highly recommend her services to anyone needing academic editing!

About Laura

About Laura

Laura Vasquez Bass, PhD, is an editor, writer, and educator who holds a BA in English (first-class honors) and MA in Contemporary Writing from Queen Mary, University of London, U.K., as well as an MA and PhD in English (distinction) from the University of Miami, Florida. Since initially pursuing her undergraduate degree in 2011, Laura has centralized transnational questions of race, gender, class, empire, and immigration in her research. As an academic editor, Laura particularly enjoys working with clients who share these intellectual interests and social justice causes.

During her doctorate, Laura served as a Writing Consultant in the UMiami Libraries Writing Center. She logged 250+ hours of individualized academic writing support for tenured professors, graduate students, and undergraduates, evaluating peer-reviewed articles, dissertation chapters, graduate school admissions essays etc. As a Lecturer, Laura designed and taught academic writing classes through literary and cultural studies for two years, delivering tutorials on best writing practices, grammar and punctuation, and MLA, Chicago, and APA citation styles.

In 2018, Laura began working as an Assistant Editor of Anthurium: A Caribbean Studies Journal, becoming the Managing Editor in 2019-2020 and again from 2021 until 2022. During her tenure, Laura copyedited, proofed, provided developmental feedback and guided through peer-review and typesetting over 180 academic journal articles and additional creative writings. She served as ME for two Special Issues, including for the groundbreaking, Looking for Black Miami, which is the most viewed, cited, and downloaded issue in the journal’s 20-year history.

In 2024, Laura joined the multilingual, global higher education magazine UniNewsletter, becoming its inaugural Editor in Chief. In this role, Laura works with researchers, educators, students, and higher education leaders and industry professionals from all over the world to facilitate connections between diverse institutions and scholars. In 2025, Laura provided developmental and copyediting services for a forthcoming edited collection under contract with University of Florida Press, and subsequently launched Atlantic Editorial. As well as providing editorial support for academics and higher education professionals, Laura also coaches graduate students who are parents/caregivers toward completing their dissertations through her program, The Graduating Parent.

Laura left London, her home, in 2017 to pursue her doctoral studies in the US, where she met her husband. They currently reside in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with their son. She still has her accent :).

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FAQS

Barriers to stress-free, timely publishing

Please send me a message for any other questions.

You’re constantly overwhelmed by your professional and personal responsibilities. And now, more than ever, your work requires the scrutiny of an expert eye…

How quickly can you return my paper?

I can generally get a <10k word paper delivered back to you in 3 days or less.

How soon do I have to pay once work has been completed?
Do you accept institutional funds?
If I enroll in your 8-week dissertation coaching program, do I get a discount on copyediting and formatting services?

Publish and Flourish: Tips for Excelling at Academic Publishing and Surviving the PhD

A PhD and former journal Managing Editor spilling the tea on academic publishing, dissertation survival, and thriving in academia—without losing yourself in the process. No gatekeeping or jargon. Just friendly and supportive advice from someone who's been in your shoes.

Publish and Flourish: Tips for Excelling at Academic Publishing and Surviving the PhD

A PhD and former journal Managing Editor spilling the tea on academic publishing, dissertation survival, and thriving in academia—without losing yourself in the process. No gatekeeping or jargon. Just friendly and supportive advice from someone who's been in your shoes.

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How to Know When to Hire an Academic Editor

Rather than offering you a prescriptive timeline, here are the key factors to consider when deciding whether to hire an academic editor sooner (or later) in your process. Once you've reflected on these considerations, you might find the answer of when to hire becomes radically less complicated.

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How I Finished My PhD as a Toddler Mom (and How You Can Do It, Too)

After the birth of my son, I faced extreme isolation, Postpartum Anxiety (PPA), breastfeeding struggles, adrenal fatigue and chronically high cortisol levels, constant pain from diastasis recti, a child who needed surgery at six months old, and more. And then I was expected to return to teaching and writing my dissertation as if my body and mind had not just gone through the beautiful trauma of creating and nurturing a life.

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How I Finished My PhD as a Toddler Mom (and How You Can Do It, Too)

After the birth of my son, I faced extreme isolation, Postpartum Anxiety (PPA), breastfeeding struggles, adrenal fatigue and chronically high cortisol levels, constant pain from diastasis recti, a child who needed surgery at six months old, and more. And then I was expected to return to teaching and writing my dissertation as if my body and mind had not just gone through the beautiful trauma of creating and nurturing a life.

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Hate it or love it, "Wuthering Heights" (2026) shows the power of a developmental edit

An academic editor went on a toddlerless V-day date to see Wuthering Heights (2026)—and ended up exploring obsession, fantasy, and the power of a developmental edit.

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Hate it or love it, "Wuthering Heights" (2026) shows the power of a developmental edit

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How to start writing a dissertation: 3 practical strategies

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank document and then quietly Googling "how do I start my dissertation?," you are not alone. If you’re stuck on how to start writing your dissertation and get that momentum going, here are three strategies that work—especially for high-achieving, thoughtful scholars who feel the weight of the work.

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How to start writing a dissertation: 3 practical strategies

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank document and then quietly Googling "how do I start my dissertation?," you are not alone. If you’re stuck on how to start writing your dissertation and get that momentum going, here are three strategies that work—especially for high-achieving, thoughtful scholars who feel the weight of the work.

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5 Reasons Why Your Article is Not Getting Published—With Solutions

You've poured so many of your precious work and personal hours into perfecting an article. You finally click "Submit" and feel so relieved. And then, after perhaps months or—let's face it, maybe years—you receive a cold rejection email. Or worse, the journal ghosts you completely. This is a really hard but unfortunately very common occurrence in academic publishing. Why is it so hard to get your article published when you're putting in all the work you should be?

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5 Reasons Why Your Article is Not Getting Published—With Solutions

You've poured so many of your precious work and personal hours into perfecting an article. You finally click "Submit" and feel so relieved. And then, after perhaps months or—let's face it, maybe years—you receive a cold rejection email. Or worse, the journal ghosts you completely. This is a really hard but unfortunately very common occurrence in academic publishing. Why is it so hard to get your article published when you're putting in all the work you should be?

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When deadlines are immovable, expectations are high, and the work itself carries intellectual, political, or emotional weight, self-care can feel like a luxury you simply don’t have.

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Ready to Carry Less?

Whether you're a faculty member who needs editorial support for an article or a book, or a grad student who's struggling to complete your dissertation—I can help lighten your load. Let’s chat.

Book a Call

Share the Load!

No Editor? No Problem

No Time to Edit? Fixed

Get Published Faster!

Banish overwhelm!

Ready to Carry Less?

Whether you're a faculty member who needs editorial support for an article or a book, or a grad student who's struggling to complete your dissertation—I can help lighten your load. Let’s chat.

Book a Call

Share the Load!

No Editor? No Problem

Fixed CTR

Get Published Faster!

Ready to Carry Less?

Whether you're a faculty member who needs editorial support for an article or a book, or a grad student who's struggling to complete your dissertation—I can help lighten your load. Let’s chat.

Book a Call

Share the Load!

No Editor? No Problem

No Time to Edit? Fixed

Get Published Faster!

Banish overwhelm!