1to1researchrescue

Serves Salinas, CA

35244

Hired 236 times

Not yet available

14 years in business

Not yet available

4.9

This pro accepts payments via PayPal and Zelle.

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Credentials

Background Check

Debra Wood
Completed on 12/8/2020

Introduction

Experienced former University professor- I work exclusively in academics. I help students and faculty bring out the best in their projects through editing, data analysis, coaching, and guiding students through all steps of a dissertation or supporting faculty through the tenure/publishing process. I edit across many disciplines using APA and other styles, and can serve as a technical copy editor for projects that need early intervention or final editing. I am familiar with personalizing and enhancing AI-written documents in various disciplines. My services can help you at any stage and take your projects from cradle to grave. I also edit and write academic research grants and applications for student admission/fellowships, etc. Whether you need a little support or coaching, or a full-blown research rescue, I can help--- I have 25+ years in academic research as well as teaching, writing/editing, and consulting. I engage with my clients' goals and tailor my services to ensure satisfaction is guaranteed. All work is kept confidential. Please see below for the category of services that may fit your needs. For students: I have worked with hundreds of students to assist them with a variety of academic disciplines, including business, education, social sciences, psychology, biological sciences, engineering, and other hard sciences. I have deep experience in the process, and I can support you at every step and stage, for example, by helping with presentations and public speaking. I can assist you with data analysis and integrate your findings into writing that reflects your academic style. I have experience as a graduate admissions chair, and I can help develop your applications, essays, and strategies for securing scholarships or grants. Sorry, but I do not work with fiction, self-help, essays, personal stories, or with high school students. Skills: I am an APA, Chicago, and MLA editor as well as other science disciplinary styles. I know the ropes as academic grant writer for both government and private sources and work collaboratively with you. I can support quantitative and qualitative data analyses and help you find resources. For academic professionals: I assist faculty in preparing publications, grants, CVs, and job application packages. I will help take the load off your shoulders by suggesting strategies to meet your goals, as well as providing editing, writing, and data analysis services. I also coach English writing skills for those whose first language is not English. I build relationships with clients and know that when we work together, I am here for you.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

I work on a sliding scale and frequently try to "bundle" services if you need more than one service. No job is too big or too small. I make quotes on the draft to be edited and type of work to be done. Why? Because, for example, no two research papers, grant applications, or businesses are the same. Note schools and journals have differing requirements. The level of editing you need can differ greatly from someone else. Why should you pay a one-size fits all price when I can deliver service with fees that match your needs? Regardless of which style of writing and editing you must use, why should you pay for more than you need? Because I offer many different services, I can be one-stop shopping. If you need editing or writing, I make quotes directly on draft that you provide so that I can give you the best price possible as based on your needs. In this way I can do exactly what you need without giving a one-size fits all price. I can also provide several quotes that might meet your needs so that you can choose. I most often charge by page for writing and editing and sometimes by hour for coaching and other kinds of meetings. I give discounts for longer-term customers. I expect payment up front on small jobs but I can work out payments on larger jobs. My rates vary widely on page charges, from several dollars per page up to $35 or so for detailed developmental editing/writing. Similarly, the coaching rates vary mostly based on what your combined needs may be.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I need to know as much as you are comfortable with sharing about your needs. If its editing then I will ask to see documents prior to quoting on them. I make quotes directly on draft that you provide so that I can give you the best price possible as based on your needs. In this way I can do exactly what you need without giving a one-size fits service and one-size fits all pricing. Any document or information you send will remain confidential. When you contact me through Thumbtack I will provide you with an email to forward your document or you can post it for me on Thumbtack. If we decide to discuss your needs by phone then we can exchange a number via Thumbtack. Whether we communicate via email or phone, we can keep this documented on thumbtack if you want. A first short consultations by phone is free. As needed, I enjoy getting to know clients as needed so that I can offer them exactly what it is they want. I aim for personalized service and I am very thorough. The idea in communicating is for me to get your work done expediently and help you choose only the services you really need and not more than. One of the great joys I have is helping people succeed!

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have 30+ years of experience working with professional, students and colleagues in a traditional University, online & in consulting. I have a PhD in science from Ga. State University and an MBA/ Economics from Ga. Tech. I had additional training at UPENN and the University of Arizona I have been a research and teaching faculty at Case Western Reserve University as well as online. I have experience working across disciplines, including social sciences. I have more than a few publications. I have strong writing, quantitative skills and experience with qualitative research. I have experience with granting and career advising/coaching. I have given over 50 presentations and have facility with power point. I excel with helping students and professionals with writing, coaching and/or intervening on technical projects, dissertations and research projects to help improve them.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I found that early retirement was not for me :). I have discovered the joy of working from home and putting my many skills to work for my clients! I wanted to continue to use my skills with students, professionals, and business people in roles similar to those I have held over my career. I like nothing better than knowing my clients are succeeding in their pursuits. I have also worked with many students and professionals to help them consider their academic options, career options, fellowships and grants. I have worked with online students, as well as, within a traditional University. I have a business now so that I can continue to help people in the ways I enjoy most and provide services tailored to client needs.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I have worked with college students and professionals in across different points in their careers. I have worked with many folks for whom English is a second language. Also, people in school, working in different kinds of businesses, well as those in transition after completing degrees. I have collaborated with research and technical professionals on their projects. I enjoy helping clients with basic editing or coaching so we can together shape your writing and research ideas. For business professionals, I especially enjoy non-profit organizations because I enjoy working with mission oriented projects. I look for any client who needs someone who can pick up technical details quickly and provide I have analytical skills for quantitative or qualitative analyses.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

Three clients come to mind as ones in which both the client and I enjoyed. I have long-term clients but my goal is always to move them forward so that they achieve the goal or become independent of me. I firmly believe that it is unethical to work such that students, in particular, remain dependent on me. I enjoy long-term relationships but its up and out to success when you work with me! I recently did a full edit on a long dissertation for a student who had many ongoing changes in the work. The person was concerned about graduating "on time". We worked together to make sure all the requirements were satisfied over about a week's time. The student graduated and I helped the client get a faculty position with resume and letter writing support. We are now working on publishing the work. I had a short-term job with a professional whose first language was not English and needed help getting admitted to an accrediting program. This took only a couple of days to complete. I supported the essay and application process and this person met the requirements! I had another long-term client who was with me from the start of the doctoral work. This client has completed and is publishing the work. I am advising this person in start up of a nonprofit that I will likely join. I have great facility with coming up to speed on topics and helping people in variety of ways.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

If a professional has not seen the work to be done and they give a price or quote, then be cautious. I personally do not find that I can give someone the best price and and the best service until I have seen the work. Its worth your time to let a provider know as clearly as possible what your needs are. Not all editing jobs are created equal; for example, a copy editing job can vary quite a bit as to how much work is involved so let your provider know what you need and you should get a fair price in return. Its worth a minute to communicate this to me so that I can come up with the best price I can offer and really understand how I can help. Be aware of coaches who allow clients to become too dependent-- I work to help you become independent of me as soon as possible. For me, its a sign of success if I can do this. I can work on a variety of projects with you so let me know what it is you need in as much detail as you can. If you have a detailed project and/or one that will require relationship building and trust then talk to me about it. Whoever you hire, make sure they are transparent with you. I write up full contracts containing all info you need to know and with protections built in for the client. If confidentiality is an issue for you, make that clear and any consultant worthy of you will abide by this. Check out anyone's credentials before you sign up and ask questions. I am an open book for you so just contact me if you need more information

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Make sure they understand your needs-- ask them to tell you what they heard you say before you end a meeting or settle on a price. Ask about confidentiality regarding their services. Also, asked them about their customer satisfaction policies. Experience is important in the service area I cover and make sure you are aware of the experience someone has in these areas. Also see the question concerning advice for a customer-- I cover some of this above under that category.