Writing Support for Academics
Developmental Editing, Coaching,
& Small-Group Programs
Hi there. I’m Ellen Tilton-Cantrell, PhD, the editor and writing coach at Tilia.
I provide thoughtful developmental feedback and deft edits to help scholarly writers reach their target readers more effectively. I also offer three group programs that include a coaching component.
As an editor, my focus is on your writing. I may help you clarify your ideas & argument or shape your draft to feel more engaging and satisfying. As a coach, I can also support you in navigating emotional blocks or logistical challenges to getting writing done.
Scholarly Books | Book Proposals | Journal Articles | Essays
“Ellen [is] an incredibly sensitive reader...I needed someone to help streamline prose, but to also suss out any potential gaps in argument. Ellen helped retain my voice while consistently improving the text’s tightness and clarity. ”
“After I got back my assessment, I kept joking to my friends that my manuscript felt ‘seen,’ but truly, that’s how it felt! The over-arching argument that Ellen was able to identify—with clarity and precision—would have taken me, on my own, several drafts and a lot of frustration to see my way to. As I continue to revise, Ellen’s notes, chapter title suggestions, and questions to provoke more thinking are my foundational guides. I wish everyone could have this experience!”
“ I have been immensely impressed by Ellen’s professionalism and expertise. Ellen’s comments on my manuscript are incisive, thoughtful, and help me to ‘see the forest’ again instead of the trees. No one has read my work with such care and generosity of spirit since my days as a student. The experience has been so different from the academic peer review process where people offer all sorts of advice on one’s work but not always with the intention of making the project better. I had a deep sense from Ellen’s comments that she wanted to help make the project better and that has made all the difference (plus her formidable editorial skills as well!).”