Mission-Led Individuals & Organizations
copyediting, line editing, conscious language reviewing
You have a vision. You’re on a mission. Make sure the language in your writing supports them both.
Do you need editing support for reports, blogs, white papers, or other vehicles of communication? Are you searching for a copyeditor who can follow your organization’s conscientiously developed style guide to the smallest detail? Do you need to fine-tune or standardize the language and tone in your messaging to suit your audience, especially when the piece is a team project?
I work to help your words illuminate pressing issues and inspire action. Individuals, nonprofits, and businesses—especially those serving in the areas of health, education, environment, and equity and justice—find a committed partner and true champion in me.
“Dana has done a fantastic job editing reports for the Union of Concerned Scientists. She is responsive, offers excellent suggestions, and is careful about keeping the author’s intended meaning and voice. She provides detailed comments about why she makes certain changes, which has proved helpful for authors in improving their writing and avoiding specific problems in future work. In addition, she is particularly knowledgeable about DEI-related language and references. We’re happy to count on her for regular assignments!“
BRYAN WADSWORTH, FORMER MANAGING EDITOR, UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS (written with input from two lead authors)
Other testimonials
I consider Dana to be my official copyeditor for all my writing, which includes scriptwriting, grant writing, web page presentations, descriptions for exhibited artworks, even film credit formatting. Most recently, Dana worked on an edited volume of essays involving 25 authors, How to Respond in a Pandemic: 25 Ideas from 25 Disciplines of Study. Dana’s copyediting established a coherence to the many voices, and her attention to detail was essential for ensuring that footnotes and references met professional standards. Writing is difficult, and readers are impatient when things are not clear. Everyone needs careful eyes as keen as Dana’s to assess their writing and make it better. — Joan Ferrante, PhD, Professor of Sociology at Northern Kentucky University; Founder and Director of the Mourning the Creation of Racial Categories Project
Though there were times I agonized with my writing, Dana was there as a coach and advisor, encouraging me to relax, breathe, and continue to push on. She was a sounding board, and she always assured me that my audience would value my authentic voice. — T. Scott Madry, PhD, TSMadry Group
Select projects
Buettgens, Matthew, and Jameson Carter. 2025. How Disruptions in Coverage Can Be Minimized for Medicaid and CHIP Enrollees Due for Renewal [Issue brief]. The Commonwealth Fund.
Caldas, Astrid, Lanor Curole, Juan Declet-Berreto, Hilton Kelley, Eva Olivas, J. Pablo Ortiz-Partida, Alicia Race, Tania Rosario Méndez, and Reverend Leo Wooberry. 2023. Building Community Resilience: Lessons from Frontline Leaders. Union of Concerned Scientists.
Cummings, Linda. 2022. Listening to Black Californians: How the Health Care System Undermines Their Pursuit of Good Health. California Health Care Foundation.
Dahl, Kristina, Juan Declet-Barreto, Rachel Cleetus, Erika Spanger, Shana Udvardy, Philip Thompson, Pamela Worth, and Astrid Caldas. 2024. Looming Deadlines for Coastal Resilience: Rising Seas, Disruptive Tides, and Risks to Coastal Infrastructure. Union of Concerned Scientists.
García, Paula, Juan Declet-Barreto, Sofia Owen, Caitlin Peale Sloan, Sital Sathia, and John Walkey. 2024. Siting for a Cleaner, More Equitable Grid in Massachusetts. Alternatives for Community and Environment, Conservation Law Foundation, GreenRoots, and the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Gomberg, Sam, Rachel Licker, Sital Sathia, and Pamela Worth. 2025. Keeping Everyone’s Lights On: How to Build an Equitable, Climate-Resilient Power Grid. Union of Concerned Scientists.
Gordon-Rogers, Liza, and Nafa Rose. 2026. Blocked from the Ballot Box: Structural Obstacles Depress Turnout, Exacerbate Ballot Rejections Across Racial Lines. Union of Concerned Scientists.
Hailer, Laurie, Jacqueline Miller, and Susan Chapman. 2024. Cancer Registrar Workload and Staffing Study: Guidelines for Hospital Cancer Registry Programs. Healthforce Center at UCSF.
Healthforce Center at UCSF. 2025. Addressing the Behavioral Health Workforce Needs of the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department. County of Santa Clara.
Merner, L. Delta, Carly A. Phillips, and Kathy Mulvey. 2024. Research Areas for Climate Litigation. Union of Concerned Scientists.
Newman, Matthew. 2022. Expanding Substance Use Care: Health Plan Teams Up with Seven California Counties. California Health Care Foundation.
Phillips, Carly, and Kristina Dahl. 2022. Fire and Water in the Western United States: How Worsening Wildfires Threaten Water Resources in the West. Union of Concerned Scientists.
Rogers, John, Maria Fernanda Chavez, and Julie McNamara. 2024. Beyond the Smokestack: Assessing the Impacts of Approaches to Cutting Gas Plant Pollution [Issue brief]. Union of Concerned Scientists.
Shen, Kevin X., Dave Cooke, Emmanuell De Barros, Mike Christensen, Kim Mitchell, and Dorothy Wiley. 2024. Freedom to Move: Investing in Transportation Choices for a Clean, Prosperous, and Just Future. Union of Concerned Scientists.
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