I specialize in academic works 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 a book, article, book chapter, thesis, proposal, web content, grant application, or tenure and promotion file, I help ensure that any writing project is ready to withstand the withering academic gaze.

I have been an editor for sixteen years. I worked as an acquisitions and development editor with an independent political/academic press for eleven years and have been freelancing full-time for five. Prior to this, I worked as a qualitative researcher in the university sector for nine years.

I offer developmental and stylistic editing, copy editing, proofreading, and sensitivity reading. 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:

“I had the absolute pleasure of working with Candida on my monograph. Her careful reading and thorough editing led to a more polished product. I especially appreciated her efforts to maintain my voice as an author while gently suggesting ways to strengthen this voice. Perhaps what impressed me most was Candida’s knowledge on feminism, queer, and transgender issues, which came in useful for my book. It was also a joy to discuss these complex issues with her and she was always generous with her time when I had follow-up questions. This was such a good experience that I recommended her to my collaborator when we had to co-author a book chapter, and my collaborator was also satisfied with the entire process.”

Michelle H.S. Ho is an Assistant Professor of Feminist and Queer Cultural Studies at the National University of Singapore and the author of Emergent Genders: Innovating Categories and Living Otherwise in Tokyo.

“Thank you for excellent feedback. I am deeply appreciative of your insight and ideas. This will definitely make the work better. I especially appreciate your words about which chapters did not feel comfortable to you. Thank you for sharing this, it is exactly what I needed to hear and is among the most valuable advice I have received. Your work will make a significant difference in the next stage of my writing.”

John Borrows is the Loveland Chair in Indigenous Law at the University of Toronto

“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

“There is a smile on my face as I read and re-read your letter. My head was nodding in assent and I actually said, “Yes, yes” to some of your most helpful and detailed comments on the proposal. In addition to being an excellent editor you are a fine teacher. The advice and suggestions you have provided will help me now and in the future. I particularly appreciate that you provide thoughtful and helpful corrective feedback and then provide an example of how I could do it better. Thank you. You have exceeded my expectations in so many ways and your advice will make this project much better.”

Paul L. Brown is the author of Accent on New Paltz: Turbulent Times in a Small Town

“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!