Hi there!
I'm Laura Burt.
I'm an enthusiastic writing coach and editor with two decades of varied experience working with publishers, nonprofits, and individual authors. I help writers resolve resistance to the process of creating their project by discussing their unique needs, and then providing customized frameworks for success.
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When I'm not at my desk, I can be found taking long walks in my local Puget Sound/South Salish Sea Region, birdwatching (especially hummingbirds), or playing catch with our family dog, Gus.
My Story
​I began my professional editing journey in the fall of 2008, when I interned at Butler Books in Louisville, Kentucky. During my internship, I worked closely with Chester (Chet) Zoeller to publish the first edition of his book, Bourbon in Kentucky: A History of Distilleries in Kentucky (now in its 5th edition). Working for a small, family-run publishing house was a foundational moment for me as an editor, shaping my supportive and encouraging approach toward writers who need a partner to help bring their best work to the world.
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My next experience was far weightier: in 2010 I went to work for the Department of the Army as a contractor, making sure that letters sent to the families of fallen Soldiers were 100% accurate, sensitively written and received in a timely manner. This work was deeply meaningful to me and remains one of the accomplishments of which I am most proud.
I moved across the country in 2011 and spent a short period focused on editing, when I volunteered for a few non-profits as a web editor. I also learned more about indexing and proofreading when I signed on to edit the manuscript for Colonial Rule and Social Change in Korea, 1910-1945, published in 2013 by the Journal of Korean Studies at University of Washington, Seattle. I then switched gears for about a decade, working first at the Department of the Army and later the Department of Veterans Affairs.
During this hiatus from professional editing, I was active in several book clubs and a writing group based in Tacoma, Washington. I most enjoyed giving feedback to fellow group members who had books of their own in development, and I kept my skills sharp by attending workshops and events like Write in the Harbor.
In 2022, I was approached by an accomplished Seattle art instructor to help her develop her next book idea into a manuscript. Instead of creating an artist's workbook, this would be her first book of personal essays, which required thoughtful curation and development. As I coached my client while she developed her personal essays, I provided her with organizational guidance, content management, and manuscript design. This experience convinced me that it was finally time to return to my most ardent career passion.
In 2023, I jumped into editing and coaching with both feet when I completed the University of Washington Certificate in Developmental Editing, and shortly after finishing the program I launched my freelance business, Intuitive Acuity Editing & Coaching. Now, I joyfully spend most of my time helping writers and creative people of all types craft their message to the world.
Now you know more about me, but what about you? What’s keeping you from sharing your writing project with the world? Working with me means having a supportive and knowledgeable guide alongside you during your writing process. Get in touch and let’s reveal the light you’ve been hiding!
"An editor doesn't just read, [s]he reads well, and reading well is a creative, powerful act." Susan Bell
Statement on Integrity, AI, and Inclusion
​I am committed to creating a container of confidentiality, compassion, authenticity, and positive support with my clients. This means I will not accept work from clients who rely solely on AI or chatbots to generate their work, unless the client substantially intervenes to craft meaning from the output.
I do not discriminate based on education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation or beliefs.
I support freedom of expression, however, I will not engage with clients whose work enables the degradation, oppression, or shaming of any group.