Editorial services
Need some help developing or polishing your book?
My approach to editing is to be kind, while remaining honest. I’ve written and published my own books, signed with a literary agent, and worked on over 200 titles for big publishers and indie authors. I know exactly what it’s like to pour all your time, energy and love into a dream project, and to feel overwhelmed and nervous about what comes next.
Any writing challenge you’ve been through, odds are, I’ve experienced it, too – from completing a first draft to fighting your way out of the slush pile. This industry is hard, and that’s why I believe every writer deserves to work with someone who is friendly, supportive and on their side.
You’ve done the hard part – writing the book. I can make the next step less daunting.
I work with authors around the world!
I’m based in the UK, but I work with authors all over the globe. I’m familiar with both US and UK English.
Services
Full developmental edit
extensive big-picture editing
Developmental editing is designed to help you craft a stronger story from start to finish. It pairs a comprehensive editorial report with direct comments in your manuscript, so I can guide you with examples and constructive feedback throughout every single chapter of your book. This edit is extensive, covering all big-picture elements, and also includes optional phone consultation time with me.
Manuscript assessment
constructive feedback
A manuscript assessment is a different form of developmental editing. You’ll receive a constructive and detailed report focusing on all the big-picture elements of your book, including guidance on strengths and weaknesses, how your book fits into the market, and how you can improve your story. Some examples from the text are included, but there are no in-manuscript comments. A manuscript assessment is designed to give you a detailed overview of areas you can improve during redrafts.
Copy and line editing
sentence-level craft
A copyedit fixes things at a technical level: changes are made to improve the accuracy, consistency, and flow of the text, and errors are corrected. Line editing is more stylistic and in-depth and is sometimes known as heavy copyediting. It looks at flow, sense, word choice, passages that could read better, and so on.
Proofreading
the final polish
Proofreading is the final step in the editorial process before publication. It comes after a story has been developmentally edited and copyedited. But it’s more than just a quick read-through! Proofreading involves careful, meticulous attention to detail, since the proofreader is the last person to see a project before publication. It’s the last line of defence!
Frequently Asked Questions
what genres do you edit?
I have experience working across a wide range of genres, although my specialisms are fantasy, romance, and YA. Other genres and age ranges I’ve worked on include: sci-fi, thrillers, historical fiction, cozy mysteries, and middle grade.
how much does it cost?
Every editing project is unique and requires a different amount of work. This is why it’s difficult to put a fixed price on editing without knowing more about the project. Prices vary depending on length and complexity, and how long the edit will take. I typically ask to see a sample before providing a quote in full. To get an idea of what to expect, I base my prices on the CIEP’s suggested minimum rates and the Editorial Freelancers Association’s rate chart. If we decide to work together, I require a 25% booking deposit (non-refundable), with the final amount payable on completion.
how long does editing take?
For most book-length projects, my usual time frame is three to four weeks. Some developmental editing projects may take six to eight weeks, depending on the word count. When you become a client, we’ll set dates for the project that work for us both.
can you fit me in next week/month?
These days, as my business has grown, I’m usually booking around three to five months in advance, although I do sometimes have earlier spots open up due to cancellations. If you’d like to get on my calendar, please contact me as soon as possible to secure your spot.
do you do free sample edits?
I charge a small fee for a 1,000 word sample, which is deducted from your price if we end up working together. A small number of authors try to cheat editors into doing free work on a manuscript by sending chapters to many editors, which is why I choose to charge for samples. I go into this in more depth in a blog post here.
can you review my book after you edit it?
No, sorry. It’s a conflict of interest, and it’s also against the terms and conditions of retailers such as Amazon.
i’m a teen author – can you work with me?
No, sorry! I only work with authors over the age of eighteen. But I know other editors who work with teens, so feel free to contact me for some recommendations.