Editorial
I understand that asking a stranger to edit your work can be a daunting prospect, so let me put your mind at ease…
I believe that the relationship between a writer and their editor should be a creative partnership. So if you’re nervous about having your work professionally edited, don’t think of it as having your homework marked by a scary teacher with a red pen. I will work with you to make your book the best it possibly can be; something you can be really proud of.
They’re your ideas, your words – I’m there to support, advise and encourage. Sometimes a gentle push (more of a nudge, really) helps a writer to realise their potential, but it’s not my job to criticise, scold or dictate. If you choose to work with me, all editorial feedback will be delivered with sensitivity, care and a constructive plan to move forward.
I know that figuring out what sort of editing you need can be a confusing process, so here I’ve listed the services I currently offer and what each includes. The specifics will vary, depending on what you would find most helpful, so we will always discuss and agree on a clear brief before deciding to proceed.
If you have any questions about the services I offer, would like to discuss my fees or aren’t sure what you need, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Editorial Services
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Manuscript Assessment
WHAT IS IT?
A manuscript assessment is focused on the ‘big picture’ of your book, rather than granular detail. It does not include any direct editorial work on the text itself.
WHEN DO I NEED IT?
Whenever you feel that expert feedback or guidance would be most helpful!
WHAT WILL I GET?
~An editorial report including a clear overview of the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses, with practical steps to help you move your draft forward or to resolve specific issues.
~The report may also include advice on how to pitch your book and guidance on approaching agents/self-publishing, if that is something you have requested.
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Development Editing
WHAT IS IT?
A development edit focuses on the plot/thesis of your book, and other essential elements such as structure, pacing, character, style and dialogue. It also includes on-manuscript edits.
WHEN DO I NEED IT?
This sort of editing is most often carried out on a complete first draft.
WHAT WILL I GET?
~A detailed editorial report addressing what is and isn’t working in the current draft – always with constructive and practical advice to help you move forward.
~A marked-up manuscript highlighting specific examples of issues identified in the report, as well as sensitive line-edits to the text where appropriate.
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Copyediting
WHAT IS IT?
A copyedit is a detailed edit of the manuscript, focusing on spelling, grammar, punctuation, accuracy, consistency and formatting, on a line-by-line basis
WHEN DO I NEED IT?
A copyedit is ideally carried out on the final draft – the last round of editorial work before layout.
WHAT WILL I GET?
~A fully edited manuscript, with all amends in Track Changes for you to review.
~A style sheet and list of any outstanding queries.
~If appropriate, layout/formatting instructions for a designer/typesetter.
If you’re about to embark on editing your own work (a worthwhile – some would say essential – step, even if you’re planning on working with a professional editor), I have a handy blog with ten tips to help you navigate the process. It’s written with non-fiction writers in mind, but plenty of the techniques will translate to fiction.
I also offer one-to-one sessions over Zoom for writers who would like to explore their options or who are looking for long-term editorial support.
“It was like removing layers of crumpled brown paper from an awkwardly shaped parcel, and revealing the attractive present which it contained.”
— Diana Athill, Stet: An Editor’s Life