I work with writers, of fiction and non-fiction and for all sorts of audiences, both through their publishers and directly. For authors working with me directly, I provide many of the services I provide to publishers, including:

• Proofreading
• Copy editing
• Formatting to a publisher’s style or for self-publishing platforms like KDP/Amazon

Types of edit for authors and writers

However, I also offer services specific to authors, including the following types of edit:

• Option 1: A full developmental edit. This is usually a two-pass edit, although some manuscripts need additional edits and I include these in the price. I provide a full editing report when I return the first edit. The objective is to develop the copy, line edit, proofread and bring the work to a point where it’s ready for the author to submit to agents/publishers or to upload to a self-publishing platform.
• Option 2: A single-pass development edit. I return a fully marked-up line edit and an editing report, but it is up to the author to accept or reject my suggestions and then formulate and work in their amends and responses to my questions. The objective is to develop the book to its optimal form and correct spelling, grammar, etc. as required. However, it does not include some of the options included in Option 1, e.g. I don’t work in amends or provide a proofread or formatting of the final manuscript.
• Option 3: A manuscript critique with suggestions for development. This is similar to option 2, but lighter on the inline mark-up and with a focus on the editing report. It identifies the strengths, weaknesses and options to optimise the book, but provides less detailed line-by-line editing and mark-up.

How I work with authors and writers

PLEASE NOTE (yes, this is so important to me that I’ve deliberately used capitals and bold and italics!) I believe very strongly in collaborative editing. So, I work with authors who want to create the best version of their copy, are willing to engage in discussion where appropriate, and appreciate that my edits are suggestions and conversation starters, not demands or attempts to rewrite their book! I understand that ownership of the work remains with the author at all times. I am interested in friendly, respectful and collaborative working to produce great outcomes.

On the fIip side of that, I am very much NOT interested in hierarchy, conflict or editing copy that only exists to settle scores or make other people feel bad (my blog post here explains that further).

If that hasn’t put you off, and actually sounds rather interesting, please get in touch!