Question 1

Are proofreading and editing the same thing?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is no.

The long answer is that there are many levels of editing: Developmental editing, line editing, copyediting and proofreading.

Developmental editing deals with big-picture issues, such as character development and story arc. Although I don't offer developmental editing, I do provide manuscript evaluations. These are less invasive and much more cost-effective when working within a budget, offering guidance on what's working and where to improve.

Line editing improves sentence structure, pacing and logical flow.

Copyediting is more technical and improves clarity and consistency.

Having worked on many books, I find it's rare to work on a manuscript where line and copyediting don't overlap. This is why I combined line and copyediting into one service, so you get more bang for your buck.

Proofreading is the final stage of the editing process and deals with ONLY definitive errors. This includes slips such as spelling mistakes, typos, punctuation errors, capitalisation confusion and inconsistent formatting. This is NOT the time to make any major changes to the manuscript. Proofreading is the last time your manuscript will have expert eyes on it, and any changes could introduce errors back into the manuscript.

The lines between the levels of editing blur for different editors, so be sure to check that you're happy a service meets your expectations before hiring an editor.

Question 2

Can I proofread/edit my own work?

Accepted Answer

Self-editing is an important part of the editing process, but this is complementary to professional editing. As the writer, you become too familiar with the text to spot the errors. You see and read what you expect it to say, what's in your head, rather than what is typed on the page.

You may have spent weeks, months or even years developing your manuscript, and you've likely read it countless times, tweaking and self-editing bits as you go. But some errors get overlooked and/or introduced the more you read and edit it yourself.

Having a fresh pair of eyes look at your work and a professional's perspective could be the invaluable piece of insight you require when you want your writing at its best for your readers.

Is it time you got outside feedback on your writing? Let's chat!

Question 3

Can't I just use Grammarly or other editing tools?

Accepted Answer

Automated tools are good at helping you spot basic errors, but they can’t follow a plot, grasp subtext, or see gaps in character development.

As a trained professional, I bring the human perspective to editing: understanding nuance, pacing, and the emotional heart of a story, so your manuscript isn't just grammatically sound, but engaging and true to your vision.

That’s not to say they can’t help you self-edit to a degree, but they shouldn’t be relied upon, and issues regarding copyright and intellectual property need to be carefully considered before using such tools.

If you want a human editor, get in touch!

Question 4

How much will it cost to proofread or edit my book?

Accepted Answer

Lots of factors are taken into account when pricing a project, e.g. genre, word count, level of intervention and turnaround time. That's why all quotes are tailored to the individual author's manuscript.However, I know having a ballpark figure is really helpful for authors who are trying to budget for the essentials, which is why I show indicative prices on each service page so you aren't going into the process blind.I also accept payments in installments to make editing more affordable and flexible, so it's accessible to as many authors as possible.Contact me to find out your tailored quote based on your requirements.

Question 5

Can I pay in installments?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!For full-length manuscripts, your payments will already be split into two (50% payable upon booking and 50% payable upon completion), but I appreciate some authors need to spread the cost a little further to make it more affordable.If you have any concerns or queries about budgeting for your novel or want to discuss an installment plan suitable for you, get in touch. I'm sure we can find a solution.

Question 6

Will my manuscript be error free?

Accepted Answer

I strive to provide as clean and clear a manuscript as humanly possible. But no editor can guarantee 100% error-free writing. If they ever do, run a mile. That's a massive red flag!

Question 7

I don't live in the UK, can I still work with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I work with authors worldwide and edit primarily in UK, US and Canadian English, using the appropriate dictionaries and style guides that align with the author's preferences.

Typically, this is the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and Merriam-Webster for US and New Hart's Rules and the Oxford Dictionary for UK, but this is variable.

I'll work to any style guide you prefer, and if you've not already chosen one, we can decide on one together.

Sound good to you? Let's chat!

Question 8

Does my manuscript have to be complete?

Accepted Answer

To provide a combined line and copyedit or a proofread, a complete manuscript needs to be submitted.

Ideally, a full manuscript would also be submitted for a manuscript evaluation. However, I have helped authors struggling to bring their stories to a close by offering insights on what to focus on in their reports, allowing them to tie up the story with a renewed endpoint in mind.

If I feel you need more than my services provide, I can put you in touch with editor colleagues who may be better able to assist you.

Question 9

Do you offer sample edits?

Accepted Answer

Yes! A sample edit is a pretty crucial step for both editor and author. It's a big step handing over your book baby to someone else, and it's important you choose the right person to work with.Sample edits provide both of us with the information we need to ensure we're a good fit for one another.I offer two types of sample edits, and which one suits you best will depend on your budget.A 2,500-word sample edit (charged at a small fee): the best type of sample edit as the longer word count allows for a broader range of issues and extended problems to crop up, meaning you get a much better insight into whether I'm the right person to work with.
A free 500-word sample edit: for authors who are working to a really tight budget but still want a small snippet to see if we gel.Sample edits are available for combined line and copyediting, proofreading and audiobook script editing, so you can choose the right service for your needs. Why not book your sample edit and see if we're a good fit?

Mystery, Crime & Thriller • Romance & General Fiction • Children’s, Middle Grade & YA

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