My Approach

Whether you’re self-publishing your novel or non-fiction work, finalising your manuscript for submission to a publisher, writing your thesis or compiling your family history, I can help you shape your work into its most eloquent expression.

It can be utterly nerve-wracking to hand over your manuscript for evaluation, which is why I edit with the intrinsic understanding that this is your work, your voice, your labour of love. My approach is to work in collaboration with you, offering honest and constructive feedback while preserving your style, honouring your vision and respecting your expertise. Your work will be in safe hands.

I’d love to hear about your project. To find out more about how I can help, contact me here.

Stages of Editing

Manuscripts typically go through a few stages of editing, and most writers find they need a combination of these to bring their work to a level they’re happy with.

I offer four stages of manuscript editing; if you’re unsure where to start, I can help you determine the most appropriate editorial journey for your project. Each stage requires a different perspective, from a big-picture view down to the finely detailed business of line editing and proofreading.

Manuscript Assessment

This is an editorial overview of your manuscript. It’s a really useful way to gain a fresh perspective of your work that’s more affordable than a full developmental edit. I’ll read carefully through your manuscript and provide a report discussing what works and what perhaps doesn’t work, and review elements relevant to its genre, such as story, plot, characters, pacing and craft. I’ll suggest areas that might need revision, and offer insight into a reader’s experience of your work.  

Developmental Editing

Whereas a manuscript assessment provides an editorial overview, developmental editing (also known as structural editing) gets right to the heart of your manuscript and helps you identify and resolve potential issues. I’ll consider who will read your work and why, looking closely at how it’s structured, and provide detailed feedback on how to best shape your manuscript so that it reflects your vision. In a developmental edit for a fiction manuscript, I’ll look at elements such as narrative viewpoint, timeline, plotting, and character arcs, as well as setting, pacing, voice, tone and writing craft.

CopyEditing

Once you’re happy with the shape, substance and structure of your manuscript, it’s time for a tight copyedit. I’ll go through your manuscript meticulously, line by line, and using Track Changes I’ll offer suggestions regarding style, rhythm and the technicalities of grammar. I’ll check for clarity, consistency, correctness and coherence; flag any awkward, ambiguous or contradictory phrasing; and point out any anachronisms, repetitions or writerly tics that might have crept in.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the final fine-tooth comb through your work, focussing on how it looks on the page. I’ll sift through your words, ensuring everything is in order, addressing any missing sections or misplaced paragraphs, and highlighting any typographical or punctuation mistakes.