How It Works
Core book editing services
Copyediting, proofreading, manuscript assessment
First things first, will we make a good team?
We're a good fit if:
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You have or will soon have a completed literary or contemporary genre fiction manuscript, which may include YA, romance, thriller, crime, dystopia, dark fiction, fantasy, erotica, or more, but excluding epic fantasy, historical and picture books
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You have at least some creative writing experience (from courses or self-taught), and are open to further learning​
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You have worked on your manuscript extensively, rewriting and self-editing until you can do no more, and/or require further guidance
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You have a clear goal for your manuscript and are serious about reaching it
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You have at least some understanding of how the publishing industry works, either self-publishing or traditional, and are open to learning more if required
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You are passionate about your writing, eager to learn and improve, and welcome practical, constructive feedback
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You are ready to invest in your writing, level up your manuscript, and take a major leap towards meeting or sustaining your publishing goals
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If this isn't you, I'm not the best match for you right now, but another editor might be.
However, if this is you, let me answer some of your questions to help you decide whether to drop me a line...
How will you work on my book?
Twenty-four hours before we've agreed the work will begin or sooner, I'll need you to email your manuscript to me in its entirety in a Word document. Microsoft Word is preferred for the ease and convenience of its Track Changes facility. With Track Changes you'll be able to view every alteration and tweak I’ve made (during a copyedit and proofread), and choose whether to Accept or Reject them.
It also allows me to add comments as I work, so I can explain to you my reasons for altering the text, and/or provide suggestions and discussion notes for your reference. If you are unfamiliar with Word’s Track Changes, take a look at my short tutorial here. TC is a marvel, and allows for a clear, efficient method of collaboration.
During a copyedit or proofread, I will run fiction-editing-specific macros (commands) through your manuscript to pick out initial errors, such as typos or inconsistencies. These applications are stored on my own laptop, under my own private license, and are protected by up-to-date antivirus applications.
In other words, your work will be safeguarded to the best of my ability whilst in my possession, and not exposed to any outside sources. I will respect your privacy and protect your work at all times, and you can learn more about this in my Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, as well as read my comments on the use of AI in fiction writing and fiction editing here.
Following these initial checks, the real work begins - that which can't be done by a machine. This is where I work through your entire manuscript from first page to last - once on screen, and a second time on paper.
During a manuscript assessment, I will take a deep dive into your manuscript, evaluating all its major elements. Whilst I won't undertake any rewriting of the book for you, I will compile extensive feedback that will give you the tools to make those changes for yourself, should they be required.
As an author myself, I know how nerve-jangling it can be to transition your work from the safety of your desk to the wide-open (and often harsh) public arena; as such, please rest assured the feedback I provide will be respectful and supportive, but it will also be honest and pragmatic, to help you develop your manuscript and tell the story you want to tell in the best possible way.
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PLEASE NOTE: My specialisms are literary and contemporary genre fiction. If you write in another genre but would still like me to take a look and quote, then of course get in touch and we'll see if I could offer the value you and your book need. However, I would refer historical, epic fantasy and picture-book writers to editors with specialist expertise and experience in these genres.
How long will it take you to work on my book?
Naturally this depends on the word-length of your manuscript and the amount of work required. As a rough guide, a novel of 80,000 words takes between two to four weeks, depending on the type of service needed, the genre, complexity, and amount of work involved. If this is your first time working with me, allow up to four weeks, so I can get to know your writing style. Each service includes two consecutive passes of your manuscript.
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I work on the basis of quality before speed to ensure I give your book 100% of my care and attention. When I hand your manuscript back to you, I want to feel certain I have done everything I can to get it into shape for the next stage of its journey. However, I understand time is not always on our side, and in these instances I will respect any forthcoming deadlines if I believe I can do so without compromising on value.
If my current availability dictates I'm unable to meet your deadline, this will of course be clarified at the time of quotation.
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At the time of booking, start and completion dates will be confirmed so we are both clear on the schedule. You can learn more about this in my Terms and Conditions.
What do I receive when the work is complete?
On completion of a copyedit or proofread, you'll receive two versions of your manuscript - a Tracked copy and a Clean copy (the latter with all my changes accepted and comments removed). In addition, you'll receive a Style Sheet, listing all the formatting and stylistic choices (e.g. spelling and numerical styles, UK or US English, etc) that have been consistently applied throughout the manuscript.
The style sheet is essential for anyone working on the manuscript subsequently, and/or useful for your reference if you are writing a book series and wish to be consistent across all the instalments. You can view a sample of one of my style sheets here.
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In addition to these documents you will receive my feedback, either in the accompanying email or a separate document.
On completion of a manuscript assessment, you'll receive a multi-page report (usually between 25-30 pages) in the form of a PDF document, with a breakdown of each of the main elements of your story, how they work individually and as a collective; strengths and weaknesses; also, the areas where improvement could be beneficial and ways in which you could approach amendments. I'll also return your manuscript to you with corresponding in-line comments, highlighting the points discussed in the report.
For all editing services (mine or another editor's), it's important to bear in mind that the changes and comments raised are purely for your consideration only. You are under no obligation to agree with or action all (or even any) of the points addressed.
Feedback is a wonderful medium through which you can broaden your writing skills and creativity, particularly when it comes from an experienced professional with an understanding of the industry - but it should not do so to the detriment of your own desires for your work. When in doubt, trust your instincts.
Finally, with the completed work you will receive a feedback form, which allows you to comment on your experiences of working with me. Honest feedback is always welcomed and appreciated, as it helps me to improve on the service and value I offer you.
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Please take a look at my article The Myth of Perfection: Why fiction editing will not make your novel perfect for an honest discussion about working with editors and managing expectations.
It's a big expense; will it be worth it?
It would be easy here for me to just say, "Yes, hiring a professional is essential and will pay for itself when the book sells." But I’m not in any position to guarantee you the return on your investment, or indeed publication - there are lots of factors influencing that. Instead I would suggest considering what you hope to achieve with your book.
Anyone who picks up a book to read, for whatever reason, wants to be able to immerse themselves in it without distraction, and errors of spelling and grammar or lack of clarity and cohesion are frustrating and off-putting. So, in this sense, having a professional and objective pair of eyes look over your work is always going to be worth it.
If you are releasing your work directly into the marketplace with a view to profiting from your stories and building your author brand, then now more than ever quality is of paramount importance. It is already a heavily populated market where authors are having to work hard to jostle their books to the front of the queue.
Positive reader reviews are one way to help achieve that, and therefore a professional-looking, error-free book in which the reader enjoys a fully immersive reading experience will put you in a stronger position to sell via word of mouth, and to build your author brand ready for future releases.
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If you are hoping to catch the attention of a literary agent or publisher, you'll probably already know that the amount of manuscript submissions they receive compared to the number of books they're financially able to acquire and publish per year is wildly unbalanced.
Whilst we can't know what kinds of books a publisher will have space for in any given year, we do know that to give your book the best opportunity to get noticed, it helps to deliver on all aspects - a strong narrative well-presented and fitting the market it's written for. Hence any improvements you can make before querying can increase your chances of success.
Can you put me in touch with literary agents or publishers?
Unfortunately, not directly. I am a self-employed, independent editor and proofreader; I do not work in correlation with literary agents or publishers or receive commissions from third parties for referrals. However, if you need assistance researching reputable prospects to query, specific to your genre and goals, I'll be happy to provide you with a quote.
Could we have a Zoom or phone consultation?
While some editors offer a consultation by phone or Zoom as part of the service they provide, unfortunately I don't, for several reasons.
Firstly, I like to have a written record of our discussions so I can refer back to them when needed. Secondly, I work with many authors and their manuscripts, and like to give each a personalized, considered response as opposed to an off-the-cuff, generic, or incomplete one. Lastly, I'm a far better thinker and writer than I am a talker!
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Put simply, the written word rather than the spoken one is the way I work most efficiently and feel I can be of greatest service to you. Hence, email would be our method of communication. Click here to learn more about the way I work and why.
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I will, however, be more than happy to answer any questions you have via email, either before work commences or within a reasonable timeframe post-project. Editing is a big expense, and it's important to me you're satisfied with the service you receive.
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Take a look at the budget-friendly services I offer if you'd like to test the water before committing to a full service.
How much will it cost?
Some editors charge a fixed fee per word or per hour. But as every manuscript is unique, requiring different degrees of input, I prefer a project-based approach rather than a blanket rate. In this way, the quote I provide more accurately reflects the scope of the work required and thus the value I'll provide.
So, for instance, an 80,000-word literary novel may be more taxing and time-intensive than a thriller novel of the same length. Likewise, the manuscript of a first-time novelist may require more attention than that of a career author. Charging a blanket rate across these variations would therefore not fairly reflect the value needed in each case.
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The tailored quote you'll receive will be based on viewing a sample of your manuscript.
Ballpark prices for an 80,000-word novel needing a standard amount of intervention (over two passes) and 2-3 weeks to complete:
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Manuscript Assessment : from £1795​
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However, please get in touch in the first instance so we can discuss your requirements. For a tight deadline or short notice, the fee may be higher. For budget constraints, you may wish to consider a monthly payment plan.
As per the Terms and Conditions, if on the rare occasion it becomes apparent mid-project that more work is needed than first thought, the scope of the work and quote may need to be adjusted - however, this will be discussed with you in the first instance, and the final decision whether to readjust the project parameters or continue with the original scope will be entirely yours. Meaning the fee you're quoted will be the one you pay, unless agreed otherwise.
Take a look at my article The Cost of Book Editing: How much should you pay for an honest discussion on editors' fees.
How and when do I pay?
A non-refundable booking fee is required to confirm your slot, along with a digitally signed booking confirmation form. This fee acts as insurance for myself that the work will go ahead on the date agreed, and is insurance for you that your slot is secured and your manuscript will have my sole attention for the duration of the work.
For project fees in excess of £250, the booking fee is £250 and is deducted from the final fee when the work is completed. For project fees £250 or less, the total amount of the work is payable upfront and is non-refundable. See Terms and Conditions for more details.
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The completed work will be returned to you with a request for the remaining payment, which will be due within 14 days unless we've pre-agreed other terms.
Accepted payment methods are electronic bank transfer, PayPal, or secure online checkout via SumUp, details of which will be supplied at the time of booking.
How do I start the process?
Take a good look around the site to get a feel for if I might be the right fit for you and your book (links to more pages at the bottom of this page). Then get in touch in the first instance for a friendly chat or to book one of the packages on the Services page, and we'll take it from there. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Tina provided a friendly, first-class service, which was relaxed, highly informative and resulted in a finished manuscript I am delighted with. I have no hesitation in recommending her to anyone who has a book to edit and doesn’t know who to turn to next. I have become a better writer because of the time she took to explain why edits were being made and the advice she gave on how I can improve. I cannot recommend her highly enough and look forward to working with her again in future.
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Garry Scobie, author of The Clockmaker Conspiracy & The Copernicus Coercion Series, and also the Small Print Short Story anthologies
​Tina is the best thing I've ever got from Twitter! Her services were invaluable to me. She not only made my manuscript clean and concise, but she helped me produce a fantastic query letter. I have no doubts that I will be getting published in the future and, if it's because of anything or anyone, it's because of Tina. Recommended 10/10.
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Meaghan Curley, author of Lack of Purpose Makes a Girl Nervous (Now traditionally published as Girl Repurposed)