Expert manuscript editing services for UK authors and self publishers

Ensure your manuscript is ready for publication

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You've poured your heart into your manuscript, and now it's time to give it the final polish before it reaches readers. Whether you're self-publishing or seeking traditional publishing, proofreading and editing are crucial steps to ensure your work stands out. As a professional human-only editor and proofreader for authors, I offer expert services to make sure your manuscript is publication-ready.

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Why choose my human-only editing and proofreading services for authors?

 

I understand the emotional and creative effort behind every manuscript. With over ten years of experience working with fiction and non-fiction authors, I provide comprehensive editing services to enhance the clarity, structure, and readability of your work. I work with novelists, non-fiction writers, and independent publishers, ensuring your manuscript shines, no matter your chosen publishing route.

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I offer the following editing services for authors:

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• Fiction editing: Strengthen character development, plot structure, and pacing for a more engaging narrative.

• Non-fiction and memoir editing: Ensure your message is clear and impactful while maintaining readability.

• Proofreading for self-published authors and those going down the traditional route: Eliminate grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors to make your manuscript publication-ready.

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Who is this service for?

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• Fiction and non-fiction authors

• Children’s authors

• Independent publishers and self-published writers

• Academics preparing books for publication

• ESOL (English as a second or other language) authors who need help refining their writing while maintaining their unique voice (Please note: an additional 20–30% is applied to all proofreading and editing services to account for the extra time needed to refine language, sentence structure, and clarity)

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Manuscript editing services for authors in all genres

 

(Children's authors, please visit my dedicated page for children's literature.)

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Different stages of editing address different aspects of your manuscript. Choose the level of service that best suits your needs:

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1. Developmental editing – £30 per 1,000 words

 

Stage in process: Early to mid-stage (first or early drafts)

Focus: Strengthening the overall structure, plot, pacing, and impact of your manuscript before fine-tuning the prose.

 

Includes:

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• In-depth feedback on plot, pacing, and structure (for fiction)

• Evaluation of argument development and clarity (for non-fiction)

• Suggestions for improving character arcs, world-building, and engagement

• Identification of structural gaps, redundancies, and plot holes or inconsistencies

• Guidance to enhance overall readability and marketability

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2. Copyediting – £22 per 1,000 words

 

Stage in process: Mid to late (revised, structurally complete drafts)

Focus: Enhancing sentence flow, clarity, and tone while maintaining your unique voice.

 

Includes:

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• Refining sentence structure for better readability and flow

• Eliminating awkward phrasing, wordiness, repetition and incomsistencies

• Ensuring logical consistency across chapters

• Adherence to your preferred style guide (e.g. Chicago Manual of Style, etc.)

• Correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, and mechanical errors

 

And, if applicable:

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• Humanising AI-assisted content: Stripping away robotic phrasing, cliché patterns, and unnatural repetition to ensure your writing sounds authentic and human

• Non-native English (ESL) polish: Refining syntax and idiom for non-native authors to guarantee natural, professional, and culturally fluent English

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3. Proofreading – £18 per 1,000 words

 

Stage in process: Final stage (Post-edit, fully formatted, or typeset proofs ready for publish)

Focus: Eliminating surface-level errors to ensure grammatical accuracy and consistency.

 

Includes:

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• Correction of lingering spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors

• Ensuring consistency in terminology, formatting, and style

• Final polish to ensure a professional presentation

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