Editing for writers
Thoughtful, tailored editing to help your words land with clarity, voice, and emotional truth
Your words matter.
You’ve spent time - maybe weeks, maybe years - shaping them into something that feels close to what you meant. Draft after draft, you’ve made choices: which moments to linger on, which characters to centre, which images to trust. You’ve cut and reworked. You’ve second-guessed and returned. You’ve done the deep work of bringing an idea - a feeling, a voice - to life on the page.
And now you’re at the point where it needs something else.
A second pair of eyes.
Not just to fix errors or tidy the sentences, but to truly see the work. To understand what it’s trying to do. To honour the effort behind it, and help it become stronger, clearer, more fully itself.
That’s what I offer.
An editorial partnership that meets you where you are. Careful reading, kind honesty, and thoughtful feedback - always grounded in respect for your voice and your intentions as a writer.
What i offer:
Proofreading: Fine-tuning grammar, spelling, and punctuation for a clean, final draft
Copy editing: Enhancing clarity, sentence flow, consistency, and tone, while keeping your voice intact. This may include more in-depth stylistic editing - focusing on rhythm, pacing, and how each sentence supports your meaning
Manuscript critique: A full read-through of your manuscript, followed by a bespoke editorial report (4–8 pages) offering honest, big-picture feedback on structure, plot, character arcs, style, and what’s working - with suggestions for what to improve and where to go next.
For copy editing, I follow the principles set out in New Hart’s Rules for British English style, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment with UK publishing standards. If you prefer a different style guide, just let me know - I’m happy to adapt.
Writers I work with:
Novelists and memoirists looking for big-picture feedback on their manuscript
Authors seeking guidance and polish before self-publishing
Poets and short story writers submitting to journals or competitions
Artists and creatives writing statements, bios, or portfolios
Writers at the beginning of their journey who are building confidence in their work
How I Work
Creative writing is intensely personal, and every project is different. That’s why I approach each piece with care, curiosity, and a strong sense of collaboration. My goal is not to overwrite your voice or reshape your work into something it’s not, but to refine what’s already there so that your ideas, imagery, and intention come through clearly and powerfully.
Before we begin, I’ll invite you to share a bit about your project: what it means to you, what kind of editing you’re looking for, and any particular concerns or questions you may have. Whether you’re submitting a short story to a journal, polishing a manuscript for self-publishing, or exploring your writing for the first time, I tailor my service to meet you where you are in the process.
I offer:
Clear, sensitive feedback that supports your voice and vision
A calm, constructive approach to developmental suggestions, if requested
Transparent communication about timelines, pricing, and editorial scope
Reassurance and encouragement, because I know how much courage it takes to share your work
If you’re not quite sure what kind of editing your project needs, that’s okay too. I’ll help you figure it out, and we’ll agree on what’s best together. My approach is collaborative, respectful, and always focused on helping your writing land with confidence and impact.
A Note on Confidentiality
I understand how much trust it takes to share your creative work. Whether it’s a poem, short story, memoir fragment, or manuscript-in-progress, your writing is personal, and it stays that way.
Everything you send me is treated with strict confidentiality. Your work will not be quoted, reproduced, or stored beyond our agreed timeframe. I won’t share it with third parties, nor will I ever use it in promotional material unless you give explicit written permission. My role is to support your process, not intrude upon it.
You remain the author. I’m simply here to help you polish your words so they land with clarity and impact.
Price guide
Every project is different, so I offer both hourly and per-word pricing depending on your needs. Below are typical starting rates to help you plan:
Short stories (up to 3,000 words):
Proofreading: from £28
Copy Editing: from £40–£50
Longer pieces (chapbooks, essays, or manuscripts):
£15 per 1,000 words
Poetry, artist statements, and hybrid/experimental work
Priced individually, based on length, style, and level of editing.
All editing includes a full proofread - no double-charging.
Not sure what level of editing you need?
That’s perfectly okay; I’ll help you work it out. There’s no pressure to commit and no judgment, just a warm, respectful conversation to ensure you feel fully supported and informed before we begin.
What to Expect
Every project begins with a conversation.
Usually by email - gentle, low-pressure - where you tell me a little about your writing, where you’re at with it, and what kind of support you’re looking for. There’s no formality or jargon. Just you, your work, and your words.
From there, I’ll recommend the right level of editorial support - whether you need a fresh pair of eyes for a final proofread, or a deeper edit that looks at clarity, tone, and flow (what I call copy editing). You’ll receive a clear, tailored quote, and if you’re happy to go ahead, I’ll confirm timelines and begin work.
When your piece comes back to you, you’ll receive:
• a carefully edited version of your document (with changes tracked)
• a short summary of the work I’ve done - what I noticed, what I gently shaped, and anything I think could help strengthen the writing even further
You’re always welcome to ask questions, talk things through, or request clarifications. I aim to make this feel like a collaboration: rooted in kindness, respect, and a shared desire to help your writing become more fully itself.
FAQs
Here are a few common questions I receive from writers, especially those seeking editing for the first time:
Can I send a rough or unfinished draft?
Yes. You don’t need a polished piece to get started. Whether you’re stuck mid-draft or have a full manuscript, I’ll meet you where you are and help you shape it with clarity and care.
Will you rewrite or restructure my writing?
No, I won’t rewrite your work or change your voice. My role is to refine what you’ve already written, not to replace it. I’ll offer suggestions where helpful, but the words and ideas remain yours.
Will you use AI tools to edit my work?
No. All editing is done by me, not by AI. I believe in thoughtful, human-led editing that respects your voice, tone, and intention. However, if you’re working to a tight deadline or have a specific preference, I offer an AI/human hybrid option by request. This will always be discussed and agreed upon in advance, and will come with a reduced quote due to the shorter turnaround time.
Do I need to know what kind of editing I need?
Not at all. If you’re unsure whether you need proofreading, copy editing, or line editing, we can talk it through. I’ll guide you toward the most supportive option for your writing.
Can you help with poetry, memoir, or experimental writing?
Absolutely. I work with many forms of creative writing and bring a sensitive, genre-aware approach to each. If you’re exploring your voice or working across styles, I’ll edit with flexibility and respect.
Let’s bring your writing into sharper focus
If your words are nearly ready to meet the world, or still gathering shape, I’d love to help you refine them with care and clarity.