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Professional proofreading and editing for authors

Fiction | Non-fiction | Memoir | Academic

Ensure your manuscript is ready for publication

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 proofreader and editor for authors, I offer expert services to make sure your manuscript is publication-ready.

Why choose my proofreading and editing 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.

I offer the following editing services for authors:

  • 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.

Who is this service for?

  • 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)

Manuscript editing services for authors in all genres

 

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

1. Proofreading – £18 per 1,000 words

 

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

 

Includes:

  • Correction of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors

  • Ensuring consistency in terminology, formatting, and style

  • Final polish to ensure a professional presentation

2. Copyediting – £22 per 1,000 words

 

Focus: Enhancing clarity, coherence, and readability while maintaining your unique voice.

 

Includes:

  • All services from proofreading

  • Refining sentence structure for better flow and readability

  • Ensuring logical consistency and coherence throughout

  • Checking for repetition, awkward phrasing, and inconsistencies

  • Adherence to a preferred style guide (Chicago Manual of Style, etc.)

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

 

Focus: Strengthening the overall structure, content, and impact of your manuscript.

 

Includes:

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

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

  • Suggestions for improving character development, themes, and engagement

  • Identification of gaps, redundancies, and inconsistencies

  • Guidance to enhance overall readability and marketability

Children’s book editing

 

Children’s books require a unique editing approach, especially picture books where every word must be carefully crafted.

Picture books

 

Basic proofreading

£100 (up to 1,000 words)

£200 (1,000 – 3,000 words)

£300 (3,000 – 10,000 words)

 

Developmental editing

£300 (Up to 1,000 words)

£450 (1,000 – 3,000 words)

£600 (3,000 – 10,000 words)​

 

Children's chapter books

 

Priced according to the selected editing service (Proofreading, Copyediting, or Developmental Editing) at standard per 1,000-word rates.

Why do picture books cost more? Picture books require meticulous attention to flow, rhythm, and language suitability for young readers. Every word matters, and careful editing ensures both clarity and engagement.

How to get started

 

  1. Send me your manuscript and character profiles along with any specific editing preferences.

  2. Select the service that best fits your needs, or ask me for guidance.

  3. Receive a quote and timeline for completion.

  4. I’ll carefully edit your manuscript and provide detailed feedback.

  5. Review the edits and finalise your manuscript for publication.

 

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Kat is an exceptional editor, combining honesty, encouragement and editing precision in equal measure.
 
Kat is working with me on preparing my first fiction novel for publication. She is an exceptional editor, combining honesty, encouragement and editing precision in equal measure. Her professional and helpful advice is really helping achieve my goal of publishing my book.

Emma Lethbridge

Author of Lionheart, Leicester, UK

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Check out my blog for helpful writing tips, including advice on English grammar, common struggles like writer's block and submitting your work to agents.

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