Editing fiction and non-fiction

Written a single short story, a business manual or an epic fantasy series?

Where to start with editing?

Need some editing help with a book you’re writing, but not sure about the next step? The quickest way to get started is simply using the email link here. We can have a free, no-obligation email conversation about your work, what stage you’re at and what your objectives are. If editing is the right “next step” there are all sorts of options, described more fully in the menu on the left (below if you’re on a mobile). A professional beta-read gives you a reader’s eye view of your book. An agent’s critique is a look at your submission package to agents or publishers, helpful if you’ve been getting rejected and don’t know why. My signature service is a full developmental edit on an entire finished manuscript.
If you’d like a quick professional critique of just your very first few pages (perhaps you don’t know what an editor really does, or you’d like some kind of feedback on your writing before you consider paying for “proper” editing), consider submitting to our sister site The Opening Lines. It’s entirely free, and will give you some kind of idea about what I do and my editing style. The site is also an invaluable resource for advice on common problems with novel openings, and how to make sure your opening avoids them.

My editing qualifications and experience.

I’m a Professional member of the CIEP, a full member of the AFEPI, a Partner Member of ALLi (the Alliance for Independent Authors), an affiliate editor of writing.ie, the premier writing website in Ireland, and Approved Supplier for the Canada-based Publaunch crowdfunding platform. I have contributed to the Irish Times, local press and The Arts and Letters Daily on writing matters, and I talk regularly at Writers’ Conferences on writing and editing in both the UK and Europe. I’ve helped writers publish, get bestseller status, achieve award success and secure traditional publishing deals (see my testimonials page).
I’m also a writer, so I know what it’s like on the other side of the desk – something I think is very important. I have a useful guide to the process of self-editing, called Self-editing for Self-publishers out in paperback, hardback, large print and ebook. I self-published, because I wanted to be familiar with the self-publishing process myself, in order to better advise clients.
I’d love to help you realise your story-telling dreams. Get in touch!
Editing yourself