From first draft
to masterpiece
Turn your book into the best version it can be. Edit and shape your story into something you can be proud of.
You’ve finally got a
first draft, now what?
If you’ve made it to the finish line, congratulations! You’ve done what so many writers never do.
But to take your draft from its raw state to publishable manuscript, you need to go through some crucial editing stages.
Whether you need big picture support in a developmental edit, or a closer focus on each line, I’m here to help.
The first edit
Developmental editing
Targeted, clear feedback to help turn your book into the best it can be.
If you’ve finished your draft, a developmental edit helps you shape the structure, deepen your characters, and turn your novel into a page-turner your readers will love.
If you’re unsure if your plot beats are hitting at the right points, or you’re not sure if characters are changing enough, a developmental edit helps identify what’s working and what needs to change.
Includes:
Detailed edit letter (often as many as 15-20 pages) covering structure, pacing, voice, character, worldbuilding, genre conventions, chapter openings and endings, and more
Annotated manuscript
60-min call to talk it through
6-week turnaround
Perfect if:
You know your draft needs work, but you’re not sure how to improve it.
You need someone to identify problems and potential solutions, but you’re ready to implement changes yourself.
You need to cut or add, but you don’t know where to trim, or what’s missing.
To book, first schedule a free 15-minute call to see if we’d be a good fit.
cost
£0.038
per word
The closer look
Line editing
If you’re confident in your manuscript and its main components, it’s time to take a closer look at the prose. A line edit helps ensure your story is the best it can be, and that every word earns its place.
If you’re getting ready to submit to agents, a line edit helps finesse your language and help you stand out among the slushpile!
Includes:
Detailed prose and voice edit
Tracked changes throughout
Style sheet for consistency
6-week turnaround
Perfect if:
You need some help polishing your prose
You want to trim down excess details or make your language more engaging
You want to make sure your characters have distinct voices, natural dialogue, and quote-worthy lines
To book, first schedule a free 15-minute call to see if we’d be a good fit.
cost
£0.025
per word
The polish
Copy editing
Know your Oxford comma from your em dash? Chicago or Oxford style? And are you capitalising your magic system?
If any of these have you panicking, don’t worry. A copy edit ensures your prose is good to go, checking for spelling and grammar as well as style.
Includes:
Tracked changes throughout the manuscript covering spelling, grammar, punctuation, style consistency, continuity
Factual details flagged for the author to check
A style sheet listing decisions, which you can share with the proofreader later
Cost
£0.02
per word
Cost
£0.01
per word
The final check
Proofreading
Imagine finding a handful of typos in the printed copy of your book. How frustrating would that be?
A proofread is the final check. Once your novel is on the page, formatted for print, a proofread is the last stage of editing to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Includes:
Marked up PDF showing typos and errors
Checks against the copy editor’s style sheet
Layout problems, such as widows and orphans, bad line or page breaks, inconsistent fonts or spacing
Meet your partner
Hi, I’m Becky
I’ve been writing since the start of my career across journalism, fiction, and marketing. I spent years learning everything I could about writing a novel, completing my MA in Creative Writing, as well as the Faber Academy course and Curtis Brown Academy course.
After pitching my fantasy adventure to agents, I recieved 13 full manuscript requests and three offers of representation. My agent then went on to get me a three-book deal with Hachette Children’s Group—a dream publisher!
Now, I’m working on my sixth novel and helping writers like you finish your drafts and hopefully get them published.
I’m a member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, which promotes high standards of excellence in editorial work.
The Blank Page to Bookshelf Guide is everything you need to write a book, in the order you need it. Discover every resource, video, podcast and book I'd recommend, as well as when to use them, and a full breakdown of how to write a book and become a better writer.