Professional Freelance Proofreading and Editing Services
Editorial Services for Independent Authors
Writing a book is a significant achievement. Whether you're preparing your manuscript for self-publication, querying agents, or simply seeking professional feedback, the right editorial support can help your work reach its full potential.
I work with independent authors at various stages of the writing process, providing clear, constructive feedback tailored to the needs of each manuscript. My aim is to help you present your story with confidence while preserving your unique voice and vision.
Manuscript Assessment
A manuscript assessment provides a detailed overview of your work's strengths and areas for improvement. This service is ideal if you're looking for professional feedback before investing in further editing or preparing your manuscript for submission. You'll receive a written report covering key aspects of the manuscript, including: •Plot and structure •Characterisation and character arcs •Pacing •World-building (where applicable) •Point of view •Dialogue •Overall reader engagement Rather than making direct changes to the text, a manuscript assessment offers guidance on the bigger picture, helping you identify opportunities to strengthen your story before moving on to later stages of editing. Best for: early drafts, revised manuscripts, or authors seeking developmental feedback. What It Isn't A manuscript assessment is not a line-by-line edit of your manuscript. While I may highlight illustrative examples, the focus is on providing feedback on the broader elements of your story rather than correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, or sentence-level issues.
Copy Editing
Copy editing focuses on improving clarity, consistency, accuracy, and readability while respecting your individual style and voice. During the copy-editing process, I review your manuscript for: •Grammar, spelling, and punctuation •Consistency in style, terminology, and formatting •Clarity and flow of sentences •Word choice and readability •Repetition and awkward phrasing •Continuity issues and minor factual inconsistencies The goal is to ensure your manuscript reads smoothly and professionally, allowing readers to remain fully immersed in your story. Best for: manuscripts that have undergone substantial revision and are approaching publication or submission. What It Isn't Copy editing is not developmental editing. Although I may identify occasional issues relating to clarity, consistency, or characterisation, copy editing focuses primarily on the language and presentation of the manuscript rather than substantial revisions to plot, structure, pacing, or character arcs.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final stage of the editorial process and is carried out once the manuscript has been thoroughly edited and is close to publication. At this stage, I check for: •Typographical errors •Spelling mistakes •Punctuation errors •Formatting inconsistencies •Minor omissions or inconsistencies that may have been missed earlier Proofreading provides a final quality check, helping to ensure your manuscript is polished and ready for readers. Best for: manuscripts that have already been edited and are in their final pre-publication form. What It Isn't Proofreading is not a substitute for copy editing and is intended for manuscripts that have already been thoroughly revised and edited. The focus is on correcting remaining errors and inconsistencies rather than making significant changes to the text.
Working Together
Whether you're preparing your debut novel or your latest release, I aim to provide professional, thoughtful editorial support that brings out the best in your story. If you'd like to discuss your project, I'd be delighted to hear from you. Every author and every manuscript is different, which is why I offer a free, no-obligation sample edit of up to 1,000 words. A sample edit allows you to experience my editorial style firsthand and helps us both determine whether we're a good match for your project. It's an opportunity to ensure you feel confident in the support you'll receive before deciding to move forward. It also allows me to provide a realistic quote for the work involved. You can upload the sample you'd like me to edit here. To ensure the feedback is as useful as possible, please choose an extract that is representative of the manuscript as a whole in terms of style, voice, and level of revision.
“Louise did a fab job over-all. I would be delighted to work with her on more projects in the future.
”DM Searle, Author"
Working with Louise has been a delightful experience.Her approach from start to finish was professional, super-helpful and insightful.For someone new to publishing, it's been critical to build a team of people I can trust and rely on, and I think Louise brings a great deal of expertise and knowledge which can only improve my writing."
Zoe Helliwell, Author
Typesetting
Are you looking for typesetting services as part of your publishing journey? If so, look no further. The Book Typesetters have been in business for over ten years and their clients' testimonials speak to their strengths in making your book shine.