Freelance proofreading and copyediting services for book publishers and pre-press companies. Primarily genre fiction and HSS. Editing Services for Publishers Freelance copyediting and proofreading for trade publishers I provide professional copyediting and proofreading services for publishers requiring reliable freelance assistance. As a Professional Member of the CIEP, I work with editorial and production teams to prepare manuscripts for publication, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to house style while respecting author voice. Whether you need support for a single title or additional capacity during busy production periods, I offer a flexible and dependable freelance service. Why Publishers Work With Me Professional Member of the CIEP Experienced in both UK and US English Familiarity with New Hart's Rules and the Chicago Manual of Style Skilled in applying house styles Skilled in creating comprehensive style sheets Strong attention to consistency and detail Comfortable working within established editorial workflows Reliable communication and deadline management Flexible capacity for overflow projects and regular freelance assignments Genres I've worked on: YA Romance Erotica Speculative Cli-fi Crime and thriller Fantasy Memoir Services include: Copyediting Proofreading Proof-editing Style-sheet creation Manuscript assessments Editorial Workflow I work with: Microsoft Word (Track Changes) Adobe Acrobat PDF proofreading workflows Style-sheet development and maintenance Publisher-specific editorial guidelines Looking for freelance editorial support? Whether you need an experienced copyeditor for a single manuscript or ongoing support for your editorial programme, I'd be happy to discuss your requirements. Email: louise@holtbyedit.com Response time: Typically within one business day. “Thank you SO much … You are always such a thorough editor, and I’m always so impressed with your work and feedback for authors.” Victoria Richardson, Senior Editor, Cranthorpe Millner Publishers * “I appreciated the quick and easy communication and getting the work done on a tight schedule. The comments and suggestions were very useful, and the changes consistent. I appreciate the explanations for the changes.” Lina Krnic, Project Manager, Ibis grafika Services

Proofreading and copyediting services for independent authors. Various price points and packages available. Free 1,000 word sample edit available. 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 Services Get my free sample edit and quote 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.

Professional proofreading and editing services. Let Holtby Editorial be your first port of call for friendly, efficient proofreading and copyediting services for all your literary projects, fact or fiction. Proofreading services for businesses, publishers, packagers, students and charities. Thorough editing and feedback, delivered professionally and kindly Get my free sample edit and quote Services Warwick Lister Florence, Italy, May 2024 “Louise Holtby has recently done a splendid job copyediting my memoir. I am very pleased and grateful for her scrupulousness and her eagle eye, not only for matters of grammar, punctuation and spelling, including in French, Italian and German passages, but also for many matters of style and content. She was unfailingly patient and punctual in answering my many questions, and she was a great help with the rather complicated matter of writing about music. I am certain that my memoir improved immeasurably in her hands.”

Contact page for enquiries to Holtby Editorial. Clients can upload a sample of their document in order to receive a free sample edit and price quotation. Request a Quote What happens next? Get in touch and tell me about your project. I'll review the details and complete a free sample edit. You'll receive a quotation, estimated timescale, and the opportunity to decide whether you'd like to proceed. There's no obligation at any stage. Every manuscript has its own and requirements. I'd love to learn more about yours. "Working with Louise has been a delightful experience. Her approach from start to finish was professional, super-helpful and insightful." Name Company name (if applicable) Email Project Title Word Count Tell me about your project Target Completion Date Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Send uploaded file

Freelance editor providing copyediting and proofreading services to publishers, independent authors, businesses, and students. Member of the Chartered Institue of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP). About Holtby Editorial Every story begins with a spark: an idea, a character, a question that won't leave you alone. Turning that spark into a compelling novel is a remarkable achievement—and that's where great editing combines with great writing to bring your vision to life in the best way possible. I'm Louise, a freelance fiction editor who works with indie writers and publishers to help stories become the strongest versions of themselves. Whether you're refining a completed manuscript, wrestling with plot issues, strengthening character arcs, or preparing for publication, I provide thoughtful, constructive feedback to help you achieve your goals. My role isn't to rewrite your story or turn it into someone else's vision. It's to help you tell the story you want to tell—with greater clarity, stronger pacing, deeper characterisation, and a more satisfying reading experience. I know how much work goes into writing a novel—I’m writing one myself. That's why I approach every manuscript with respect, care, and honesty. My feedback is designed to be practical, encouraging, and focused on helping you move forward with confidence, whether it’s your first novel or your tenth. From big-picture developmental editing to detailed line edits, my focus is always on helping readers experience your story exactly as you intend. Great stories deserve great editing, and I'd love to be part of your journey. Get my free sample edit and quote Library with hanging bulbs image by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash

Freelance editing services for all types of documentation generated by NGOs, charities and businesses. Make sure all your organization's documents are clear, consistent, well-punctuated and adhere to your house style. Editing Services for Businesses & Third Sector Organizations Holtby Editorial offers proofreading and copyediting services to businesses, NGOs and charities. I will ensure your organization’s documentation conforms to your house style or preferred style guide, ensure grammar, spelling, punctuation and syntax are correct, and improve clarity, suggesting ways to rephrase content for greater impact (if you'd like me to), reducing or increasing the word count as directed by you. Content which is otherwise high quality can be undermined by errors (even small inconsistencies) in punctuation, grammar, spelling, style, or formatting, which can lead readers to question an organization's credibility. It can be extremely advantageous to have an external eye cast over content which may have been compiled from a variety of different creators or sources, within or external to your organization, as well as that created from scratch by busy employees. High quality editing lends your company literature a level of refinement and ensures your message is delivered professionally. I was involved in the production and editing of documents for over 15 years in local government. I have since completed editorial training through the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), attaining merits and a distinction. This, alongside my first-class honours degree in Business & Management, means I am well-equipped to proof-edit a variety of documentation created by businesses, NGOs and the third sector. Receive a free, no-obligation sample edit when you contact me with details of your organization's editing requirements. Get my free sample edit and quote

Information about the proofreading and copyediting services provided by Holtby Editorial to its clients. Editing Services Offered I provide freelance proofreading and copyediting services. Please see below for details and here for my rates . Proofreading checks include: spelling, grammar, syntax, and punctuation typographical errors consistency (in spelling, hyphenation, numerals, fonts, and capitalization, amongst many other things) adherence to preferred style guide/house style ensuring no problematic language (e.g. unintentionally biased or disrespectful) has crept in page numbering, tables, illustrations formatting word breaks missing or repeated text captions and annotations referencing Style guides used: The Oxford Style Guide Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) My copyediting service includes all of the proofreading checks mentioned above, and in addition (subject to your chosen package – see my Rates page ), I will: check for continuity errors check for factual inaccuracies check for inconsistency within the plot make or suggest changes to the text where appropriate. i.e. recast sentences (as tracked changes and comments respectively) highlight potential legal liability apply Word Styles or coding to the distinct elements of your manuscript in preparation for typesetting highlight any content which may be off-putting to your intended readership, i.e. content which may be perceived as stereotypical, biased, or offensive (if you wish me to) produce a style sheet, recording all your preferred styles (also helps the proofreader) produce an editorial report explaining the rationale for the different categories of changes/suggestions I make provide guidance notes on dealing with tracked changes and comments provide a final version with tracked changes showing and an amended version with all changes accepted and just the comments showing. Get my free sample edit and quote Proofreading Copyediting Independent Authors Publishers and Pre-press Businesses Students and Academics

Accessibility Statement for Holtby Editorial (editing and proofreading services) Accessibility Statement This statement was last updated on 9 May 2025. I am working to make my site https://www.holtbyedit.com/ accessible to people with disabilities. What web accessibility is An accessible site allows visitors with disabilities to browse the site with the same or a similar level of ease and enjoyment as other visitors. This can be achieved with the capabilities of the system on which the site is operating, and through assistive technologies. Accessibility adjustments on this site I have adapted this site in accordance with WCAG 2.2 guidelines, and have made the site accessible to the level of AA. This site's contents have been adapted to work with assistive technologies, such as screen readers and keyboard use. As part of this effort, I have also: Used the Accessibility Wizard to find and fix potential accessibility issues Set the language of the site Set the content order of the site’s pages Defined clear heading structures on all of the site’s pages Added alternative text to images Implemented colour combinations that meet the required colour contrast Reduced the use of motion on the site Requests, issues, and suggestions If you find an accessibility issue on the site, or if you require further assistance, you are welcome to contact me at louise@holtbyedit.com .

Holtby Editorial privacy policy: how site-users' data is managed. Holtby Editorial Privacy Policy Holtbyedit.com is owned and maintained by Louise Holtby trading as Holtby Editorial (a freelance proofreading and copyediting service). It is based in Newark, Nottingham, UK. This privacy policy was last updated on 13 June 2024. Information collected from clients (including name, postal address, email address and details relating to your project) is used to enable us to provide our editing services (to fulfil your order, to collect payment from you and to record your agreement to our terms and conditions) and for HMRC compliance purposes. Holtby Editorial does not sell or share information about its clients to any third parties; we would only pass on your data to a third party if required to do so by law. All personally identifiable data related to your visit(s) to this website and any financial transactions are stored securely in compliance with GDPR. We may request the use of elements of your data (name and/or organisation) to publish your testimonial on this website, for marketing purposes, but would only do so with your permission. You may request the amendment or deletion of your personal data from our records by contacting us using the contact form on this website or by emailing us at: louise@holtbyedit.com . Your information will be retained after your order is completed, for tax purposes, for ‘at least 5 years after the 31 January submission deadline of the relevant tax year’. See ‘How long to keep your records ’. This website contains links to other relevant websites. Please note that, when you use these links, those sites are not covered by this privacy policy. By using Holtby Editorial’s website (www.holtbyedit.com ) you consent to the placing of cookies on your browser by us and our third party service providers. If you do not wish to accept cookies in connection with your use of this website, you will need to delete and block or disable cookies via your browser settings. We use Stripe to take credit/debit card payments. Please see their privacy policy and terms of use . This website is hosted by Wix and uses cookies for reasons such as: To provide a great experience for visitors and customers. To monitor and analyse the platform's performance, operation and effectiveness. To ensure the platform is secure and safe to use.

Holtby Editorial freelance proofreading service for students. Thesis and dissertation proofreading service. Proofreading Services for Stude nts and Academics When submitting your thesis or dissertation, you want the confidence of knowing that, as well as containing high-quality content, it is error-free in terms of grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency, and presentation. A thorough proofread can provide those things. I am a freelance proofreader and copyeditor, trained by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading and have taken their Proofreading Theses and Dissertations course to enable me to acquire knowledge of best practice in this field of editing. My degree is in Business and Management, so I prefer to proofread in this and other arts and humanities subjects. A proofread will only be carried out within the ethics of 'editing' an examined text and any guidelines set down by your academic institution. If you would like me to proofread your thesis or dissertation, please use the form on the Contact page to upload a sample of approximately 1000 words, which I will then proofread (free of charge) in order to calculate my fee, based on the length of time taken. I will return the proofread sample to you along with my quote. Proofreading of theses and dissertations is charged at a starting price of £18 per 1,000 words. 'Louise was very helpful, supportive and responsive to my needs throughout. From the first interaction, I found Louise to be prompt and professional, so courteous and patient with my queries. Louise works fast and efficiently, maintaining excellent communication. I would highly recommend Louise’s service.' Syra Shakir, Associate Professor Learning and Teaching, Leeds Trinity University Get my free sample edit and quote

A list of 26 terms and conditions which Holtby Editorial and its clients agree to abide by when working together. Terms and Conditions These terms & conditions apply to any work done for the Client (you) by the Editor (Louise Holtby, trading as Holtby Editorial). The Client is under no obligation to offer the Editor work; neither is the Editor under any obligation to accept work offered by the Client. The Editor will provide service(s) as mutually agreed, confirmed in writing by the Client. The work will be carried out unsupervised at such times and places as determined by the Editor, using her own equipment. The Editor confirms that she is self-employed, is responsible for her own income tax and National Insurance contributions, and for paying VAT (where applicable) and will not claim benefits granted to the Client's employees. The Client will reimburse the Editor for agreed reasonable expenses over and above usual expenses incurred in the process of editorial work. The Client will pay the Editor a fee per hour OR per printed page OR an agreed flat fee for the job, plus VAT where applicable. The completed work will be delivered on or before the date agreed, for the agreed fee, which will be based on the description of the work required and the brief, both supplied by the Client. If, however, on receipt of the item to be worked on or at an early stage, it becomes apparent that significantly more work is required than had been anticipated in the preliminary discussion/brief, the Editor may renegotiate the fee and/or the deadline. Similarly, if, during the term of the Editor's work, additional tasks are requested by the Client, the Editor may renegotiate the fee and/or the deadline. The Editor is not responsible for fact-checking a document. The Editor is not liable for any claims brought in relation to plagiarism and/or infringements of third-party copyright and the Client fully indemnifies the Editor if litigation arises. The Client bears ultimate responsibility for matters relating to libel, obscenity, blasphemy, and incitement to racial hatred, and the Client fully indemnifies the Editor if litigation arises. If the project is lengthy, the Editor may invoice periodically for completed stages. Any content created by the Editor as part of the copyediting / proofreading / project management process will become the copyright of the Client, unless otherwise agreed. The nature and content of the work will be kept confidential and not made known to anyone other than the Client and their contractors without prior written permission. The Editor guarantees that any work that she subcontracts on behalf of the Client will be completed to the same standard, schedule and budget and with the same conditions of confidentiality. Unless agreed otherwise at the outset, 50% of the total payment due will be paid before the commencement of the project. Unless agreed otherwise at the outset, the balance of the payment due will be made within 30 days of receipt of the Editor's invoice, according to the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 (amended 2002 and 2013). The information that the Client and the Editor may keep on record is covered by the terms of the General Data Protection Regulation. No more such information will be held than is necessary, at any time, to comply with those terms and with any compliance statement or privacy policy published by the Client and/or the Editor. Both the Client and the Editor agree that, where consent is required to hold or process such data, such consent has been requested and obtained and both facts can be demonstrated. Either may view the other’s records to ensure that they are relevant, correct and up to date. Either the Client or the Editor has the right to terminate a contract for services if there is a serious breach of its terms. The client may choose to accept some, none, or all of the Editor’s editorial changes and/or suggestions. The Client’s decision to decline some or all editorial changes or suggestions does not constitute non-performance on the part of the Editor and does not entitle the Client to a whole or partial refund. If the Editor has made a substantial contribution to the copyediting / proofreading / project management of the work, she will be entitled to receive one free copy of the work. While a professional proofreader will always aim for the highest standards, it is important to note that any remaining errors are ultimately the responsibility of the author and/or publisher. The Editor will not be responsible for any legal or copyright issues or negative feedback received by the author/client, including libel and slander, infringement of copyright, breach of confidentiality, negligence, and liability to the public. Further, the Client is responsible for ensuring they have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or inadvertent copyright infringement relating to permissions for the use of original artwork or transparencies. The Editor may use the Client's name in her promotional material. This agreement is subject to the laws of England and Wales, and both Editor and Client agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the English and Welsh courts.

Rates charged by Holtby Editorial for freelance proofreading and copy editing services. Rates Prices are based on the minimum rates suggested by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), the UK's foremost body promoting excellence in English language editing. Proofreading services start at £14 per 1,000 words. A free sample edit allows me to calculate a fee for each project. This service is most suited to theses, dissertations and business reports as it includes proofreading and formatting and starts at £20 per 1,000 words. I offer two copyediting packages. Both include a style sheet and an editorial report plus a 'clean' copy and a copy displaying the suggested amendments. Option 1 One round of editing (comprising two passes), your amended version not checked. From £18 per 1,000 words. Optional follow-up review, limited to checking for new or missed errors and maintaining consistency following your revisions post-copyedit. Must be requested within 30 days of completion of a copyedit. Charged at £35 per hour. Option 2 Ten thousand words of your document are copyedited so that you can apply the principles to the remainder of your document. Flat fee of £350. For all of the above, you can specify your preferred style guide. I work with the Chicago Manual of Style, New Hart's Rules (The Oxford Style Guide), and/or you can provide your own house style guide. Proofreading Services Proofediting Services Line and Copyediting Service Get my free sample edit and quote Publishers and Pre-press Businesses Students and Academics Independent Authors