Emily Reader

Emily Reader – Editor

A copy editor, proofreader and editor with a First in English Literature from Exeter University and a track record of editing bestsellers.

Overview

After achieving a First for English Literature at the University of Exeter, with the highest creative writing mark in my year, I completed a course at the Publishing Training Centre in proofreading and copy editing. Since then, I have formatted, copy edited, and proofread commercial fiction for a variety of publishing houses such as Boldwood Books, Whitefox, Troudabor and Head of Zeus. At this stage, I have worked on hundreds of titles, many of which have gone on to be bestsellers. I also help authors curate 'bibles' of their series to keep track of characters, locations and timeline, and advise unpublished authors at the earlier stages of their manuscripts. Additionally, I have completed a masters in scriptwriting at Goldsmiths University with distinction which has further developed my writing and editing skills.

Through my personal experiences and passions, queer fiction is my area of expertise, but I also have extensive experience in romance (especially romcoms), historical fiction and fantasy. I love to collaborate with authors at all stages of their career - it's always a joy to work together to make a story as vibrant and compelling as it can be.

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Epic Fantasy Historical Fiction Holiday LGBTQ Fiction Romantic Comedy Romantic Fantasy
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Zara Malone Memorial Prize, University of Exeter
Certifications
  • Publishing Training Centre - Introduction to Proofreading and Copy Editing
  • BA English Literature, Exeter University
  • MA Script Writing, Goldsmiths

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2021 — Present
I proof read and copy edit novels on a freelance basis, working with companies such as Boldwood Books and Head of Zeus as well as directly with authors, advising on continuity, clarity and format. Many of the manuscripts I have worked on are now bestsellers.

Self-employed

Jan, 2021 — Present
For backlist titles being republished, I format the manuscripts to fit the house style, checking elements like font, spelling and layout.

Self-employed

Sep, 2019 — Feb, 2020 (5 months)
I read novel manuscripts and decided whether they should be pursued by editors, giving reports on each novel and its merits. Based on my decisions, work was either rejected or sent to an editor to be reviewed for potential publication.

Boldwood Books

Sep, 2019 — Oct, 2019 (about 1 month)
I read potential manuscripts and gave feedback on whether they should be pursued. I sorted through hundreds of novel applications to ensure only the relevant ones were pursued. I created graphics for social media and Amazon using Canva. I inputted literature data into websites such as Nielsen, Consonance and NetGalley. I communicated with reviewers to ensure we reached our Amazon targets.

Write Label

Feb, 2019 — Feb, 2020 (about 1 year)
I wrote radio adverts, TB adverts and greetings cards for a wide variety of US-based companies, creating content with a distinct voice each time, according to the given briefs. I optimise each advert to the specifications given, whilst keeping to company guidelines, and have been praised for my use of tone and style.

Head of Zeus

Aug, 2014 — Aug, 2014 (less than a minute)
I ran the company’s social media, focusing on their Facebook page. I proof-read novels to be published, responded to client enquiries via email, and edited and wrote copy for authors’ websites.

Portfolio

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Tide of Waves and Secrets

Mecca, C L

Boldwood Books Ltd

Copy Editing
The Bewitching Miss Blair

McGuire, Darcy

Boldwood Books

Copy Editing
The Prince and the Player

Phoenix, Nora

Boldwood Books

Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
A Sister's Promise

Finnerty, Caroline

Proofreading
Proofreading

Emily has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Debbie S.

Debbie S.

Feb, 2026

It was a pleasure to work with Emily. This is my first novel, and she helped me understand the editing process. I would work with her again and strongly recommend her to others.
Emily R.
It was a pleasure to help Debbie with her first novel, and I'm excited to see how she progresses with self publishing. I hope to work with her again.
Cody I.

Cody I.

Dec, 2025

Very Professional, Would use again for future Projects.
Emily R.
Thanks so much Cody! It was a pleasure working with you.
Paul I.

Paul I.

Sep, 2025

Emily was a wonderful person to work with. From day one, I received a personal message rather than simply a quote, and from the moment we started working together I received regular updates, great feedback and the project was completed much sooner than I had expected (which was incredibly hepful ...
Read more
Emily R.
This is extremely kind of you to say, Paul. I loved working on your title and can't wait to see how your writing career progresses.
Jonny T.

Jonny T.

Sep, 2025

Emily was wonderful to work with. She provided some helpful insights into the novel and the story, and I would happily work with her again in the future.
Emily R.
Thank you so much Jonny! You were a joy to work with. I wish you all the best with your novel and would love to work on any future stories you tell.

Most recent contributions

What’s the best way to overcome writer’s block?

I highly recommend ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron. It takes you through twelve weeks of exercises, daily tasks, and reflections to unlock your creativity in every aspect of your life, helping to create a more fundamental shift in how you approach creative expression. However, if you’re look...
Read more

How can I tell if my story idea is strong enough to pursue?

I think thoroughly plotting out your story can really help answer this question. If you’re planning your novel scene by scene and it feels like it’s going nowhere, or you’ve got nothing to say, maybe you didn’t start with a strong enough ‘why’: why this story? Why now? Why me? If the answers to t...
Read more

How can I overcome the fear that my story idea isn’t original or good enough?

I think a helpful place to start is to ask yourself why you’re writing in the first place. Are you writing for praise? To be a bestseller? To win an award? To please your parents? Or perhaps you write because it helps you understand the world around you, or your interior world. Perhaps it is your...
Read more

Professionals similar to Emily

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Hugo D.

Sympathetic editor of fiction and non-fiction with many years’ experience of copy-editing, proofreading and abridging for leading publishers

Haywards Heath, UK

100% reply rate

View profile

Philip P.

Career professional editor and proofreader with over 25 years' experience working with award-winning authors

Appleby-in-Westmorland, UK

100% reply rate

View profile

Charlotte B.

Experienced editor and proofreader of academic content, fiction and non-fiction. Specialising in humanities, social sciences and STM.

Cambridge, UK

100% reply rate

View profile