Amy Butcher

Amy Butcher – Editor

I want readers to love your book and live in your world, gripped by your words, desperate to keep reading.

Overview

I'm a seasoned copy editor and developmental editor who is in love with drama, storytelling and style. I push you to create a searing story that grabs audiences and doesn't let them go. I pride myself on helping authors dig deep to write new and original books with solid structure and pacing that readers eat up.

With an academic background in drama, linguistics and editing, I can help you tackle any area, from pesky grammar mistakes to character arcs and story structure. I'm honest and encouraging and will give you feedback that helps you improve. Overall, I want to help you write the story you want to write while ensuring your book is something that readers want to read.

Testimonials:
"Amy edited the first two books in my 'Dark Horizon' thriller series. As a new writer, choosing the right editor for your manuscript can be a daunting process. But with Amy, it was clear from the start I had not only found an eminently qualified professional, but an ally in making my work as good as it could be. Through her diligent work, both my manuscripts were significantly improved and tightened. Very skilled at the technical heavy lifting of copy editing, Amy also gives an expert eye across the big-picture view of a story--and has a genuine understanding of the genre. She has become a trusted copilot. Skilled, responsive, honest and always professional. And finally, she is just a nice person to do business with. Yes, choosing an editor is a difficult process. I was lucky to choose Amy."

"I knew in my gut that I had a strong book, so putting my manuscript into Amy's hands was a major step toward making it great. With a quick turnaround, she applied aspects of structure, motif, and character development to my re-write, aspects crucial to being taken seriously as a writer. Not to mention the 800+ grammar and syntax surprises she wrangled out of it. Most of my reviews mention that my book is well-written or well-crafted, and I owe much of that to Amy's skills as an editor."

"I'm so glad I hired Amy. Her editing improved both the overall structure and the little details in my manuscript. She added clarity, punch and focus to my book without losing my writing style. Amy's thorough, direct and caring feedback were essential to producing a final product that I'm proud of."

"Amy B. edited my first crime novel, 'The Dreams that Make Us', and I could not have dreamt of a better editor. She was fantastic. Her calm, positive, efficient and encouraging support and approach was just what was needed. I welcomed her honest opinions and sound advice as she threw herself into the project going beyond the call of duty. However there was a downside. Despite being an English lawyer, I realised on reading Amy's edits just how poor my English actually was!"
Services
Fiction
Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2006 — Present

For Crime, Mystery and Thriller Authors:
- Fix issues with plot, pacing and structure
- Help you develop characters, dialogue and scenes
- Make suggestions for stylistic editing
- Push you to come up with original ideas for your genre

Portfolio

A new life in a wheelchair is challenging for Mike Miller, especially after a care-free youth marked by tragedy, but he finds calm and comfort after marrying the beautiful and angelic Lindsey. However, his settled life comes crashing down when, in the same day... read more
Four Brutal Murders, Four Mysterious Churches, One Terrifying Purpose.A razor-sharp thrillerBuckle up for the second spine-chilling instalment of the Dark Horizon Trilogy, from bestselling thriller author Duncan Simpson. Driven by unearthly visions, a convicte... read more
The mind of a genius can hold the darkest of secretsA razor-sharp thriller.A Bosnian gangster is gunned down in a packed London restaurant. In his possession is a notebook once belonging to Isaac Newton. This is just the latest in a series of shocking crimes c... read more
The Bearer

McIlwee, Frank

The Logos CodeIn the beginning was the Logos …When a respected Freemason is executed in a mysterious Templar cave, the police turn to antiquities investigator Vincent Blake for assistance. What was the Freemason protecting? And who would kill him for it?After ... read more
The challenges and opportunities inherent in the expanding role of software and in Agile development have caused an evolution in our understanding of requirements development (RD). The purpose of this book is to share new RD perspectives and pragmatic techniqu... read more
Do you want to take action at work that will benefit you, your job and your community as much as it helps the environment? Lea Elliott's Work Like Nature presents lessons from nature to help you make sense of sustainability and start making a difference.These ... read more
"If you are trying to understand how depression affects men, you need to read this book!" -AMAZON REVIEWER Recently, Christopher Scott Downing documented his failed attempt to overcome depression without doctors, therapists, or medication. The result is a Mr. ... read more
Has a job loss affected your personal well-being? Are you feeling dissatisfied after being restructured into a lesser role? Do you see other people thrive despite adversity and wonder what you’re doing wrong? Then The Right Response is for you. Katherine Tersa... read more

Amy has 9 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Luke Z.

Luke Z.

Jun, 2024

You NEED to hire this woman! Enough said. But let me expound anyway... Amy was exceptional to work with. She was extremely thorough in her edits, gave considered and useful advice on how to improve my work, and was very understanding of time and budget constraints. What more could you want in an editor? I have not a whisker of hesitation about working with Amy again. In fact, I look forward to it.
Matt A.

Matt A.

Aug, 2023

Amy is a pro and great to interact with. Her feedback and criticism is constructive and I value it greatly -- she calls it like it is. Very thorough and straightforward. I look forward to continuing to work with her on this project and others. Highly recommended!
Ann G.

Ann G.

Aug, 2019

Amy's thoughtful reading of my novel-in-progress and spot-on suggestions for improving the overall storyline provided the inspiration I needed to revise an early draft of the manuscript. Five stars for Amy's professionalism, speedy response to questions, and key insights into strengthening the narrative on several levels. I would happily work with her again!
Carole K.

Carole K.

Dec, 2018

As always, Amy work was excellent. She is crucial to the work to move my novel to publication. I am very thankful to have found her.
Frank M.

Frank M.

Sep, 2018

Amy is continuing to work with me as I plough through the second draft of my first novel. She is highly professional, thorough and extremely knowledgeable. She has helped me keep on track with premise, character development, plot and structure. Our collaboration is proving to be an extremely valuable cornerstone for the whole project.

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