Reviews (50)

view reviews

Reviews (50)

Overview

I'm not here to rewrite your book.

I want to help you strengthen your narrative voice, polish your craft and deliver a book that's true to your vision.

I can edit at all points on the scale, from a full developmental overhaul to a close-up copy polish.

I focus on:
• Style. Tightening description, killing redundancies, spotting tics and repetitions.
• Structure. Ensuring every scene adds to the story and moves it forward.
• Characters. Keeping them real and relatable, authentic, plausible.

I'm open, collaborative and friendly. (Happy to discuss the book first, to determine what kind of edit might work best.)

I love working with new and developing authors - including indies. I'm familiar with the perks and pitfalls of indie publishing, so I'd be happy to advise on broader strategy.

----------

**FIVE-STAR REEDSY REVIEWS**

"Very impressed with Andrew. He became a key part of the book getting over the line. A strong attention to detail and the ability to always be thinking about story as well as the copy. Would highly recommend."
- James Blatch, Author & Co-Founder - Mark Dawson's Self-Publishing Formula

"Andrew provided me with a manuscript assessment. The detail and breadth of what it covers has been of immense value as I proceed with a rewrite and edit. I didn't want an editor who agreed with everything I had done; I wanted them to challenge me and push my work forward. At thirty pages of feedback Andrew covered inconsistencies, characterisation, plot and grammar. No writer swallows either praise or critique with ease. But if you want to push your work forward, Andrew is a fantastic editor to help you on your journey."
- James Damm, Author

"Andrew is an invaluable resource to an author, not just as fastidious editor but as a writing and self-publishing guru. He made my book better in every respect without adulterating my voice or prose. His edits and notes made revising and polishing an absolute pleasure. Hire him."
- Paul Cristo, Author

"Working with Andrew on the copyedit was all-around a great experience. He's prompt, communicative, professional, and personable. What I loved the most was how he was able to take my writing and make it more ME. I've had editors who, in trying to improve your work, add their words and rewrite your sentences, and it's just not what you'd write. Andrew doesn't do that. Through some mystical ability he can add a semicolon here, delete that paragraph return, move your two words from there to here, and ta-da, of COURSE that's how you meant it to come out. It's like wiping a dirty mirror--the reflection of your writing was always there, but now it's crystal clear. I'm looking forward to future collaborations."
- Amity Thompson, Author

"Working with Andrew was wonderful and effortless. He was professional, easy to work with, and insightful in his feedback. He presented me options on how to say what I wanted to say without changing my voice. He also effectively pointed out the bottlenecks in the draft and provided possible solutions to ease them. I would recommend him to anyone looking for editing services as he cares for the story."
- Ayan Pratap, Author

"Very thorough. A detailed and in-depth examination of the text. Andy doesn't miss anything and does an excellent job of making me (the writer) look competent! Always ready to offer additional support, advice and input. His approach is collaborative and he takes a real and positive interest. Very happy to recommend him to anyone looking to publish high-quality and polished text."
- Jim Carmichael, Author

"Andrew was fantastic! He was so easy to work with and he was really respectful of my work and bringing it to the best it could be. I look forward to working with him again as often as my writing speed allows."
- Chele Cooke, Author

"It was a real pleasure. Andrew's comments were relevant, insightful and his edits helped to really pep up the prose. The book is a lot more punchy as a result. Couldn't have done it without him."
- David Impey, Author

"Andrew was fantastic to work with. Maintaining your voice in editing is sometimes difficult but Andrew got what I was working toward instantly. I'm looking forward to working with him in the future."
- Steve Abbott, Author & Screenwriter

"Andrew offers excellent services and is extremely attentive and thoughtful as an editor. Highly recommended to anybody looking for a freelance editor with true professionalism and appreciation for their craft."
- Magdalene Sullivan, Author

-----

ABOUT ME

I specialise in adult commercial fiction, but I have two sons who are both big readers, and so I also like to work on books aimed at younger readers – particularly Young Adult/Middle Grade.

In my career in journalism, I have worked with major titles such as Vogue, GQ, Wired and Total Film, and I've written for many high-profile publications including The Guardian and The Sunday Times.

I've written thousands of published words – short and long-form features, coverlines, headlines, reviews, interviews, marketing copy – and rewritten, restructured and recommissioned thousands more.

I have masses of experience in polishing work to improve structure, flow, punch and pace. I'm also a meticulous proofreader with a beady eye for typos and inconsistencies.

I've written three standalone psychological thrillers, a book of three connected short stories, and six books in an ongoing crime thriller series.

---

** MORE TESTIMONIALS **

"It was fantastic working with Andrew. Not only is he a consummate professional and polished every aspect of the prose, he also offered great suggestions for word replacement and plot consistency. He kept in regular contact over Skype and email, and gave me plenty of opportunity to discuss changes and style points. (Editors I’ve worked with in the past have simply handed over their version at the end of the process without much discussion.) Andrew even edited my blurb and front matter for me. I feel my book is a better product for having worked with him."
Ben Galley, Author
'Bloodfeud'

"I really enjoyed Andrew’s collaborative style. He helped me to see what I was doing right as well as focus on what I wasn’t. It’s clear that he loves editing, and his enthusiasm has reignited my own passion for learning my craft."
Eliza Green, Author
The Exilon 5 series

"As a first-time novelist, I was apprehensive about the editing process. But early in our first chat on Skype, Andrew put me at ease. He seemed to 'get it', regarding what I was trying to achieve, and his approach, using Skype sessions and informal email contacts, was very effective. He explained his suggested changes in a constructive and friendly way. I enjoyed the experience of working with Andrew and look forward to doing so again."
Andy Emery, Author
'Blood Tribute'

"After working on my debut novel for seven years, I was anxious that I wouldn't find an editor who could meet my standards. Andrew immediately proved my fears were misplaced. He really connected with the story in a great way that gave me confidence in his abilities, but the real magic was in his ability to sharpen the text's edge to help it cut like a razor. If you're looking for an approachable editor who will work closely with you not only preserve your writer's voice, but strengthen it, look no further--I certainly won't have to for my next book."
MF Sullivan, Author
'Delilah, My Woman'

"Andrew was an absolute pleasure to work with. He went the extra mile to ensure that I was happy with changes and that my writing retained the right voice. Our regular Skype chats, as well as updates of the manuscript as he progressed, made it a truly collaborative project. Having chatted to Andrew before we began, I felt so comfortable trusting him with my writing. He was passionate about the story and the characters and I knew he'd work hard to make them shine. I'm so happy that I chose to work with Andrew on this project and I'm eager to hire him for my next."
Chele Cooke, Author
'Rack and Ruin'

"Success in any project depends on the team you assemble and I knew without a doubt, within seconds of talking to Andrew, that we would work well together on my thriller, 'Reliance.' Andrew's notes were concise and to the point, which made my job as a writer so much easier and my finished product so much better. I highly recommend him as an editor and I will be using him again for my next book."
Steve Abbott, Author
'Reliance'

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Editorial Assessment

Languages

English (UK)

English (US)

Fiction

Dystopian

Fantasy

Gaming & LitRPG

Horror

Literary Fiction

Mystery & Crime

Science Fiction

Thriller & Suspense

Urban Fantasy

The Final Flight

Blatch, James

Blue Fire

Thompson, Amity

The Unity Game

Leonora Meriel

WHAT IF THE EARTH YOU KNEW WAS JUST THE BEGINNING? A New York banker is descending into madness. A being from an advanced civilization is racing to stay alive. A dead man must unlock the secrets of an unknown dimension to save his loved ones.From the visions of Socrates in ancient Athens, to the birth of free will aboard a spaceship headed to Earth, The Unity Game tells a story of hope and red... read more

Peacehaven

Charlie Maclean

A grieving professor, crippled by guilt. A conflicted young tutor with a missing fiancé. Can they escape the pain of their pasts and build a future together? Joe is a charming but troubled linguistics expert who blames himself for his wife’s accidental death. Lia is a strong-willed but shy interpreter with a fiancé missing overseas, presumed dead. When the two meet at an Arabic evening class a... read more

Delilah, My Woman

M. F. Sullivan

A work which beckons the reader into complicity with his own inner demons, DELILAH, MY WOMAN, M. F. Sullivan's debut novel, tells the story of Richard Vasko, a troubled artist whose pursuit of fulfillment unravels down a depraved and bloody path. Obsessed by two women--the mysterious Susan Sinclair, and the effervescent Delilah Delacroix--as well as the morphing vision of his masterpiece, Rich... read more

Rack and Ruin: A Dystopian Action Adventure Novel (Out of Orbit Dystopian Science Fiction Series Book 3)

Chele Cooke

“You ready to break out of the cage, little bird?”Georgianna Lennox has been released by her keeper Edtroka, who has sided with the Cahlven, a technologically advanced race exiled from her home planet hundreds of years earlier.When Edtroka disappears, Georgianna and a group of rebel friends are forced to embark on a dangerous scouting mission behind enemy lines.As the Cahlven’s true intentions... read more

Reliance

Steve Abbott

The sins of the father, the sins of the son. For years Sheriff Tom Gillman always did what the Baron asked of him. The same as his father did before him. Now that he’s grown a conscience, he’s being run out of town on a rail. His last day on the job,Tom decides to rob the town bank but he’s beaten to it by an out of town crew looking to make a fast and easy score. The robbery goes wrong and be... read more

Bloodfeud (The Scarlet Star Trilogy Book 3)

Ben Galley

“One final task before the fall...” The Bloodmoon has cut its crimson path across the sky, leaving both leech and lamprey reeling in its wake. With Rhin captured by Sift, and Lilain and Lurker left behind in Washingtown, Tonmerion Hark returns to London, where the fate of the Empire lies with the devilish Lord Dizali. In his quest for revenge, the young Hark recruits an unlikely and dangerous ... read more

Echoes of Earth: A Dystopian Post Apocalyptic Novel (Prequel to the Exilon 5 Series Book 1)

Eliza Green

Read the prequels in order: Echoes of Earth, New Origin. Stuck on a desolate Earth no one wants to live on, Bill and Isla Taggart search for meaning in their work. A chance encounter with one man will change their fate forever. Join Bill and Isla as they face new challenges and discover new enemies. Echoes of Earth is a short story prequel to Becoming Human, set on Earth.

Feeder: Volume 1

Eliza Green

The Heart of Stone

Ben Galley

Merciless. Murderer. Monster. He has been called many names in his time. Built for war and nothing else, he has witnessed every shade of violence humans know, and he has wrought his own masterpieces with their colours. He cared once, perhaps, but far too long ago. He is bound to his task, dead to the chaos he wreaks for his masters. Now, he has a new master to serve and a new war to endure. In... read more

Among The Ruins (Corsa Moran Book 2)

James Carmichael

THE BRITISH HAVE BECOME REFUGEES IN THEIR OWN COUNTRYGlobal warming has reshaped Britain, with most of the larger cities drowned in a catastrophic flood. In the remaining ruins, survivors must adjust to a harsh new society where freedom has become a luxury few can afford, rights are an indulgence, and the State sees all.When a body is discovered at an abandoned transit camp, Detective Corsa Mo... read more

Death Dogs (The Lucas Gedge Thrillers Book 2)

Andy Emery

Murders and robberies. Ghastly nightmares and cryptic messages. Lucas Gedge, ex-soldier and spy, must uncover the truth.When a mystery involving a cult that worships ancient Egyptian gods becomes personal, Gedge is drawn into a deadly struggle. To find out who murdered his mentor, he must contend with the cult and a criminal gang, while a ghost from the past threatens his friend Polly Rondeau.... read more

Devil's Ante: A Sean Addison Adventure

Steve Abbott

The murder business has a way of pulling you back in…Sean Addison is tired of killing in the name of Queen and country. The ex-SAS agent has vowed to never take another life, opting instead to see the world from his motorcycle. But when members of a notorious Columbian cartel try to steal his bike, Sean realizes it’s impossible to keep his killer instincts at bay…Now with a vengeful cartel and... read more

The Greater Good (Corsa Moran Book 3)

James Carmichael

In these difficult times we must all make sacrifices for the greater good.Detective Corsa Moran is in crisis. David, the one good thing in her life, has been arrested and accused of being an illegal. To free him, she must travel into the occupied north of Scotland, and investigate the disappearance of three civilian contractors with links to a government outpost that stinks of corruption. Inst... read more

Crash and Burn: A Dystopian Action Adventure Novel (Out of Orbit Book 4)

Chele Cooke

She was trying to survive. She extinguished an empire.Georgianna has been banished from Cahlven protection. Forced to live in hiding, she must rely on secrets to stay alive and out of sight. She isn’t the only one at risk if she’s seen.But the Cahlven and Adveni are holding peace talks that would keep the Veniche oppressed under both invading forces. When she discovers that her people may pay ... read more

The October Men: Hindsight can be deadly

David Impey

Otto Parsons, a brilliant Oxford physicist, is missing. His early experiments on zero gravity machines have produced unimaginable results. His professor, Dan Sibley, has to secure funding for their work or close the project down. A wealthy organisation has made him an offer to secure the project’s future. Only now, it seems his backers may have an altogether more sinister agenda. Wheels are in... read more

After the Flood (Corsa Moran Series Book 1)

James Carmichael

It happened.Global warming, the melting ice caps the rising sea levels that swallowed up most of the big cities, it all happened. The world reached a 'tipping point' and the waters rose and rose till the flood barriers failed and the sea took it all.Now the trick is to keep going, just to keep going in a world that is on the edge of falling apart.In Britain, people fled to the high ground. New... read more

The Backward House: A Wallace and Bright Mystery (Wallace and Bright Mysteries Book 1)

James Carmichael

She drew in a breath and closed her eyes for a moment.“Wallace, they think I killed him.”It is 1921 and two old friends are reunited in a house haunted by a terrible murder.Sylvia Bright is a modern young woman, fired up by the liberated spirit of the times but she is facing her darkest hour. The body of Sylvia’s husband Michael was found in his room and the police are convinced that she is re... read more

Arabian Night Patrol

Ian Thewlis

Saudi Arabia – a desert oil camp during the Gulf War and the genesis of the War on Terror.Fighter jets scream overhead, air raid sirens clash with the call of the muezzin, and duals between Scud and Patriot missiles light up the sky.Rob, a British safety officer, volunteers for the patrol guarding the camp perimeter. Night patrols and terrorist threats leave him disorientated and wondering wha... read more

Rogue Agent (The Lucas Gedge Thrillers Book 3)

Andy Emery

Trigger a war or see his mentor killed. That’s the choice facing ex-soldier Lucas Gedge.When he learns of a deadly plot hatched by his nemesis, he leaves the mean streets of East London and heads to the remote Scottish moors in pursuit. In a race against time, Gedge must battle both vicious enemies and his own demons as he seeks to resolve his hellish dilemma.Rogue Agent is the third book in t... read more

Unseen Beauty

Amity Thompson

Invisibility is easy. Love is a beast.Claudette wants to be visible again. Even more, she wants to matter.Claudette seizes her chance when the stranger finds the cursed castle. Instead of impressing the housekeeper, however, the invisible parlormaid mouths-off to Beast. Her courage—or stupidity—lands her the most distasteful task she’s ever known: to beguile and ruin the lives of a loving fami... read more

Professionalism

Professionalism

Quality

Quality

Value

Value

Communication & Punctuality

Communication & Punctuality

Andrew elevated my voice. I've had experiences in the past where a less experienced editor had stripped down and redressed parts of my manuscript into a gauche costume of what I was going for. Andrew did the exact opposite. He sharpened the text and where he was necessarily heavy handed it was with elegance and an experienced ability to maintain my years of effort. From trimming redundancy ...

Justin Cembal, June 2022

Andrew is extremely professional to work with, and executed the brief slightly ahead of the original schedule. His commentary and advice at key points on the manuscript is pointed and delivered without unnecessary over-elaboration. I'd have no qualms about working with him again in the future. Indeed, I hope to do so.

Andrew Copeman, February 2022

I've worked with Andrew on four books now and I would work with him on others, without hesitation. His attention to detail, thorough and precise work, and helpful and unstinting advice were better than anything I could have imagined. He could not have been more helpful or more professional.

Barry Litherland, February 2022

Working with Andrew has been a delight. I hired Andrew for a Manuscript Assessment of my first novel, without which I would have fallen into the traps that plague many a novice author. Andrew’s experience has been invaluable in identifying weaknesses and areas of improvement in my writing. I am confident that after working with Andrew I will have a polished and saleable product. Andrew has co...

Elizabeth Brown, December 2021

This is my fourth collaboration with Andrew -- he's definitely a keeper. He was able to coordinate with me after some life events disrupted my timeline, and as always, he has excellent professionalism. His ability to smooth my sentences and banish all awkwardness (unless, of course, my character is being awkward) is what has me coming back every time. Also, my reviews mention how well-edited my...

Amity Thompson, October 2021