April Kelly

April Kelly – Editor

Seasoned copy editor specializing in dystopian sci-fi and epic fantasy, with years of experience working with self-published authors.

Overview

Hi! I'm a copy editor and proofreader with 15 years of experience, specializing in sci-fi and fantasy novels (primarily dystopian sci-fi, and epic fantasy). As a copy editor, I provide my clients with a polished draft, focusing on grammar, syntax, and tone. My goal is to always preserve the author's unique voice as I work. In addition to grammar, I also pay special attention to word flow, character development, and continuity.

My clients are always encouraged to share if there are specific things they would like me to watch for or comment on. I will also create a style guide if requested.

As an avid reader myself, my personal reading list is almost exclusively made up of sci-fi and fantasy, so if you're looking for someone as obsessed with those genres as you are, let's talk!

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For those considering how to budget for copy editing and proofreading, my rates are roughly commensurate with the Editorial Freelancers Association rate guidelines, which can be found online.

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Dystopian Epic Fantasy Post-Apocalyptic Space Opera Time Travel Urban Fantasy
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Scribe Media

May, 2018 — Jul, 2020 (about 2 years)
Proofreads final manuscripts to ensure completely error-free copy before publishing. Completed the final proof for 75+ Amazon Best Sellers

Best Version Media

Jul, 2018 — Jun, 2020 (almost 2 years)
Writes original content, from local calendar events to resident spotlights. Edits and proofs submitted content from local residents.

Self-employed

Feb, 2007 — Present

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
The Advent of Dreamtech (Dreamworms)

Petrov, Isaac

Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Bleed (The Gift Book 4)

Stapleton, Marc

Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Visiting Craft

Spinner, Dustin

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Sapphire Son

Davis, J

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Source of Death (OtherSide)

Night, Jay Michael

Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Moonstomper

Hardt, Phil

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing

April has 119 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Cole C.

Cole C.

Oct, 2026

Amazing as always. I appreciate April’s comments. They are always helpful and thoughtful.
Connie F.

Connie F.

Oct, 2026

Working with April was wonderful. I had some sort of unorthodox requests and she went with it and gave me invaluable feedback. I can't stop seeing things she pointed out in my new writing, so it's improving that, too. A wonderful experience.
Steve S.

Steve S.

Oct, 2026

April's copy edit of my novel was extremely helpful and insightful. She found several instances of timeline inconsistency, corrected technical and location spellings, and provided a detailed style sheet explaining her choices. My text is tighter, and I feel much more confident taking my manuscr...
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Thomas T.

Thomas T.

Sep, 2026

April was a fantastic editor to work with and I believe her work greatly contributed to an improvement in my manuscript. She was punctual and had the ability to understand what I was trying to capture with my work. Her copy edits were easy to understand and she was great at researching both the s...
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Scott E.

Scott E.

Sep, 2026

April proofread my 133,000-word debut novel, Shadows Over Earth, after it had already been through a developmental editor and a professional copy editor. I expected a light pass. What I got was the most careful read the manuscript received at any stage. Beyond the usual typos and punctuation, Ap...
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