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 112 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Alton B.

Alton B.

Sep, 2026

April did an exceptional job line editing Monsters of Light. This was a complex manuscript with multiple POVs, interconnected storylines, extensive worldbuilding, and continuity details requiring close attention. What impressed me most was that April did more than strengthen the prose. She paid ...
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Micah B.

Micah B.

Aug, 2026

I had always heard horror stories from other authors who had tried to publish books, with editors coming in, meddling with the work, and ultimately changing what the author had intended. I found none of that with April. Everything she did was completely ego-less and in service of the work. I act...
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Isaiah D.

Isaiah D.

Aug, 2026

April was fantastic to work with. Her attention to detail was excellent—she caught small continuity issues, wording inconsistencies, and objective errors without overstepping into unnecessary rewrites. I especially appreciated how careful she was about preserving the voice, tone, intentional frag...
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Nathaniel N.

Nathaniel N.

Aug, 2026

This was my first time going through the editorial process with someone, and April guided me through it without making me feel ignorant. She answered all my questions was easy to communicate with, responding in a timely manner. I had no issues working with her and see no reason why I wouldn’t wor...
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Shona G.

Shona G.

Aug, 2026

April’s assessment of my manuscript has been incredibly helpful in taking my book from good to something Amazing! She constructively challenged me on areas I hadn’t even realised were lacking and helped me see the story through a completely different lens. I actually cried reading her feedback!...
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