Deborah Balogun – Editor

I’m a full-time fiction editor offering clear, professional support to authors at every stage of their writing. I started my journey signed to the Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency, one of the UK’s top literary agencies, so I understand what it takes to get a manuscript noticed and how much of a difference editing can make. I left the agency to pursue what I enjoy most: working closely with writers and their stories.

Since then, I’ve collaborated with Big 5 publishers in the UK and US, as well as several independent presses. My experience includes projects with internationally bestselling authors such as Nikki May, Elizabeth George, and Ken Follett.

My speciality is inclusive editing. I take particular care with books featuring characters from diverse backgrounds and love supporting authors working in these spaces. I’m also an authenticity reader for African and Black British characters.

I enjoy meeting and working with new authors to help realise their book’s potential, whether that means offering editorial notes, providing copy edits, or coaching them through the writing and publishing journey. I love holding my authors’ hands through the process because I know just how painstaking, albeit joyous, it can be.

I often begin with a call at the start of an edit (if requested). It’s a chance for you to tell me what you need and for me to understand how best to tailor the process to suit your book. We’ll talk about your short- and long-term writing goals, and how I can support them. I’m happy to be an accountability partner, too, someone who reminds you why you started when motivation dips. I’m flexible in how I work and willing to take whatever form is needed to help make your writing journey a successful one.

My rates range from £35-£70 per hour, depending on the service. I’m happy to discuss options for projects with limited budgets or writers on low incomes.

Please say hello, tell me about your project, and ask for a quote. I look forward to meeting you.

I'm a member of the Chatered Institute of Copyediting and Proofreading.

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I've been lucky to work with some brilliant authors. Here's what a few of them had to say:

I’ve worked with Deborah for both of my books – my debut novel, WAHALA and my second book THIS MOTHERLESS LAND. She is brilliant and saved me blushes on both my books. She’s fast, thorough, and considerate in her mark-up language. She goes above and beyond her remit. Deborah is great – I recommend her highly. - NIKKI MAY

Deborah was professional in all her conduct and communication, and working with her was such a joy. Her notes and suggestions were incredibly insightful, detailed and most importantly, encouraging. – TOLA OKOGWU

Deborah’s edits really provided me with great clarity and helped me to find my voice as a writer. I would often read over her notes and say to myself ‘That’s what I was trying to say!’ – RENE GERMAIN