Derek Prior

Derek Prior – Editor

Experienced fiction editor and ghost writer with a large portfolio of traditionally and self-published clients.

Overview

Since 2009 I have worked as a developmental editor with a special interest in fantasy and historical fiction. Past commissions include The Sorcery Ascendant Series by Mitchell Hogan, The Half-Orcs, The Paladins, and A Dance of Cloaks by David Dalglish, The Wardstone Trilogy by M.R. Mathias, and the Fallen Angels series by Valmore Daniels.


AWARDS:

Editor of Best Novel and Best Fantasy

Festival of Words Best of the Independent eBook Awards (2012)

Moses Siregar's novel, The Black Gods War won Best Novel and Best Fantasy award winner in the eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook Awards (2012). I provided developmental and copy editing.


Editor of Best Fantasy Novel (Aurealis Awards, 2013)

Mitchell Hogan, was awarded Best Fantasy Novel for his debut novel, A Crucible of Souls at the Aurealis Awards, Sydney, Australia 2013. I provided developmental and copy editing.


THE ENGINE WOMAN'S LIGHT received the 2017 Independent Press Award and, in 2018, the National Indie Excellence Award (Steampunk Category). It also received a "Kirkus Star," plus a Kirkus listing as one of the top 100 Indie books of 2017 and one of the top six Indie teen books. To read the Kirkus Review, go to: Chanticleer Reviews shortlisted THE ENGINE WOMAN'S LIGHT for its Dante Rossetti Young Adult award and named it First in Category for the OZMA Fantasy. The 2018 San Francisco Book Festival declared THE ENGINE WOMAN'S LIGHT the winner in Science Fiction and runner-up in the Young Adult and Wild Card Categories. The Irwin Awards (Book Publicists of Southern California) named the novel Winner in Speculative Fiction. The 2018 Best Book Awards, American Book Fest, declared it Winner in the Fantasy Category. I provided developmental and copy editing.


ENDORSEMENTS:


"Derek worked on a literary edit for my novella. He is my first experience with a professional editor and he did not disappoint. At the end of the edit, he provided me with copious and detailed notes on issues with narrative structure, point-of-view, temporal continuity etc along with diligent observations on my punctuation and sentence structure. He was balanced in his assessment highlight the good aspects of the book and not pulling any punches with what was wrong with my draft. I was highly impressed with the quality of Derek's work and will continue to use him on my two upcoming projects." (Rakesh Gupta)

Derek Prior is an excellent provider of both literary/extensive and copyediting. His rates are fair, he's extremely professional, and the results are fantastic. (Rex Jameson, Author of Lucifer's Odyssey)

Derek Prior is a first rate editor. He is very meticulous, highly knowledgeable and works quickly. He particularly excels at the developmental edit. Great value for your money, his edits will improve your novel, short story or manuscript immeasurably. (Flurries of Words)


EDITING RATES:


Developmental Edit: $0.034 per word

Focuses on plot, characterization, style, pace, narrative voice, continuity and structure. You will be provided with detailed notes in the margins of the text and a summary. Typically take 4-6 weeks.


Copy Edit: $0.028 per word

Line by line scrutiny of grammar, spelling, repetition, word choice, capitalization, continuity etc. Issues such as dangling participles, comma splices, split infinitives will be highlighted, and suggestions will be offered for corrections. Typically take 4-6 weeks.


Proof Read: $0.024 per word

Prior to using this service, your manuscript should have been professionally copy-edited as proofreading is concerned with picking up any human errors that may have crept in during the editing/revising process, as well as ensuring stylistic consistency. No developmental issues are looked at during the proofread.




Services
Fiction
Epic Fantasy Historical Fiction Horror Magical Realism Short Story Space Opera Urban Fantasy
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Editor of Best Fantasy Novel, Festival of Words Best of the Independent eBook Awards (2012)
  • Editor of Best Fantasy Novel, Aurealis Awards (2013)
  • The National Indie Excellence Award, Steampunk Category (2018)
Certifications
  • BA (Hons)
  • Advanced Diploma (ABM)
  • RMN
  • Advanced PT Diploma

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2009 — Present

Portfolio

The House

Prior, P.M.

The Engine Woman's Light

Hill, Laurel Anne

Revenant Winds

Hogan, Mitchell

Inquisitor

Hogan, Mitchell

Derek has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Mark F.

Mark F.

Sep, 2020

Great work!
Derek P.
Thanks, John. Pleasure working with you.

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