Elizabeth Thurmond

Elizabeth Thurmond – Editor

Fantasy, sci-fi, mystery/thriller (Adult, MG and YA) proofreader and copyeditor with experience at Disney Publishing and Hallmark Books.

Overview

I am a proofreader and copyeditor with a focus on fantasy, sci-fi, mystery and thrillers for adult, YA and Middle Grade readers. My experience since 2010 includes work with private clients, small publishers, and well-known brands like Hallmark and Disney. I also worked as a corporate proofreader for over a decade.


When working on a project, I first receive instructions and information about special needs or concerns from the client, such as whether the manuscript is being published or is being sent out to agents. I then provide a comprehensive markup with attention to typos, spelling, punctuation, grammar, syntax, repetition and usage, using Microsoft Word with tracked changes. If I see anything that may need the author's attention -- a character or place name change, a confusing paragraph, etc. -- I flag it in a comment at the margins. Any queries I insert are for the author to consider, and I don't require an answer!


My edits are technical only. I do not offer line editing services or instructional support on the rules of grammar or how to use Microsoft Word. I do not use any form of AI assistance at any stage of my editing process.


I have received some requests that I've had to turn down because the manuscript was not ready for my services. The edits I provide are most effectively used as the final review before a manuscript is self-published or submitted to agents and editors -- think of me as the last line of defense against technical errors.


Previous projects include the Kane Chronicles and other books by Rick Riordan, as well as books by other authors in the Rick Riordan Presents line (middle-grade and YA fantasy by multicultural authors); books in the Star Wars High Republic series; Quetzalli's Last Song by Desiree Calderon de Fawaz; The Christmas Company by Alys Murray; and Ruin and Roses by Deanna Ortega.

Services
Fiction
Comics & Graphic Novels Epic Fantasy Middle Grade Fantasy Mystery & Crime Psychological Thriller Science Fiction Urban Fantasy Young Adult
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (NZ) English (SA) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2012 — Present

Copyediting and proofreading fiction, screenplays, marketing materials, essays and video captions. In addition to private clients I have worked for advertising agencies, the XPrize Foundation, and Belkin.

Disney Publishing Worldwide

Sep, 2021 — Jul, 2022 (10 months)

Proofread books for electronic release across all product lines, from children's book to Hyperion original YA to Star Wars to nonfiction for National Geographic. Marked up manuscripts for audiobook performances.

Hallmark Books

Aug, 2018 — Present

On-demand copyeditor and proofreader for sweet romance novels.

Alpha Pictures

Jul, 2016 — Jun, 2017 (11 months)

Pitched adaptations of Chinese intellectual property to the head of development & production. Shepherded projects through the development process, including running and participating in writers'-room-style development meetings and writing story treatments. Evaluated potential writers in conjunction with head of development & production. Wrote and designed one-sheets and pitch decks showcasing IP potential for film franchises or TV series.

Dreamspinner Press

Feb, 2015 — Aug, 2015 (6 months)

Copy and developmental editing and proofreading for romance and YA novels with LGBT themes.

NBCUniversal, Inc.

Aug, 2014 — Jan, 2015 (5 months)

Proofread episode recaps and other text for. Wrote series descriptions for NBC Classic series website. Wrote, proofread and entered data for the Saturday Night Live 40th anniversary iPhone app.

Disney Publishing Worldwide

Apr, 2013 — Nov, 2013 (7 months)

Compared and reconciled hardcopy and electronic versions of children's, middle-grade, young adult and graphic novels for major media/publishing company. Provided electronic markups and rechecked corrections, and queried inconsistencies in original materials. Created electronic versions of long-form graphic novels.

Luna Station Quarterly

Jan, 2013 — Aug, 2013 (7 months)

Evaluated and proofread short fiction manuscripts for online journal focused on genre fiction by women authors.

Renaissance Literary & Talent

Feb, 2012 — Dec, 2012 (10 months)

Converted and proofread backlist titles by literary agent's clients for distribution on electronic platforms. Projects included fiction and nonfiction works by Joan Collins, Elia Kazan, Larry Collins & Dominique LaPierre.

eLance

Jan, 2012 — Nov, 2015 (almost 4 years)

Provided proofreading and copyediting services on fiction manuscripts, academic documents and essays for private clients.

Freelance

Jan, 2009 — Dec, 2013 (almost 5 years)

Script and manuscript analyst for companies such as Lifetime Television, 1492 Pictures and Rat Entertainment as well as private clients.

Portfolio

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Forgotten God (Reawakening)

Rylands, Andrew

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Ruin And Roses (Cursed Kingdoms)

Ortega, Deanna

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Love, Ace & Monsters: An Ace Anthology

Crowley, Azalea

Proofreading
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Quetzalli's Last Song (The Brum Hesles Series Book 1)

Calderón De Fawaz , Desirée

Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Oath Breakers (DC Coven Book 1)

Saygo, Andrei

Proofreading
Copy Editing
A gift of warmth to heal two hearts… Sarah Smith in Pine Hill, Kentucky has had her heart broken in the past. She pours herself into her work at church and into special projects—like making a ... read more
Proofreading
She's out to save her town from a real-life Scrooge... The small town of Miller’s Point is known across the country for their annual Dickensian Christmas festival. When the celebration is thre... read more
Copy Editing
This isn’t his sister’s Wonderland….Henry never believed his older sister, Alice’s, fantastic tales about the world down the rabbit hole. When he’s whisked away to the bizarre land, his best c... read more
Proofreading
Since the release of Artemis Fowl in 2001, Eoin Colfer''''s blockbuster series has sold more than eight million copies in the United States alone. Now, in this second graphic novel installment... read more
Proofreading
Sunrise Cabin

Stacey Donovan

"...a warm-hearted, tender story about characters you will love to meet and a setting you won’t want to leave. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Sunrise Cabin!" --RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times... read more
Proofreading
A collection fit for the (Egyptian) gods! All three books in the blockbuster Kane Chronicles trilogy are together at last! This series will be treasured by readers of all ages, whether they're... read more
Proofreading

Elizabeth has 34 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Erik F.

Erik F.

Apr, 2024

Elizabeth caught a ton of errors and went above and beyond with some insightful storytelling input. She finished early and was a pleasure to work with.
nicholas Z.

nicholas Z.

Mar, 2024

Prompt and professional, my copy editing was done a week before the required date and was performed with care. I will be using Elizabeth for my future projects.
Jordan F.

Jordan F.

Mar, 2024

I caught a few errors here and there in Elizabeth's proofread which I wound up fixing myself, but otherwise, I appreciate her quick responsiveness and ability to get our collaboration finished at a time that was convenient for my editing timeline! Her fast work impressed me.
Phoenix F.

Phoenix F.

Feb, 2024

Elizabeth was very communicative and accommodating. Her work was excellent and she finished the collaboration more quickly than quoted! I hope to work with her again in the future.
Ian P.

Ian P.

Jan, 2024

I was completely satisfied with the job Elizabeth did on my manuscript (middle grade). She caught and corrected all the little things I hoped she would (i.e. comma use!), as well as making some valid suggestions regarding some of the terms I had used and how to deal with different POV shifts. I also appreciated the kind words she had for the story - always encouraging, especially when it's the ...
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