Harri Aston

Harri Aston – Editor

Experienced, creative and diligent book editor, specialising in memoirs, sport, true crime and heritage.

Overview

I’m a creative book editor and meticulous proofreader who loves bringing stories to life on the page.

I have worked on several high-profile books, including Gary Speed Unspoken: The Family’s Untold Story, about the former footballer who took his own life; Groomed By A Gang, the story of a child who fell into the clutches of a paedophile sex ring, and Roman Kemp’s Are You Really OK? which tackles the stigma around mental health.

I enjoy working closely with authors and will always go the extra mile to ensure your book shines. Whether it’s advice on structure, polishing the text or giving your manuscript an eagle-eyed read-through to catch annoying errors, I provide attention to detail that is second to none.

Take a look below at some of the publications I have worked on and feel free to get in touch to discuss your project!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs History Political Science & Current Affairs Sports & Outdoors True Crime
Languages
English (UK)

Work experience

Reach Sport and Mirror Books

May, 2013 — Present
Edited a number of high-profile book titles for Reach Plc’s publishing arm – from memoirs to football books and true crime stories – and managed major publication projects including a four-part series of Daily Mirror magazines to mark the centenary of the First World War and the official preview magazine for the 2021 British Irish Lions' rugby tour of South Africa.

Derby Telegraph

Nov, 2010 — Apr, 2013 (over 2 years)
Role involved briefing reporters, designing pages, checking stories for errors, re-writing articles when necessary, ensuring copy was legally sound and adhered to house style, and writing headlines. Also responsible for producing supplements such as Business Weekly and the entertainment guide.

Nottingham Post

Apr, 2009 — Nov, 2010 (over 1 year)
Sub-edited and designed pages for all titles created from the East Midlands subbing hub, including the Derby Telegraph and Leicester Mercury.

Freelance

Apr, 2008 — Apr, 2009 (12 months)
Worked regular shifts for national newspapers, including the the Daily Mail and Sunday Mirror, and the PoliticsHome website.

The Sentinel

Jun, 2003 — Apr, 2008 (almost 5 years)
Broke several exclusives, from a multi-million-pound investment into Crewe town centre to a mother who lost three of her children to drug-related deaths. Achievements recognised when I was named The Sentinel’s news reporter of the year.

Portfolio

Gary Speed: Unspoken: The Family's Untold Story

Richardson, John

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
News from the Trenches

unknown author

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Elise Christie: Resilience

Christie, Elise

Proofreading
Cops and Horrors

Calveley, Matt

Proofreading
Mike Phillips – Half Truths.: My Mistakes, My Triumphs, My Untold Story

Phillips, Mike

Proofreading
The First 100 Days:: Lessons in Leadership from the Football Bosses

Denton, Phil

Copy Editing Proofreading
Clash of the Clans: The rise of the Irish narcos and boxing’s dirty secret

Tallant, Nicola

Copy Editing Proofreading
The Art of Crime: Diary of A Prison Art Tutor

Tafka, Steven

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
A Mother’s Job

Dove, Joy

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Our Gazza: The Untold Tales

Richardson, John

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Groomed by a Gang

O'Connor, Christina

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Bird

Curtis-Taylor, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Are You Really Ok?

Kemp, Roman

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Len Goodman's Dancing Around Britain

Len Goodman

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
My Story: The Greatest Footballer That Never Was

Pike, Sonny

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading

Harri has 6 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Joseph M.

Joseph M.

Feb, 2025

Pinned
As this was my first manuscript, it was also my first experience working with a "Book Doctor". Harri Aston is far more than a general practitioner, he is a top surgeon! Harri's attention to detail is flawless and his bedside manner made me very comfortable, especially not knowing what to expect. ...
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Darren N.

Darren N.

May, 2024

Pinned
My first time writing a book, my first time hiring a copy-editor. Despite my nerves at the whole process, Harri made the whole experience easy to follow and personal. It's obvious Harri has a wealth of experience, which he readily used to improve my manuscript. His edits and suggestions made sens...
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Emma H.

Emma H.

Nov, 2025

Working with Harri has been an absolute pleasure, he took the time to understand and appreciate my story. He understood my aim and crazy and helped me shape it into a book I'll be proud to publish. A heartfelt thank you and well done.
Bryant P.

Bryant P.

Jun, 2025

As a first-time author, I couldn’t have asked for a better copy editor. His attention to detail and commitment to preserving my voice was invaluable. What really stood out was his collaborative approach. It was refreshing and made the entire process feel like a true partnership. He went above and...
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Patrick T.

Patrick T.

Dec, 2024

Harri was the only editor from my 5 picks who asked for my partial manuscript and gave me his initial views before quoting. I found that very refreshing and built trust. His assessment will help me polish the book but his query letter help was absolutely top notch. I will be collaborating with hi...
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