Overview
My skills, knowledge and experience will make your novel shine. I’ll support and empower you on every step of your editorial and publishing journey.
Whether you’re looking for an in-depth edit, an expert pair of eyes on your submission to agents or guidance on your next steps to publication, I’m here to do that and more. As a professional who knows the publishing industry inside and out, I can give you the editorial support you need to feel confident and prepared as you launch your novel to the world.
I edit and commission all types of novelists, from established authors to debut voices and self-published writers. I tailor my services exactly to each author’s needs, whether it’s working together on edits or demystifying the publishing process. In fact, shall we chat about it and how I can help you?
The editing process – a short summary:
So, you’ve completed your manuscript, what now?
1) Developmental/Structural Edits
It’s crucial for a professional third-party to conduct a developmental edit for your manuscript. Structural edits involve receiving feedback on the key elements of your story, e.g. character and plot. Imagine it’s the same process as building a house; the structural editing ensures you’ve got a strong frame – without it the whole story falls down!
2) Line/Copy Edits
This technical edit ensures e.g. consistency errors are identified. This is where we’re decorating the house so it looks good to live in.
3) Proofreading
This is fine tuning that our metaphorical house requires. Proofreading checks for the tiny lingering errors (e.g. typos).
I can also help you out by creatively:
· brainstorming title options;
· writing hooky book blurbs;
· drafting covers briefs
· getting your submission agent-ready
I love video calls with authors to chat about feedback and much more. You can book me in a 15-minute intro slots. One session is perfect if you’d like to get to know whether working together is a good fit.
I’m raring to go – are you?
Testimonials:
"Holly is a terrific editor and an author's best friend."
Glenn Cooper, author
“Any author would be lucky to have Holly!”
Hannah Todd, agent, Madeleine Milburn
“Without Holly’s insightful and constructive work, my books would not have been the hits they are.”
Simon Turney, author
"As a debut author, I count myself lucky to have had an editor so willing to invest their time, expertise and magic in my work."
A.M. Shine, author
“Holly’s got an incredible editorial eye and her author care has been top notch.”
John Baker, agent, Bell Lomax Moreton
Services
Fiction
Languages
Awards
- Rising Star Award 2021
- Winner of the Orwell Society Dystopian Short Story Competition 2016
Certifications
- Creative Writing and Publishing MA: Merit (City University, London)
- English Literature BA: First (Sheffield University)
- The Publishing Training Centre: range of courses and modules
- Publicists' Publicity Training Day (with the Publishers' Publicity Circle)
- Pitch Perfect Judge at Bloody Scotland Festival 2019
- Copywriting Course (The Publishing Training Centre)
Work experience
Bloomsbury
- Commissioned and published both established and debut authors in the commercial, adventure, crime and thriller genres.
- Structurally edited titles, wrote copy, briefed covers, read direct and agented submissions, optimised book metadata and created publication strategies.
- Worked closely with authors and agents, both domestically and internationally, for the Aries list.
Canongate Books Ltd & Severn House
- Launched and managed a new commercial crime, mystery and thriller fiction brand.
- Guided authors and agents through the publication process from acquisition to publication day and beyond.
- For subdivision, Severn House, I provided structural edits, copy edits and author care for crime, thriller and romance fiction authors.
Self-employed
The Publishing Training Centre
Completed a range of editorial and publishing courses at the Publishing Training Centre, including:
- A Commissioning Editor's Guide to Working with Authors (e-learning module)
- A Copy-Editor's Guide to Working with Authors (e-learning module)
- Editing Fiction (e-learning module)
- Editorial Style (e-learning module)
- Introduction to Proofreading (course)
- Introduction to Copy-Editing (course)
- Negotiating for a Win-Win Outcome (course)
- Copywriting for Publishers (course)
Holly has 12 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
![Ron H. Ron H.](https://images-cdn.reedsy.com/avatar/1448442/thumb_94ef47d04be974c9e565197585dfc730d74ea25d.jpg)
Ron H.
Jul, 2024
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Bruce J.
Jul, 2022
![Lauren E. Lauren E.](https://images-cdn.reedsy.com/avatar/1072474/thumb_d20e0c24afd449c1470522ee69128e8a83d7df6e.jpg)
Lauren E.
Jul, 2022
![Alaura S. Alaura S.](https://images-cdn.reedsy.com/avatar/991107/thumb_6843e410a6490e5c8da7f472873817e86528408e.jpg)
Alaura S.
May, 2022
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Simon W.
Apr, 2022
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