Laura Hayes

Laura Hayes – Editor

Fiction and non-fiction proofreader. I specialise in crime and historical fiction plus historical non-fiction. Work at The History Press.

Overview

I am a qualified proofreader with nine years’ experience of proofreading a range of projects. It was whilst producing charity newsletters that I became enthused about this role. In 2014, I passed the Publishing Training Centre's PQB course in Basic Proofreading. I then joined a proofreading work experience programme in 2015, whilst securing unpaid work as a Contributing Editor for a scientific magazine. Paid opportunities soon came after with the help of widely marketing myself a freelance proofreader. My main focus now is on proofreading and proof-editing services for writers of fiction. I concentrate my work on crime, thrillers and historical fiction. My skills are also put to good use whilst working as a freelance non-fiction proofreader for The History Press.


There is nothing like working with a client in this business where both parties reap the fantastic rewards! I'm a grammar geek at heart and love applying all my knowledge to polish off intriguing and exciting projects. Along with my enthusiasm and dedication to your work, I can offer transparency and communication throughout, giving you peace of mind that I will put your writing goals first. If you need a light proof-edit, I can provide it. If you require a stylesheet, I'm onto it. I am easy-going, approachable and honest and happy to welcome new clients who wish to seek a happy collaboration!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs History
Fiction
Historical Fiction Historical Romance Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • PTC's Certificate in Basic Proofreading

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2016 — Present
Working for myself is so rewarding and the excitement of having my own business drives my enthusiasm and dedication. This has helped me to gain established clients who trust me to take on their projects again and again. I am proud to have worked with authors Stephen Collier, K.R. Davis, Paul Stretton-Stephens and J.P. Ceark on more than one of their titles. I also get called upon by The History Press from time to time to undertake the last process in their publishing service - a fine-tuning proofread on PDF proofs. Never a dull moment!

The History Press

Jan, 2021 — Present
You will see at the end of my portfolio just some of the non-fiction books I have proofread for The History Press. The range of topics cannot be underestimated! Titles include: Everything Under the Sun: The Complete Guide to Pink Floyd The Enigma Traitors: The Struggle to Lose the Cipher War Pauline Gower, Pioneering Leader of the Spitfire Women My Grandfather's Knife: Hidden Stories from the Second World War Voices from the Shoreline: The Ancient and Ingenious Traditions of Coastal Fishing

Portfolio

Crimson Dragon

Collier, Stephen

Proofreading
Blind Murder

Collier, Stephen

Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Rogue (Book 1 of The Rogue Series)

Lenihan, Danny

Broken Earth

Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
A deadly cocktail of business and ideology, where revenge is the only option.Disaster strikes while Jago is enjoying a holiday in Australia with his friend Hunter and their respective partners... read more
Proofreading
<Shades of Loyalty, a Crime Action Thriller That Conveys a World of Duty, Expectation, Divided Loyalties, and REVENGE.When law enforcement agencies in five different locations across two count... read more
Proofreading
Ambitious to rise, destined to fallWalk once more the red brick corridors of Henry VIII palaces. Smell the clove and pine smoke permeate through the draughty rooms. Witness a middle-aged diplo... read more
Proofreading
Read this crime action thriller novella, the first in the series.The Plastic Paradigm – If Plastic Waste is the “New Narcotic”, then Jack Jago is the antidote.In this fast-paced novella:After ... read more
Proofreading
Eleanor's Progress

Elizabeth Kirkwood

Eleanor's progress is a fantasy novel set in the future, against a backdrop of World revolution. This New Revolution has been caused by the expiry and the inability to extract any further foss... read more
Proofreading

Laura has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ron S.

Ron S.

May, 2025

Pinned
Laura was professional and personal all at once, a very healthy combination. She adjusted deadlines to suit our project and delivered her proofreading on time, letter-perfect. She was a great element of our publishing team for an author's debut novel. I'd recommend her to any author-publisher who...
Read more
Laura H.
Thank you to Ron for making my first project through Reedsy such a rewarding one. We both share a love of historical fiction and a mutual respect for the dedicated work that goes into both editing ...
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