Lesley Jones – Editor

I’m Lesley - welcome to my profile page. Publishing a book on your own (self-publishing as an independent author – indie publishing) can be a daunting task, but I’m here to help you through one of the most important stages: editing (I usually edit crime, fantasy, sci fi and horror, and romance).Your novel may be the product of years of toil; of late nights at a glowing screen after your children have gone to bed; of lonely mornings with your notebook and pencil and only a slowly cooling cup of coffee for company; of manic getting up in the middle of the night to scribble down an idea that’s just landed in your subconscious – all and more of these. The result is the product of your imagination – delivered as bubbling creativity, or eased gradually from your inner psyche. Or indeed many other things, as referenced by the many authors who have written about their art over the centuries. You are now so close to your creation that only a fresh pair of eyes can help you get your book into the shape you want it to be, to iron out any glitches, and to add some magic. Let’s work together on this wonderful project of yours, so you are ready to share it with the world.The first thing you should know is that I understand the amount of time and soul searching it has taken you to craft your manuscript, and that I’ll ensure any work I do with you on that manuscript will be with a view to producing a book that’s the best it can be: polishing your prose, but keeping it yours.I have nearly ten years’ experience in freelance editing, and I’ve taken many courses in editing and proofreading. I keep up to date with continuing education and attend my professional society's conference every year (which involves a lot of CPD). If you head over to my portfolio you’ll see I edit for Macmillan, Harper Collins, Black Library and some of the smaller presses, but most of my work – and the work I value above all else – is for indie authors who have chosen to take on the publishing process themselves. Many of my authors (apologies for sounding possessive) have published series of books which are doing very well; some choose only to write one book – and these also (rightly) do well.