Eilidh Locherty – Editor

What drives me as a fiction editor is the opportunity to amplify underrepresented characters and marginalized voices, especially as someone who is disabled and queer.

I personalize my edits to each author, adapting my feedback to your needs. Before we begin, I’ll ask how you best receive feedback and whether there’s anything I can adjust to make the process easier for you. Maybe examples help things click or you need a little more explanation behind a suggestion rather than being expected to decipher Editor Speak™. My approach is collaborative and revision-focused. My goal is always to enhance your unique voice while ensuring your manuscript is ready for the shelf, whatever stage you’re at.

I don’t use generative AI in my editing process or work with AI-generated books. If AI has played a minor role in brainstorming, I’d appreciate you mentioning this in your brief.

I also love to work with storytellers whose novels are shaped by their own experiences, perspectives and wonderfully niche interests. Basically, if someone has ever described your idea as a bit “out there”, I would very much like to hear more.

It can feel scary to let an editor walk into the world you’ve created and mark up your story with their editing pen (especially when your heart is on every page).

That’s why, as an editor, I believe three things:

1. Accessibility shouldn’t be something you have to ask for. Before our project begins, I’ll ask you to share how you best receive feedback so I can tailor my edits to you.

2. Authentic, lived experiences belong in your book and deserve to be celebrated. I love editing stories from underrepresented communities and niche interests usually deemed too ‘out there’ for the publishing industry.

3. Editing shouldn’t take the soul out of your book. It should amplify the voice and story that’s already there. And that’s exactly what we do together!

As an author myself, I understand how personal and important your story is. That’s why I treat every manuscript as if it were my own. Together, we’ll work to shape your story into something that truly reflects your vision and resonates with your readers.

I specialize in developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading US and UK English, with expertise in the Chicago Manual of Style.

If you’re not quite sure what kind of editing you need, just ask! I’m always happy to answer questions about my process and take a look at your manuscript before recommending a service.

And finally, the important bit:

Eilidh = AY-lay.

Now we can talk books. :)

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"Eilidh was easy to work with and lots of fun. There were a lot of great comments in the manuscript that helped make the story better. You can tell she cares about her work and your manuscript." - Dave Lawson.

"As an AuDHD individual, I’m incredibly grateful for how attentive Eilidh was to my thought process. She made the process comfortable, stress-free and easy to understand." — Monika D.