Lottie Hayes-Clemens

Lottie Hayes-Clemens – Editor

Editor and proofreader with 3+ years' experience at HarperCollins and an expert eye for detail! Keen on women's fiction and fantasy.

Overview

** Please note that my schedule is currently full until October 2026**

Looking for a precise and reliable pair of eyes to help you to finesse your piece of work? Look no further!

Whether proofreading a thrilling romance, editing the first draft of a manuscript, or checking over the sixth revision, I approach all editorial projects with the same dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm for well-written prose.

I have a degree in English Literature, specialising in creative writing, edited short fiction and non-fiction submissions for a creative journal, and spent over three years in the Fiction editorial department at HarperCollins, where I received professional training in copy editing and proofreading. I was also responsible for amending and updating our house style guidelines, so I have an excellent sense of publisher's requirements for spelling, grammar and structure.

My experience is largely based in fiction, particuarly cosy crime, fantasy, women's fiction, and romance, but as part of the Estates team I worked on books of all genres within the Agatha Christie and J. R. R. Tolkien estates, and unique non-fiction projects such as Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang and the Fantastic Beasts 'behind the scenes' books.

I can't wait to work with you on your next project!

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Fantasy Humor & Comedy Mystery & Crime Romance Short Story Women's Fiction
Non-Fiction
Entertainment
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Introduction to Editorial Skills: Copyediting and Proofreading (PTC)

Work experience

Self-employed

Dec, 2018 — Present

HarperCollins Publishers

Jun, 2015 — Jan, 2019 (over 3 years)
- Responsible for proofreading HarperImpulse (Romance and Crime/Thriller) digital first titles at the final stage. - Rewriting style guidelines for authors, editors and freelancers, to reduce grammatical and spelling errors and improve consistency. - Writing and editing cover copy and online copy for retailer sites such as Amazon, Waterstones etc. - Managing book schedules from cover brief through to typesetting and final approval. - Reading and reviewing manuscripts. - Editing, proofing and collating Estates titles.

Route 57 Creative Journal

Oct, 2014 — May, 2015 (7 months)
- Reading fiction and non-fiction submissions and providing detailed feedback to the managing editor. - Editing final submissions (for structure, development, spelling and grammar) and going over edits with the author.

Portfolio

The first ever collection of poems by the acclaimed author of the Aubrey/Maturin series of Napoleonic naval adventures.As we have stood with Jack and Stephen on the deck of the Surprise and other ships, readers around the world have been transported to a place... read more
WINNER OF THE HRF KEATING AWARD FOR BEST NON-FICTION CRIME BOOK 2018An entertaining history of British thrillers from Casino Royale to The Eagle Has Landed, in which award-winning crime writer Mike Ripley reveals that, though Britain may have lost an empire, h... read more
Every Time a Bell Rings

Carmel Harrington

An angel gets its wings? Belle has taken all the Christmas decorations down. This year they won?t be celebrating. As foster parents, Belle and Jim have given many children the chance of a happier start in life. They?ve loved them as if they were their own. The... read more
The brand new book from bestselling author Debbie Johnson will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you raid the pantry in the middle of the night... The Comfort Food Cafe is perched on a windswept clifftop at what feels like the edge of the world, serving u... read more
Flashman (The Flashman Papers)

George MacDonald Fraser

Flashman
Me, You and Tiramisu

Charlotte Butterfield

XXXX
A Violent End

Emma Page

Berlin Game

Len Deighton

Long-awaited reissue of the first part of the classic spy trilogy, GAME, SET and MATCH, when the Berlin Wall divided not just a city but a world. East is East and West is West - and they meet in Berlin...He was the best source the Department ever had, but now ... read more
Brand New!! Re-check ISBN before Purchase
Brand New!! Re-check ISBN before Purchase
Collins Crime Club 1st Hardback (Mar. 2018)
The Naked Sun

Isaac Asimov

Brand New!! Re-check ISBN before Purchase
The Fall of Gondolin

J. R. R. Tolkien

Brand New!! Re-check ISBN before Purchase

Lottie has 129 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jayme F.

Jayme F.

Oct, 2026

I have hired Lottie as copyeditor and proofreader for all 3 books of my trilogy. The care, consistency, and attention to detail was especially evident on the third project, as I was able to experience the value of a detailed, knowledgeable edit where the editor was already deeply familiar with al...
Read more
Amelia S.

Amelia S.

Sep, 2026

Lottie has edited all five books in my series, which is now complete, and every single experience with her has been wonderful. My books are polished and professional and her developmental edits are so thorough every time. Her edits were so helpful and made my entire series ready for publication. ...
Read more
Andrew C.

Andrew C.

Sep, 2026

Lottie is a joy to work with. Her attention to detail is incredible, and her advice spot on. I continue to be highly impressed with the quality of her output.
Dilan Q.

Dilan Q.

Aug, 2026

Lottie's careful reading and insightful editorial notes brought fresh clarity to my stories.
Tawni P.

Tawni P.

Jul, 2026

Lottie was wonderful to work with: organized, efficient, honest, and kind. She showed incredible attention to detail, and her notes were thoughtful, clear, positive, and extremely helpful. As a brand new author working on my first novel, I was anxious about working with an editor. But Lottie answ...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Lottie and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Lottie

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Ann Leslie T.

Over 25 years' editorial experience at a Big 5 publisher and a literary agency, specializing in commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction.

New York City, NY, United States

100% reply rate

View profile

David F.

I have many years of experience as a developmental editor, copy editor, and proofreader in a variety of book genres.

Thousand Oaks, CA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile

Grace M.

Fantasy || Mystery || Dystopian — 10+ years at Big Five and indies with NYT, USA Today, and Sunday Times bestsellers.

Chicago, IL, USA

100% reply rate

View profile