Lottie Fyfe

Lottie Fyfe – Editor

Manuscript appraisal, structural editing, copyediting | Literary & contemporary fiction, narrative nonfiction | HarperCollins, PRH, Hachette

Overview

About me:


I'm a confident, approachable editor with 10 years’ experience, both freelance and for global publishers including HarperCollins, Hachette and PRH. Authors I've edited include Tabitha Lasley, Cal Flyn, Claire Keegan, Imogen Church, David Mitchell, Melvyn Bragg, Simon Callow, Bella Mackie and Cathy Newman. I have formal training in copyediting and proofreading from the industry-standard Publishing Training Centre, I'm fully insured, and I'm used to working with writers of all levels of experience, so no matter what stage you're at, you'll be in safe hands. I also have extensive experience of writing snappy web and cover copy for both global publishers and independent authors.



Why choose me?


I take great pride and pleasure in working with authors to fine-tune their work at any stage of the process. I can help you polish up your manuscript, addressing issues with structure, timeline, plot, characterisation and repetition - the idea is not to interfere with your style, but help you perfect and enhance it so your voice really shines. Alternatively, I can add the finishing touches to your proofs to make them as perfect as they possibly can be: spelling, grammar and typo-spotting come as second nature, and I also have a keen eye for layout and design. Or if you need help with your pitch letter or marketing copy, look no further!


Below are the main services I offer, but I'm happy to discuss - if you have something you think is suitable that doesn't fit neatly into a category, drop me a line to see if we'd be a good fit.


Copywriting:

I love writing cover or web sales copy, and would be delighted to help you distil the essence of your book into one or two gripping paragraphs that will have readers eager for more. I can also help you write, edit or tighten up your book pitch or proposal.


Structural editing:

An in-depth edit that looks at everything from overall structure and style to language, flow and phrasing. A structural edit will iron out inconsistencies with timeline, plot, characterisation and repetition, always with your target audience in mind.


Copyediting:

A thorough read of your edited manuscript to pick up on errors or possible improvements in spelling, grammar, punctuation and style. The copyedit will also highlight any residual narrative inconsistencies, structural issues, repetition or awkward phrasing.


Proofreading:

A close read of your final-stage proofs for typesetting, spelling and grammar errors, design issues and any other leftover imperfections.


Other:

I also have fluent German and am available for sample translations, reader reports, projects that require knowledge of German language, history and culture, or working with German-speaking authors on translated projects.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs History
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Dystopian Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Introduction to Editorial Skills (Copy Editing and Proofreading) - Publishing Training Centre
  • Progress in Editorial Skills (Copy Editing and Proofreading) - Publishing Training Centre

Work experience

Self-employed

Oct, 2018 — Present

Copy-editing
Proofreading
Editorial project management
Writing and editing book cover copy and web description copy
Reader reports and sample translations

Profile Books

Nov, 2020 — Dec, 2022 (about 2 years)

Editorial project management
Managing editorial freelancers
Copy-editing, proofreading, working closely with authors
Press sign-off

HarperCollins

Aug, 2015 — Sep, 2018 (about 3 years)

Managing editorial progress for fiction, non-fiction and illustrated titles
Copy-editing, proofreading, collating proofs, liaising with authors
Writing cover and web copy, checking cover artwork
Signing off books for press

Sceptre (Hodder & Stoughton)

Jan, 2015 — Aug, 2015 (7 months)

Reading and assessing manuscripts
Preparing manuscripts for production
Collating and checking proofs
Writing cover copy, proofreading cover artwork

Vintage (a division of Random House)

Aug, 2014 — Jan, 2015 (5 months)

Collating and checking proofs
Liaising with authors to resolve editorial queries
Signing off books for press
Commissioning freelance readers
Handling translation grant application process

Macmillan Bello (an imprint of Pan Macmillan)

Jan, 2011 — Sep, 2012 (over 1 year)

Proofreading typeset texts for errors and scanning issues

Portfolio

** A Book of the Year in The Times - The New Statesman - Observer - Financial Times - Irish Times - Irish Independent - Times Literary Supplement ** WINNER OF THE ORWELL PRIZE AND THE KERRY GROUP IRISH NOVEL OF THE YEAR AWARD SHORTLISTED FOR THE RATHBONES FOLI... read more
THE SUNDAY TIMES’ BESTSELLER AND SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT BOOK OF THE YEAR WINNER OF THE SUNDAY TIMES YOUNG WRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE SHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT CONSERVATION AWARD SHORTLISTED FOR THE BRITISH ACADEMY ... read more
Sea State

Tabitha Lasley

A candid examination of the life of North Sea oil riggers, and an explosive portrayal of masculinity, loneliness and female desire. In her mid-30s and sprung out of a terrible relationship, Tabitha quit her job at a women’s magazine, left London and put her sa... read more
The Imposter

Anna Wharton

They say you can't choose your family . . . But what if they're wrong?Chloe lives a quiet life. Working as a newspaper archivist in the day and taking care of her nan in the evening, she's happy simply to read about the lives of others as she files the news cl... read more
The Ice

Laline Paull

An electrifying story of friendship, power and betrayal by the bestselling, Baileys-prize shortlisted author of The Bees. ‘A memorable eco-thriller. This is a world of arms dealers, heroic arctic adventurers and power crazed captains of industry. And that’s ju... read more
'A cracker' Patrick McCabe'An irresistible comedy' Luke KennardLaura Cassidy is going all the way. Hollywood. Starry lights. The Walk of Fame. It’s her destiny. At least, that’s what her movie-obsessed father used to tell her. That was always the plan.Sure, it... read more
Bogotá, 1947. British architect Luke Vosey has left his past behind to undertake a commission for Anglo-Colombian Oil in South America. For Luke, this new venture seems to offer the chance to start again. But grieving and ashamed of his role in the war, he can... read more
Now is the Time

Melvyn Bragg

In this gripping novel, Melvyn Bragg brings an extraordinary episode in English history to fresh, urgent life.At the end of May 1381, the fourteen-year-old King of England had reason to be fearful: the plague had returned, the royal coffers were empty and a dr... read more
The Ghost Factory

Jenny McCartney

A powerful debut set in Belfast and London in the latter years of the twentieth century. The Troubles turned Northern Ireland into a ghost factory: as the manufacturing industry withered, the death business boomed. In trying to come to terms with his father’s ... read more
Slade House

David Mitchell

Turn down Slade Alley - narrow, dank and easy to miss, even when you're looking for it. Find the small black iron door set into the right-hand wall. No handle, no keyhole, but at your touch it swings open. Enter the sunlit garden of an old house that doesn't q... read more
Doggerland

Ben Smith

‘The Road meets Waiting for Godot: powerful, unforgettable, unique’ Melissa Harrison, author of At Hawthorn Time. Doggerland is a superbly gripping debut novel about loneliness and hope, nature and survival – set on an off-shore windfarm in the not-so-distant ... read more
‘A litany of fresh heroes to make the embattled heart sing’ Caitlin Moran ‘Newman is a brilliant writer’ Observer A fresh, opinionated history of all the brilliant women you should have learned about in school but didn’t. For hundreds of years we have heard ab... read more
A Spell in the Wild

Alice Tarbuck

'These enchanting words make the world feel less broken' - Emma Mitchell, author of The Wild Remedy'Part-primer, part-chronicle; a fresh and personal account of a contemporary witch's year told with lucidity and verve' - Eley Williams, author of The Liar's Dic... read more
When I had a Little Sister by Catherine Simpson is a searingly honest and heartbreaking account of growing up in a farming family, and of Catherine’s search for understanding into what led her younger sister to kill herself at 46. It’s a story of sisters and s... read more

Lottie has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Liz T.

Liz T.

Sep, 2023

I always use Lottie to edit my novels, but this is the first time I have asked her to be involved earlier in the process as a developmental/structural editor. I am absolutely delighted with the detailed and comprehensive report that Lottie gave me on the first draft of my latest novel. Her editorial feedback is incredibly helpful. My manuscript has been languishing in a drawer for a year and Lo...
Read more
Isabelle B.

Isabelle B.

Aug, 2020

I had a really nice experience working with Lottie. My book was a translation from a French book and had lots of errors which Lottie was able to correct. She made suggestions which helped make the story and phrasing stronger. Turn around was faster than expected and I have been able to publish my book before I expected. It will be a pleasure to work with her again.

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