Mairi Bunce

Mairi Bunce – Editor

Scottish editor and proofreader in Austria. Six years of freelancing for indie authors, SPCK, IVP and T&T Clark. Patient, curious and kind.

Overview

Completing a manuscript is a huge milestone for any author.

Now you know what you want to say, it’s my job as a freelance editor and proofreader to make sure your audience knows it too.

Why hire me?

I edit sensitively, getting to know you, your message, and your personality so I can help your unique voice shine through every chapter of your book.

I read thoroughly, with an eye on the arc of your whole book, so you can be sure that what you say on page 180 doesn't contradict what you said on page 9.

I project manage expertly, keeping to a timeline, communicating throughout, and providing you with the materials you need to get your manuscript to the next stage of the publishing process.

Most importantly, my feedback is considered, constructive, and kind.

Since going freelance in 2019, I've edited everything from children's books to university textbooks, marketing campaigns to project proposals, as well as plenty of books for the mass market. My background is in English literature and Biblical studies, and I've built significant experience in theology, history, and philosophy editing, including in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of Chicago and SBL style associated with these genres. In the past year, I've worked on projects for Baylor University Press, Bloomsbury, SPCK, IVP, History Today magazine, and the Gustav Klimt Foundation in Vienna.

I have a particular passion for working with neurodivergent authors and helping them bring their stories to their audience. In 2026, I am actively seeking more partnerships with neurodivergent authors of literary fiction, memoir, and popular-level theology.

Let's work together to take your writing to the next level.

*Now booking projects for April/May 2026*

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Children’s Non-Fiction Christian Non-Fiction Education & Reference History Philosophy
Fiction
Christian Fiction Literary Fiction
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist (2024): My Hopi Skopi Book of Times Tables, with Sipiwe Sikwila
Certifications
  • MA in English Literature (University of St Andrews, 2013)
  • CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults), British Study Centres, Oxford, 2014
  • CIEP (Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders UK) Certified Copyeditor

Work experience

Grow and Convert Content Agengy

Dec, 2022 — Present
I write content for several SaaS companies in the US, working closely with clients as well as content strategists to create articles that convert(and measuring our results to keep ourselves accountable).

Self-employed

Oct, 2022 — Present
I work closely with authors, project editors, and designers to prepare IVP's renowned academic texts for market (including entries in the New Studies in Biblical Theology series and the Archbishop of Canterbury's lent book for 2025).

SPCK (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge)

Jun, 2021 — Present
I've worked on manuscripts from authors including Jane Williams, Rachel Gardner, Alister McGrath, and Graham Tomlin.

KYO Content

Jun, 2021 — Present
I write and edit content for KYO's clients online. Our biggest clients cover the niches of parenting, women's health, personal finance and SaaS.

KSH Digital Vienna

May, 2019 — Sep, 2021 (over 2 years)
I worked with KSH (a German language publisher) on the English translations of some of their projects, including a children's Bible and accompanying materials and several books from Austrian artists and photographers.

Self-employed

Mar, 2019 — Present
I provide freelance editing and proofreading for publishers, authors and academics. As well as books, I've worked on articles published in the likes of History Today magazine. From time to time, I also do literary translation from German to English, especially for businesses in the travel and tourism sector.

Portfolio

Copy Editing
Blessed are the Neurodivergent

Sophie Killingley

Inter-Varsity Press

"Blessed are the Neurodivergent" is a compassionate, honest and often humorous exploration of what it means to be autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent in a church culture largely built ... read more
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Mill Dust and Dreaming Bread: Exploring Scottish Folk Belief and Folk Magic

Richardson-Read, Scott

Cailleachs Herbarium Publishing House

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Wild Bright Hope

SPCK, SPCK

SPCK

Copy Editing
An Autistic Life: A Proud Victim of Hope

Rodgers II, Melvin R.

Independently published

Powerhouse

Nick Herbert

Inter-Varsity Press

Promised by Jesus and sent to the Apostles in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit has continued to faithfully empower the disciple-making mission of the Church through the ages. But what does it look like for the Spirit of God to move in power in your community... read more
Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
The Order of Dirt

Mitchell, David J

Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
My Hopi Skopi Nursery Rhymes Colouring Book

Sikwila, Sipiwe

Sipiwe Sikwila

Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Hey Man, Wake Up! Have You Been Framed?

Kucera, Jacqueline

Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
My Hopi Skopi Activity Book 1

Sikwila, Sipiwe

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Mildred and the Storm

Sikwila, Sipiwe

Sipiwe Sikwila

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
The Last Drop of You

Semé, Ikerline M.

Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading

Mairi has 25 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Cailleach H.

Cailleach H.

Dec, 2024

Pinned
Working with Mairi on Mill Dust & Dreaming Bread has been an absolute privilege. This is my first time working with a freelance editor on a project and Mairi has been so kind and helpful. The task I handed over to them was nothing short of Herculean: managing and refining a manuscript that interw...
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William V.

William V.

Jul, 2024

Pinned
This is the second time Mairi has helped me. Once again, her work was excellent and could not have been more helpful. She is highly–skilled, professional, and kind. It would be a privilege to work with her again.
Sam G.

Sam G.

Dec, 2023

Pinned
I want to express my deep appreciation for Mairi's invaluable assistance in editing my debut book. She has significantly enhanced the quality of my manuscript, turning it into a polished and engaging piece of work. Throughout the editing process, her professionalism and commitment to maintaining...
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Esther C.

Esther C.

Mar, 2026

I knew from first receiving a quote from Mairi that she was the best fit for my project, and I was not disappointed! She communicated with promptness and clarity, entered into my excitement for the project, completed it on time, and went above and beyond in her work. I had not worked with an edit...
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Harrison P.

Harrison P.

Dec, 2025

Mairi is magnificent. There's no other way to put it! She's thorough, attentive, and has worked incredibly carefully to ensure a consistency throughout my manuscript. Notes and comments were delivered in an easy to use way, with clear examples of corrections. She's raised the bar for sure. I high...
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Most recent contributions

Is it the editor's job to fact-check when editing nonfiction?

I wouldn't automatically fact-check information unless the author had specifically asked me to. Sometimes I'll come across something that doesn't seem right – like where the author has walked the reader through their process and the numbers don't add up. Sometimes I'll notice an inconsistency – l...
Read more

What factors do you take into account when setting your editing rates?

My starting point is the length of the text, because I know approximately how long it takes me to edit 1000 words. I know I'll need to allow more time if a book is very dense and academic, if it needs a heavier edit (i.e. I can spot more errors in the sample text, or if I need to format it before...
Read more

How do you handle the administrative aspects of your freelance writing business, such as invoicing and taxes?

As a one-woman operation, my client list is small enough that I can manage a lot of my invoicing with spreadsheets. I rely on my accounting software to track my income and expenses, and I work with an accountant on my tax return for peace of mind - worth every penny. I tend to complete admin task...
Read more

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