Overview
I’m a highly experienced copy editor with a specialism in genre fiction, particularly crime fiction, thrillers, historical fiction, and sci-fi. I work with debut novelists, bestselling writers, and everyone in between. I’m British, but many of my author clients are American.
Copy editors edit your prose for grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and style, but a really good copy editor—and I get a lot of great feedback from my author clients—can do so much more than that, helping you, for example, with the mechanics of writing a novel, such as POV, scene setting, and show versus tell. I work a lot with first-time writers, assisting them as they get to grips with the subtleties of telling a story in an effective and engaging way. I see myself as something of a writing coach in that I explain any issues that crop up in your writing so that you can become a better critic and editor of your own prose.
A published author myself, I understand just how much your novel means to you, and I promise to handle your manuscript with a great deal of sensitivity. My objective is to help you craft a great novel that's true to your style and vision.
I’ve been copyediting since 1990. I was a London-based magazine and newspaper copy editor for many years, working for well-known UK titles, such as the Times, Esquire, and Empire. I became a fiction copy editor in 2012. I work with both independent authors and traditional publishers. The list of publishers whose novels I've copyedited includes Thomas & Mercer, 47North, and Constable & Robinson.
I’m currently looking to develop more working relationships with independent authors. Don’t hesitate to contact me and ask for a sample edit so I can show you what I can do.
"Just a huge thanks for making me a better writer. You’re the best copy editor I’ve ever worked with. Cheers!"
—Ryan Potter, independent author
"I have worked with exceptional copy editors from big publishing houses; Marcus was even better."
—Alan Russell, award-winning crime novelist
"Marcus is a joy to work with and a master at his craft. He can do it all: grammar, style, fact checking, and overarching analysis. I have worked with other editors, but none can match his experience, instinct, and attention to detail. He vastly improved my novel, and that’s the true benchmark of a great editor."
—Roberto Calas, independent author
"Marcus is more than a copy editor; he’s a true professional, a coach, and a hell of a teacher. Not only do I recommend him, but you can be sure that his eye for detail and notations in the margin will improve your novel tremendously and make you a better writer."
—S. L. Jones, independent author
Services
Fiction
Languages
Work experience
Self-employed
Portfolio
Marcus has 14 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
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Spenser W.
May, 2019
William D.
Mar, 2019
Paula G.
Feb, 2019
Miranda R.
Jan, 2019
William D.
Sep, 2018
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