Matthew Keeler

Matthew Keeler – Editor

Experienced book editor. Publisher of impossible crime and locked-room mysteries. Former editor of translated literature and BBC researcher.

Overview

With experience editing more than 50 books, I understand what it takes to shape a manuscript into its best form. I was a senior editor at a publisher of Chinese-to-English translations, working on titles by some of China’s biggest literary names. As a freelancer, I’ve helped many authors get their manuscripts publishing-ready, and some have gone on to secure deals with major publishers. My passion is impossible crime and locked-room mystery fiction, and I run a small publishing house that specialises in this genre. I began my career as a researcher at BBC News Information in London, where I supported editors, producers and presenters of radio news programmes.

Whether you’re submitting to publishers or going indie, I’ll work alongside you to get your book looking polished and professional. I usually return a manuscript within 3–4 weeks, with two thorough passes and the help of my editing toolkit of professional software. I use tracked changes for clarity and leave comments when I need your input; if you’re not tech-savvy, I can guide you through this process so that everything is clear and straightforward. Every project begins with me taking the time to understand exactly what you want to achieve, so I can help your manuscript reach its full potential with care, precision, and respect for your voice.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs History
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (UK)
Certifications
  • Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading
  • BA (Hons) English Language and Literature | The Open University | 2012

Work experience

Sinoist Books

Dec, 2017 — Jan, 2024 (about 6 years)
– Editor of fiction and non-fiction books translated from Chinese to English. – Writer and editor of book blurbs, marketing copy, author biographies and grant applications. – Supporting promotional activity at book fairs, award ceremonies, universities and bookshops.

The Mekong Club

Jan, 2017 — Present
- Editing corporate reports, academic papers and promotional materials for an anti-slavery NGO.

Mediagen

Jun, 2005 — May, 2010 (almost 5 years)
Manager of a team of editors monitoring UK print media and writing daily news summaries for corporate clients.

Durrants

Jun, 2001 — Jun, 2005 (about 4 years)
Manager of a team of editors monitoring UK print media and writing daily news summaries for corporate clients.

Broadcast News Alert

Jan, 1999 — Jun, 2001 (over 2 years)
Manager of a team of editors monitoring UK print media and writing daily news summaries for corporate clients.

BBC News Information

Jul, 1994 — Jan, 1999 (over 4 years)
Researcher at the News Information library in Broadcasting House, London, providing services to BBC Radio producers, editors and presenters.

Portfolio

The Walls of Wuchang

Fang Fang

Sinoist Books

Copy Editing Proofreading
A Looking-Glass World

Feng Jicai

Sinoist Books

Copy Editing Proofreading
Ultramarine

Drayton, Paul

Book Guild Publishing

Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Where were you?: A Profile of Modern Slavery

Friedman, Matthew S.

Penguin Random House SEA

Copy Editing
A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia

Friedman, Sylvia

Penguin Random House SEA

Developmental Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Distant Sunflower Fields

Li Juan and translated by Christopher Payne

ACA Publishing

Copy Editing Proofreading
After the Finale

Daxin, Zhou

ACA Publishing Ltd

Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Playing Chess with the Devil

Zhang, Yawen

ACA Publishing Ltd

Copy Editing Proofreading
Longevity Park

Zhou Daxin

ACA Publishing

Copy Editing Proofreading
Embrace Difference and Change the World

Lane, Sarah

Brandspire Digital

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
The Choice

James Trapp

Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
The Sons of Red Lake

Zhou Daxin

ACA Publishing

Copy Editing Proofreading
Slowly the River Flows

Huang, Zheng

Sinoist Books

Copy Editing Proofreading

Matthew has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jennifer F.

Jennifer F.

May, 2026

I felt really confident working with Matthew on volume II of my trilogy. I love that my novel now feels tighter and solid. His editing was spot on. Some of my character conversations are in patois for authenticity. I liked that Matthew highlighted where he did not understand what was being said, ...
Read more

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