Melanie Scott

Melanie Scott – Editor

I am an eagle-eyed and creative editor, writer and proofreader with experience of clients ranging from multinationals to individual authors.

Overview

I have worked in the publishing industry for many years as an editor, writer and proofreader of both fiction and non-fiction. I have a keen eye for detail, not only for the basics of spelling and punctuation, but also the nuts and bolts of a story or piece of writing – I will make sure that what your characters are doing and saying is believable and in keeping with the rest of your work. My aim is to clean out any errors that might jolt your readers out of the journey you want them to take with you, whether that be a missed apostrophe or getting a name wrong.

I am used to working with prestigious publishing houses like Dorling Kindersley as well as individual authors, and with top brands like Marvel and DC Comics. I can work in both British and US English comfortably. I am communicative and prompt, and available for advice and queries even after the edit is finished.

Whether the client is a multinational corporation or someone writing their first book on their dining-room table, my objective is always the same – make their words the best that they can be before they go out into the world.
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Comics Non-Fiction
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2010 — Present

I have been a freelance editor, writer and proofreader since 2010. In that time I have become an official writer for Dorling Kindersley's Marvel and DC Comics publications, and have also provided proofreading services for the same department. I have also been copyeditor for a wide variety of magazines, including soccer magazine FourFourTwo, Chat, Take a Break, The Marvel Movie Collection, and the DC Chess Collection.

For two years I was the editor of a daily newsletter for business software multinational SAP. This involved gathering news stories about the company from around the world, and rendering them all into good English that could be read by a global audience.

I have also proofread modern fiction novels.

Fresh Flame Publishing

Jul, 2008 — Aug, 2010 (about 2 years)

As an editor at a company that provided packaging services for various publishers, my most important project was World War II Eyewitness Experience. This was a high-quality magazine produced for prestigious UK newspaper The Daily Telegraph. My responsibilities included commissioning expert writers and consultants, fact-checking, proofreading, and also researching and writing one section of the magazine.

Hothouse Fiction

Feb, 2006 — Apr, 2009 (about 3 years)

I was involved from the launch stage with Hothouse, a developer of fiction series for children. New ideas were brainstormed before being developed into concepts and taken to market research, with the aim of selling them to major publishers.

Planet Three Publishing

Sep, 2001 — Jul, 2008 (almost 7 years)

I worked on many projects, diverse in both subject and format, during my time at Planet Three. I was the editor of The Catherine Cookson Collection for the entirety of its 100-issue run. I proofread 100 new editions of Cookson's work, as well as originating and commissioning feature ideas for the accompanying magazine. I edited and proofread the magazine before it went to print.

Portfolio

The Invitation

Patrick MacDonald

A woman receives an invitation to her own funeral... Claire Evans is a top forensic pathologist. At the peak of her career, she has successfully overseen countless investigations into some of Britain’s most brutal and complex crimes. Arriving home late one nig... read more
Sex, football, beer and kebabs – Billy Cade is happy, or so he believes. But when single mum Becky Swan arrives on the scene Billy is forced to ask the ultimate question – is it true love or just another hangover?“They say it’s grim up north but it’s not – esp... read more
Zombie 18

Alan Cowsill

In a post-apocalypse world where everyone over eighteen has become a zombie, seventeen-year-old Alex Stevens and his friends fight their way across England to save Alex’s kid sister from certain death. But the dead are not the only threat they face in a world ... read more
Find out everything you need to know about the heroic King of Wakanda, Black Panther. DK's Marvel Black Panther: The Ultimate Guide explores the fascinating world of the warrior, monarch, scientist and superhero known as Black Panther. This comprehensive book ... read more
This definitive in-world guide to the Marvel Comics Universe features, in chronological order, every significant Marvel Comic character, location, vehicle, and weapon in the company's illustrious history.Go on a fact- and fun-filled journey via the first major... read more

Melanie has 72 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Mark S.

Mark S.

Mar, 2024

This is my second collaboration with Melanie Scott, and the second time I've received the best, most professional editorial and proof reading service I could ask for. Highly recommended.
Melanie S.
Thanks Mark, really glad you're happy with the edit – was lovely to work with you again!
Michael C.

Michael C.

Feb, 2024

I've worked with Melanie a few times now and I'm very glad I met her. I'm a new author, someone who never planned to write books, and to be honest I was a bit scared. Melanie has been great though, gently helpful- probably saved me from myself more times than I've realised. She's been nice enough to explain some grammar to me when I've asked, because it can be a bit mysterious. She's made some ...
Read more
Melanie S.
Thank you so much for the lovely review – I really enjoy working on your brilliant books!
Michael C.

Michael C.

Feb, 2024

Melanie is professional, reliable and easy to work with.
Melanie S.
Thank you for the review - lovely to work with you again!
Patrick M.

Patrick M.

Dec, 2023

I've worked with Melanie on two copy and proofreading projects and she's been brilliant on both of these. I will certainly use her again. Although I commissioned her on a simple proofreading basis she went above and beyond her brief offering perceptive comments on character development and inconsistencies in the narrative which proved invaluable.
Melanie S.
Thanks Patrick - it’s always such a pleasure working on your wonderful novels!
Michael C.

Michael C.

Dec, 2023

Melanie is great to work with.

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