Melissa Prideaux

Melissa Prideaux – Editor

Highly experienced, dynamic and astute Australian developmental and line/copy editor. I have a global client base.

Overview

An Australian, based in France, with 20 years experience working for non-fiction publishing houses in Sydney and London. I made the transition six years ago to editing fiction as well.

I have many US, Canadian and British clients. I can edit in both US and UK English.

I love working with indie authors and I have a great deal of experience copy/line editing and proofreading both fiction and non-fiction titles. I can provide samples of books I've worked on in the following genres: time travel, sci-fi, thriller, horror, memoir, comic fiction, business and many more!

I am a highly skilled editor, extremely thorough, and incredibly reliable. I take on projects I am passionate about and I feel that passion is evident in my work. I'm easy to work with and you can be guaranteed I will immerse myself in your manuscript (and probably fall in love with some of your characters).

Services
Non-Fiction
Business & Management
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Psychological Thriller Science Fiction
Languages
English (AUS) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Bachelor of Arts with the Degree of Laws - Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
  • Diploma of Editing - Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2023 — Present
I copyedit and provide editorial assessments for this publisher

Self-employed

Feb, 2022 — Present
I refine manuscripts (copyediting,proofreading) - mainly crime/thrillers but also literary & business titles which have already been published and translated into English from various languages

Self-employed

Jun, 2016 — Present
Developmental, copy editing and proofreading services for independent authors of both non-fiction and fiction titles. See my portfolio for some samples of the many books I have worked on.

Wolters Kluwer (UK) Ltd

Nov, 2002 — Mar, 2016 (over 13 years)
Editing manuscript received from authors – both substantive and copy editing. Commissioning [2002-2012] - Researching for potential authors and signing authors

Sweet and Maxwell Legal Publications

Jan, 2002 — Nov, 2002 (10 months)
Copy editing/proofreading legal and business publications

Lexis Nexis (Now Reed Elsevier Plc) Legal and Business Publishing

Aug, 1997 — Oct, 2001 (about 4 years)
• Substantive and copy editing of legal and business publications

Portfolio

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
The Jacksons' Debate

Neves, Marqv

Thrive Publishing

Developmental Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
The apprentice: knows not knowing

Valencia, Manuel

Independently published

Copy Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing
Electric Monolith

Pascoe, Clark

Clark Pascoe

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
The Black Hats of Anoka: A Civil War Time Travel Novel

McClurken, Michael Edwin

Deer Meadow Press LLC

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Building Your Ideal Business: Live your ideal life

Antonelli, Paul

Independently published

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Are We Planet B

Ray, Stafford

Stafford Ray

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
ZERO-SUM GAME

Abate, Alessandro

Alessandro Abate

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Magic Unfurled

Ryan, M.L.

Copy Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Slob's Guide to the Perfect Job

O'Carroll, Mr Jeremy Simon

Copy Editing
Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Siege

DeSimone Jr., Robert

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Incendiary

Dowler, Claire

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment

Melissa has 32 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Steve W.

Steve W.

Apr, 2026

Pinned
Working with Melissa was one of the best decisions I made in this entire process. Not only did she do an outstanding job with the editing itself, but she brought so much more to the table. She helped me think through structure, clarity, and most importantly, what the reader actually needs. Her f...
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Melissa P.
Thank you, Steve. It was a great experience working with you too. I look forward to seeing your book out in the world!
Karen W.

Karen W.

Nov, 2025

Pinned
Melissa's analysis was excellent, specific, targeted-- as compared to generalizations that writing gets in writing workshops or by amateurs. I'd worked on the novella to the point of losing perspective, so the analysis offered valuable insight; very refreshing. Melissa's suggestions were intuitiv...
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Marcus Vinicius N.

Marcus Vinicius N.

Jun, 2024

Pinned
Melissa has been an incredible editor for "The Jacksons' Debate." She was exceptionally timely with the demands, consistently delivering her edits and feedback well within the agreed-upon deadlines. Midway through the process, I decided to add two additional chapters to the story. Melissa seamles...
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Irina F.

Irina F.

Mar, 2026

Melissa polished my novel and ensured I didn't break any copyright laws. I had worked with other editors, and a couple of them were pretty brutal. Melissa is a gentle editor who respects your voice and writing style.
Charles L.

Charles L.

Mar, 2026

Working with Melissa was a very positive experience. Her editing was precise and thoughtful, and she strengthened the manuscript. The process was smooth, professional, and clear from start to finish. Thanks.

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