Michael Brown

Michael Brown – Editor

Eight years' experience working with best-selling and first-time authors alike for Penguin and others. Specialties: SF/fantasy, horror.

Overview

I'm a former academic librarian with eight years of full-time freelance copyediting experience. I've worked on materials for Penguin Random House, Melville House, Cambridge University Press, the National Academy of Sciences, Elsevier, and best-selling author Jason Schenker ("The Future after COVID"). I've also copyedited TTRPG materials for Onyx Path Publishing and a zillion self-published fantasy and science fiction novels, memoirs, and business books.


I'll make sure that every sentence you've written follows all the rules of grammar and punctuation. For example, did you know that "just deserts" has nothing to do with the sweet dish served at the end of a meal? That Merriam-Webster used to hyphenate "mindset" but doesn't any longer? That you lie down to take a nap but lay down your burden? It's OK if you don't—that's my job.


For a copyedit, I'll do two full passes of your manuscript and create a style sheet including language and usage information, proper names, character traits of major players, and miscellaneous information regarding plot.


I'm looking forward to discussing your project with you!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Humanities & Social Sciences True Crime
Fiction
Epic Fantasy Gaming & LitRPG Horror Mystery & Crime Science Fiction
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Nov, 2015 — Present

● Copyedit and proofread print and electronic materials for clarity, grammar, accuracy, consistency, style, and tone.
● Recommend copyedits based on knowledge of target audience as well as internal and external style guides.
● Prepare style sheets including language and usage information, proper names, character traits of major players, and miscellaneous information regarding plot.
● Perform quality work for clients such as Penguin Random House, Cambridge University Press, and the National Academy of Sciences.

Portfolio

White Holes

Rovelli, Carlo

My Weil

Iyer, Lars

My Secret Memory

Tsvaygenbaum, Israel

Guiding Cancer Control: A Path to Transformation

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

A Tale Of Doings

Quense, Philip

TREEZZ

Graf, Raymond

The Last Assassination

E. Doucette, James

Borrowed Destiny

Copeland, Joy

Michael has 15 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

James C.

James C.

Nov, 2024

As an editor, Michael Brown gets a feel for what you are trying to accomplish and then helps you to accomplish it. I will trust my manuscripts to no other. - James Crawford, author of "Mariner Valley," "Seed of Aldebaran," and the "AlCent Sagas" series.
James C.

James C.

Jul, 2024

Michael Brown has edited 5 novels for me and I am working with him to do another. The relationship between the author and the editor is one of trust and perception, and I am more than satisfied working with Michael Brown. He understands what I am trying to achieve and helps me to get there. I believe that's all anyone could ever want in an editor. I highly recommend him.
James C.

James C.

Jun, 2024

I have to come to trust Michael Brown with my manuscripts to the fullest. I believe he is able to see what I am trying to do with my work and edit in such a way to help me reach my goals. I plan to ask him to edit some of my older works in order to bring them up to a better level of excellence, and I will always seek him first as I continue to produce new work. Thank you, Michael Brown!
James C.

James C.

Apr, 2024

Michael is very easy to work with and his editing ideas are clear and accurate. I am a better writer because of him and I look forward to be working with him in the future.
Dan S.

Dan S.

Mar, 2024

Michael completed the proofreading swiftly and with great quality. This was the second book where he served as my proofreader. His expertise and efficiency made the process smooth and productive. Highly recommended!

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Michael and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Michael

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Catherine Stickley

Catherine S.

Earth Science author, editor and educator. Business Owner.

Sherborne, UK

100% reply rate

View profile
Molly Spain

Molly S.

Experienced developmental editor, copyeditor, and proofreader, specializing in memoir, fantasy, and romance.

Highland Village, TX, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Sarah Giles

Sarah G.

A friendly and thoughtful Christian copy-editor and proofreader, with 20+ years' experience. Click through to see my clients' testimonials.

Alton, UK

100% reply rate

View profile