Nicola Hodgson

Nicola Hodgson – Editor

Development + copy editor: fantasy, romantasy, dystopian, thrillers, horror, YA. Seven years on Reedsy, 220-plus projects completed.

Overview

I have been a development and copy editor for more than twenty years and a professional on Reedsy for seven years, with 220-plus projects completed. My experience ranges from being the Asia Desk editor for an international news agency to writing a biography of Beyoncé. As a freelancer I have worked for international book and magazine publishing companies and now specialize in fiction, working both with self-publishing authors and those intending to query.

I thrive when working closely with authors to develop their unique voice, make their text dynamic and compelling, and help them reach the audience they deserve. My portfolio showcases the large number of authors who have chosen to work with me over multiple projects.

The two services I most commonly offer are editorial assessment and development editing, but I am happy to offer copy editing and proofreading as well. I also offer advice on writing cover copy / blurbs and marketing material.

Testimonials from some writers I have collaborated with:

"I am really impressed with the work you have put into it. I feel that your edit will certainly bring out the best in my novel."

PM, thriller writer

"Thanks so much for this—this is tremendous work. I’m very pleased with the final product and I have no questions or comments. Cheers and thanks for all your hard work!"

RS, science fiction writer

"Thanks so much for this and all the work you've done on the draft. Having been through the earlier parts I can see what an amazing job you've done on it all."

LT, thriller writer

I also work with publishing companies on non-fiction titles, particularly visual arts, history, craft, and design.

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Cozy Mysteries Dystopian Horror Post-Apocalyptic Romantic Fantasy Urban Fantasy Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Development editor of The Brangus Rebellion by R.R. Corvi, Sci-Fi Gold Medalist in the 2023 CIPA EVVY Book Awards
  • Editor of A Chinese Remedy by Shawe Ruckus, shortlisted for the 2023 Readers' Favorite Book Award in the Urban Fiction category
  • Editor of Fused by Dr James Manning, Winner of the Biography/Autobiography category at the New England Book Festival of 2016

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2001 — Present
I am a freelance editor specializing in development editing and copy editing for fiction. I mostly work with independent, self-publishing authors, but also work with publishing companies and with authors looking to query. I have more than twenty years' experience and have completed 150-plus projects on Reedsy.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
Burial

Edlin, Oliver

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Wolfsreach Academy (The Kylnnar War Saga Book 1)

Waine, Justin

Epsom Fantasy Press Limited

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Midnight Factory

Luyt, Russell

Flaretail Press

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Until Death Do Us Part

Boutros, Mark

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Odyssey of Fletcher

Erik Dargitz

After a global virus seemingly wipes out the entire male population, a skinny, socially awkward, self-conscious video game junkie is somehow still kicking. And he's wildly unprepared for this ... read more
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Hallowed (Sage Rising)

Kelly, Jaye D

Oak & Ash Publishing House

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Princess of War: Book I of The Fallen Sky

Fink, Olga

Glass Spider Publishing

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Courting Death: A Why Choose, Paranormal Romance (Loving Death Book 1)

Lennon, Verity

CharMar Storyworks

Copy Editing
Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
Kingdom of the Seven Rivers (Fallen Angels series Book 2)

Thomashoff , Alexandra

Last Unicorn Press

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
A Legacy of the Light

Reading, Amy

Amy Reading

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Wayward Wings (Dragons of Sinuation)

Slottje, S

Flintlock & Fluke Publishing

Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Old Blood (Old Blood Saga Book 2)

Hoadley, B. Scott

Weaver Island Press

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Hunter's Moon (Old Blood Saga Book 3)

Hoadley, B. Scott

Weaver Island Press

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Blood Ties (Old Blood Saga Book 4)

Hoadley, B. Scott

Weaver Island Press

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
The Weaver (Old Blood Saga Book 1)

Hoadley, B. Scott

Weaver Island Press

Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
EAT: ΣΔΤ Book One: Sigma

Brown, Jesse

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Amantos: To Paradise and Back

Laurenson, Eva

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Maker (The Wren Trilogy Book 2)

Winters, Rob

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Behold the Sins (The Deadly Sins Book 1)

Serrin, Rachel

Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Heroes of Hastovia Book 3: In Memory of...

Boutros, Mark

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Maw of Mirrors (The Arcane Rangers Book 1)

Nadori, Attila

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Township

Hirai-Hadley, Bryson

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
To Save a Thorn

Nanou, Electra

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Power of the Eight

Rho, Suzanne

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Signs Are Coming

King, Neil A.

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
As We Fall

Wildt, Anya

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Centricity

Nathaniel Henderson

In a condemned hotel, an intelligence operation to retrieve a DNA-altering bioweapon goes horribly wrong, sparking a scandal that could bring down an agency... and a city along with it. Adasha... read more
Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Zero Marginal Value

Cole, Jason

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Haunting of Locker 31

Bjorson, Deidre

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Deadly Ghost Stories: Book 1 Three Finger Jack

Bjorson , Deidre

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Released as a paperback in November 2016, Fused quickly received critical acclaim in America gaining 5 Star reviews from influential reviewers. Readers Views referred to it as ‘stunning’ and ‘... read more
Copy Editing

Nicola has 161 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Erik D.

Erik D.

Jun, 2026

This is my second time working with Nicola. The insights and thoughtfulness she brings to her edits is invaluable. You can tell she really invests herself into the project, which is all a writer can ask for. She goes above and beyond the scope of work, polishing with a keen eye and identifying la...
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Sky C.

Sky C.

May, 2026

Nicola was a wonderful editor. This is the second manuscript I have used her services for. As usual, she has gone above and beyond with the quality of her work.
Verity L.

Verity L.

May, 2026

Working with Nicola for my debut novel was one of the best decisions I made. She was communicative, professional, and easy to collaborate with as we brought this book to life. She clarified her edits, not only refining my manuscript but also equipping me to grow as a writer. Nicola ensured my vo...
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Jennifer M.

Jennifer M.

May, 2026

I hired Nicola for a copy-edit and it was really insightful! She provided useful reference materials, and the tracked changes and style sheet were particularly helpful for continuity. Her edits and notes for tightening and improving the prose really helped me see what my writing habits/patterns a...
Read more
Jayne R.

Jayne R.

Apr, 2026

Nicola's copyediting is thorough and worth every penny. It was clear from her handover notes and comments inline that she'd thought deeply about my fantasy story and approached it from several angles. Her supporting materials -- a chapter-by-chapter synopsis, glossary of terms from my story, and ...
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