Nicola Hodgson

Nicola Hodgson – Editor

Development and copy editor with 20 years’ experience. Fantasy, adventure, dystopian, thrillers, romance, horror, YA, and more.

Overview

I have been a development and copy editor for more than twenty years and a professional on Reedsy for five years. 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 development editing and copy editing, but I am happy to offer proofreading and editorial assessment 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 Dark Romance Dystopian Horror Post-Apocalyptic Romantic Fantasy Urban 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
Wayward Wings (Dragons of Sinuation)

Slottje, S

Flintlock & Fluke Publishing

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
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Burial

Edlin, Oliver

Copy 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 139 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Timothy B.

Timothy B.

Jun, 2025

I have now worked with Nicola on two major projects, and both have been delightful experiences. I have found Nicola to be an unusually perceptive reader, able to understand what I am trying to do, and to suggest practical ways to help me do it better. Her comments are succinct and clear -- I am...
Read more
Robin W.

Robin W.

Jun, 2025

Nobody likes having their baby criticised, but all authors know it is a necessary process. Nicola has pointed out all the fixable flaws in my work, in a kind and thoughtful way. Other reviewers have been too kind, or too quick to judge, but she found numerous tiny flaws that together make up a su...
Read more
Brandon M.

Brandon M.

May, 2025

I really enjoyed working with Nicola. As a first time author, I am relieved to have worked with someone as professional and patient as she was. She provided all feedback in a timely manner and is more than fair with her price for the amount of work that she puts in.
Claire S.

Claire S.

Apr, 2025

Nicola did a fantastic job, she delivered on all points and on time, and provided some incredibly useful advice and feedback. I would definitely work with her again, and would recommend her to anyone else.
Stephanie M.

Stephanie M.

Feb, 2025

This was my second time working with Nicola. Her high standards never waivered! I plan on working with her again.

Sign up to read more reviews

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

Professionals similar to Nicola

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

Anna B.

Anna B.

Senior editor with in-house experience + translator || Specfic + fantasy + kidlit + nonfiction || PRH, Kids Can Press, Editors Canada

Toronto, ON, Canada

100% reply rate

View profile
Ariell Cacciola

Ariell C.

Editorial director with 15+ years' experience across most genres. Specialising in horror, mystery, crime, fantasy, historical, contemporary.

London, UK

100% reply rate

View profile
Eilidh Locherty

Eilidh L.

Full-time fiction editor, helping you edit the book you were meant to write—not the one you were told to. Here for stories defying norms.

Edinburgh, UK

100% reply rate

View profile