Overview
So, no matter what stage your manuscript is at, I can help. If you’ve just finished it (well done!), I can take a look to advise you how much more editorial work is required. If you’ve been through a round or two of rewrites, perhaps a developmental edit is needed? I look at plot, structure, characterisation, narrative pace, sense of place, as well as other aspects. What works, what doesn't and – most importantly – how to fix it. A copy-edit will pick up typos, bad grammar and punctuation and iron out inconsistencies. A proofread will give it that final professional polish – whether you’re going to self-publish or submit via the traditional publishing route.
Whether you hope for this to be the first of many novels or the only one you ever intend to write, you want it to be the very best it can be. For your personal satisfaction – and Amazon reviews last a very long time!
Current publishers: Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Little, Brown, Atlantic, Bonnier, Duckworth, Welbeck, Palazzo and Profile (amongst many more).
I work with indie authors from all over the UK and around the world, specialising in crime, thrillers and commercial women's fiction. CIEP Advanced Professional.
‘I’m pleased to recommend Nicky L., an ex-colleague and subsequently friend of over fifteen years, whose freelance editorial services I routinely request in my capacity as an in-house acquiring editor. In the time I have known her, Nicky has consistently proved her expertise and sensitivity as an editor and as someone upon whom I know I can rely and in whose ever-capable hands I know I can entrust my authors’ work. From the toughest of jobs to those requiring the lightest of touches, ranging from structural and line-editing to copy-editing to proofreading, Nicky never fails to provide an astute editorial eye for the task in hand, always delivering to the highest standard, often to tight deadlines and limited budgets. I highly recommend Nicky as an editor.’ KB
‘I have used Nicky L.’s editorial services for many years now and could not recommend her more highly. Nicky is everything you might want in an editor – diligent and attentive, with a wonderful eye for detail. She is always sensitive to the needs of writers and works collaboratively to deliver the best possible end result. She has handled some big projects for me over the years and has always delivered an excellent, timely service. Nicky is a great publishing professional and a gifted editor. She’s also a lovely person.’ SOK
Services
Fiction
Languages
Certifications
- CIEP Advanced Professional
Work experience
Constable & Robinson
Headline Publishing Group
Transworld
Self-employed
The Orion Publishing Group
Nicky has 93 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness

Emile E.
Feb, 2025
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Jan, 2024
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Patricia R.
Oct, 2023
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Emma J.
May, 2025

Rachael R.
Apr, 2025
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