Paul Sellars

Paul Sellars – Editor

Copyediting and proofreading, fiction and non-fiction. Clients include Canelo, Head of Zeus (Bloomsbury), HarperCollins, and Penguin.

Overview

More than fifteen years’ freelance experience in publishing, with clients including Canelo, Head of Zeus (Bloomsbury), HarperCollins, Penguin, and Whitefox. I’ve worked on fiction and non-fiction, handling everything from authors’ manuscripts to OCR’d scans of print titles for electronic reissue.


Copyediting and proofreading have traditionally been distinct parts of the publishing process, although there’s arguably some overlap between the two.


Copyediting comes first and involves checks for consistency and clarity – of language (spelling, punctuation, style), but also in the use of structural elements (chapter and section headings, lists, blockquotes).


Proofreading is the final pass and aims to catch any remaining errors or deviations. A copyedit might include (careful, sympathetic) rewording of the author’s text; a proofread would usually be limited to smaller corrections.


In both cases, consistency is key. In addition to correcting errors, I’ll work with you to devise a stylesheet for your book – very simply, a list of all preferred forms and usages – and ensure that a uniform ‘house style’ is applied throughout.

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Historical Fiction Horror
Non-Fiction
History
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Introduction to Proofreading, SfEP (CIEP), 2005.
  • BA (hons) Philosophy, University of Wales, 1997.

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2010 — Present

I began taking on work as a copyeditor and proofreader for publishers including Canelo, Head of Zeus (Aria), and HarperCollins (One More Chapter). I've since worked steadily across a range of genres, fiction and non-fiction, print titles and ebooks.

Self-employed

Jan, 2000 — Dec, 2009 (almost 10 years)

I wrote features, technical articles and reviews for magazines including Linux Format, Mac User, and Sound On Sound. I was commissioned to write software manuals for clients including Camel Audio and Native Instruments, and non-fiction books for Wizoo GmbH. During this time I also began writing ad copy and jacket copy for publishers including HarperCollins and Penguin.

Portfolio

Copy Editing Proofreading
The Fisherman

John Langan

‘Illusory, frightening, and deeply moving, The Fisherman is a modern horror epic. And it’s simply a must read’ Paul Tremblay In upstate New York, within the woods, Dutchman’s Creek flows out o... read more
Proofreading
Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Leaving Fatherland

Matt Graydon

Matt Graydon’s Leaving Fatherland is a poignant tale of discovering one’s true identity. Providing a unique take on what it was like to be in the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, Leaving... read more
Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Roza's War: Diary of a Soviet Sniper

Ellis, Brenda

Hellgate Press

Copy Editing Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Darkness Falls

Mark, David

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing

Paul has 11 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ksenia P.

Ksenia P.

Mar, 2025

I’ve had an excellent experience working with Paul on the copyediting of my novel. We’re still finalizing a few revisions, but I can already say that the collaboration has been outstanding. Paul is friendly, very professional, detail-oriented, and incredibly forthcoming. He delivered everything on time and with great care. I highly recommend his work to anyone looking for a skilled and reliable...
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J Y.

J Y.

Jan, 2025

Paul was extremely professional and helpful. I have learned a lot working with him on this project and I couldn't recommend him enough.
Paul S.
Thanks, James! A pleasure working with you.
Caroline C.

Caroline C.

Nov, 2024

Paul’s been great to work with and very helpful. Would definitely recommend him to anyone.
Paul S.
Thanks, Caz – great working with you!
Tabitha T.

Tabitha T.

Oct, 2024

Paul was brilliant to work with. Insightful, responsive and professional, he fully understood what I was looking for and I'm incredibly happy with the outcome. Right from the beginning, I knew my manuscript was in a safe pair of hands, and his edits and comments have helped to polish my book into something of which I can be incredibly proud. Thank you.
Paul S.
Thanks, Tabitha – great working with you!
Haris O.

Haris O.

Mar, 2024

I had a great time working with Paul. He brought deep experience and expertise to the project, but was very respectful of my intentions, writing style, and point of view. He worked quickly but was very thorough and kept me informed every step of the way. I would absolutely work with him again.
Paul S.
Thanks, Haris – hope to work with you again soon!

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