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 Thriller & Suspense
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

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
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
Copy Editing

Paul has 7 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

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!
Sarah H.

Sarah H.

Mar, 2024

Getting a copy/proofread editor was a new experience for me on my first ever novel. Paul explained above and beyond what to expect from the process. I felt that my manuscript was in good hands. It was an intense two weeks of email exchanges and along the way I learned so much about the process, and about grammar, too! I know I’ll be able to take that knowledge going forward into my future writi...
Read more
Paul S.
Thank you, Sarah – it was a pleasure collaborating with you.
Brenda E.

Brenda E.

Dec, 2023

I found Paul to be professional, respectful, and insightful. He delivered the edit in a timely manner and answered my questions thoughtfully. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to another writer.
Paul S.
Thanks, Brenda!
Johannes Z.

Johannes Z.

Dec, 2023

I tried to write a blurb for my book and failed miserably. Then I asked Paul to write me one. I could not be more happy. My whole book was skillfully summarized in less than 160 words with a tagline that will leave potential readers hungry for the story. Thank you, Paul!
Paul S.
Thanks again, Johannes!
Johannes Z.

Johannes Z.

Dec, 2023

Excellent service! I can highly recommend Paul's services. He is very punctual and meticulous. Paul accepted my brief when no one else took any interest in me as a first-time author. I will definitely make use of Paul's services in the future.
Paul S.
Thanks, Johannes! I look forward to working with you again.

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