Paula Marais

Paula Marais – Editor

Detail-driven, experienced editor/proofreader of fiction (across most genres), non-fiction and academic theses. Strict but respectful!

Overview

As both an author and editor/proofreader, I have worked on both sides of the publishing process, which has given me a keen understanding of what it is to be on the receiving end of feedback. As such, I try to be fair, consistent and kind in my engagements with writers. I usually create a style sheet for each book/series so that stylistic decisions are kept track of, and can also be shared with the next players in the process, so that the book or work can be nurtured through its entire life cycle. In addition, as an obsessive reader (usually more than 100 books a year), I have a keen sense of genre, plot and characterization, which is very useful for my fiction authors. When it comes to non-fiction, I have not only edited over 100 different academic books, theses, textbooks, cookbooks and business books but I have also written or ghostwritten several books myself.

I learnt my editing craft doing an Honors in Publishing many years ago, but have since worked on numerous magazines, and for many different publishers including Van Schaik, Macmillan, Pan Macmillan and others. Most of my work comes through repeat clients or is gained through word-of-mouth. I have more than fifteen years' experience as an editor/proofreader. I particularly enjoy literary work, psychological themes, mysteries, thrillers, romance and YA. That does not mean, however, that I haven't successfully worked in other genres.

My non-fiction editing has also ranged in subject matter, but I have a special interest in psychology, cookery, travel and business. I regularly edit theses ranging from Honors level to PhD, with most referencing styles (e.g. Harvard, Chicago, APA).

As a person I am detail driven (yes, I am the person mentally correcting spelling on a menu) but respectful of the author's intention. I especially enjoy coaching and mentoring new authors and watching them succeed. I love coffee, whisky and have visited over 80 countries around the world.

Over the years I have also done speech writing, website copy (corporate and otherwise) and with a Diploma in Digital Marketing, I have also worked on blogs, social media posts and other online work.

Since many of the books I have edited are not available on Amazon, I have included a below a shortlist of some of my most recent projects:

• HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council) Review
• 21st Century Psychology for Nurses (Van Schaik)
• How to support English Second Language Learners (Van Schaik)
• One-Stop Guide to Studying Engineering in South Africa (The Clever Idea)
• The Strategic Management Process − A South African Perspective (Van Schaik)
• Simple Stylish Meals (Sharon Glass)
• Papho’s Gift (Marita van Aswegen)

My clients have included, among others:
• Engen
• First National Bank
• Guinness World Records
• Financial Mail
• Kelloggs
• Vodacom
• Colgate
Services
Non-Fiction
Business & Management Psychology
Fiction
Literary Fiction Women's Fiction
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Novel Shadow Self nominated for the Etisalat prize for the top 100 books in Africa (2015)
  • Novel Shadow Self translation into Afrikaans (Skaduself) - best translation
Certifications
  • MA in Creative Writing - ms. sold for publication
  • Honours Degree in Publishing Studies cum laude
  • BA Languages cum laude
  • BA Psychology cum laude
  • Alumnus of Bread Loaf Writers' Conference (Vermont, US)
  • Diploma in Digital Marketing (93%)
  • Honors Degree in Psychology cum laude

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2006 — Present

Writing: corporate, fiction, SEO-enhanced, blogs, newsletters, technical, non-fiction, scripts for videos/speeches, US/UK English, articles

Digital Marketing: campaign strategies, online/search/digital media, advertising, optimization, data analytics, project management, video

Editing/Proofreading: online copy, theses, textbooks, novels, corporate newsletters or brochures, pitch documents, US/UK English

Paula has 16 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Arun K.

Arun K.

Feb, 2024

It was a pleasure to work with Paula. She is very good at her work and very clear in her communication. I think she will be my first choice for my next book too. Thank you, Paula.
Chris D.

Chris D.

Aug, 2023

Paula is very responsive, and a prompt, quick worker. If you study her bio and look her up online, you'll see that she's author in addition to being an editor. I believe her life as an author informs her role as an editor. I found Paula to be professional in her approach and a valuable contributor to the quality of my book.
David F.

David F.

Aug, 2023

Paula is wonderful to work with. Very professional and finished my project ahead of schedule. Most important to me, she genuinely cared about wanting my book to be successful. I highly recommend if you're looking for a line editor, Paula, without a doubt, is the best around.
Dr. Jordan B. S.

Dr. Jordan B. S.

Mar, 2023

Excellent feedback and quality work done on time (early than expected).
Angel A.

Angel A.

Mar, 2023

I am very pleased with my collaboration with Paula. This is not the first time I've hired her. Altogether, she has helped me by providing a high quality editing service on 3 or 4 different projects. Each time, she was professional, punctual, and provided excellent communication. I've come to appreciate a good communicator. It can save valuable time when an editor takes a moment to ask about my ...
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