Sarah Giles

Sarah Giles – Editor

A friendly and thoughtful Christian copy-editor and proofreader, with 20+ years' experience. Click through to see my clients' testimonials.

Overview

Hello, I'm Sarah. I provide writing, copy-editing and proofreading services, helping you communicate clearly with your readers.


Following five years’ editorial work in-house for publishers including Hodder & Stoughton, I’ve been freelance since 2006. My clients have included HarperCollins, Huffington Post, Lion Hudson, World Vision, The Salvation Army, and many more. My experience is backed up by a BA degree in Linguistics and English Language, an MA in Language Studies, and industry-standard training in copywriting, editing and proofreading which is frequently updated and expanded. I'm a member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and the Editorial Freelancers Association (EfA).


My specialisms include Christian devotionals and Bible commentaries, self-help, international development, charities' supporter communications and annual reports, and other non-fiction projects.


When I copy-edit your manscript, you'll receive a fully marked-up Word document, with all my suggested edits tracked for your approval; a list of queries for you to consider and act on or dismiss; all references checked; any copyright issues brought to your attention (with advice on how to obtain permissions if needed); and a full style sheet produced which helps you and other professionals working on the book to ensure consistency during the rest of the production process.


If you'd like me to proofread your book (after it is copy-edited and typeset), I usually work on PDFs, using the built-in tools there for mark-up. I can also use digital stamps of the official BSi proofreading symbols if you prefer.


My rate for each project depends on the amount of work required: some manuscripts come to me with only a light edit and reference-checking required, others need a much more intensive edit to address grammatical issues or to improve the flow of the text.


I'm friendly, punctual and enjoy working with clients to make their books the best they can be. I look forward to working with you!


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‘Sarah has done a fantastic job proofreading for the Hodder Bible Commentary series. She delivers consistent work in tight timeframes. It’s been so reassuring to know that the series is in a safe pair of hands!’

- Emily Wells, Senior Bibles Editor, Hodder Faith


'Sarah is reliable, professional and a pleasure to work with. Her love of the written word is evident in her work, which is always superbly crafted with the intended audience in mind. As an editor, she has an excellent eye for detail, offers insightful suggestions and works consistently to a high standard.'

- Ken Punter, Digital Media and Publications Manager, World Vision UK


'Sarah was 100% reliable and a true pleasure to work with. She copy-edited 12 issues of the magazine I edited and there was never any question that she’d deliver an excellent standard of work within the deadline. I wholeheartedly recommend her.'

- Jo Swinney, Head of Communications, A Rocha


'Sarah has proven herself reliable, consistent, and accurate – essential qualities in an editor. She is a safe pair of hands.'

- Simon Cox, Project Editor, Lion Publishing

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Christian Non-Fiction Education & Reference Health & Wellbeing Parenting & Families Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (NZ) English (SA) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP)
  • Member of the Editorial Freelancers Association (EfA)
  • MA Linguistics and English Language
  • MSc Psychology (Conversion)
  • BA (Hons) Linguistics and English Language
  • Copy-Editing Skills (PTC)
  • Digital Proofreading (PTC)
  • Proofreading for Editors (PTC)

Work experience

Tearfund

Jul, 2024 — Present

Self-employed

Aug, 2006 — Present

The Salvation Army

Aug, 2004 — Jun, 2006 (almost 2 years)

Hodder & Stoughton

Sep, 2002 — Aug, 2004 (almost 2 years)

Scripture Union

Feb, 2001 — Sep, 2002 (over 1 year)

Portfolio

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Many social work students find the study of mental health legislation a complex and at times challenging process. Acts of law can seem irrelevant and far-removed from everyday practice and the... read more
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Children in the Way?

Carrie Kingston

The first years are critical, a pivotal time when children have powerful curiosity, exuberance for learning, and make strong connections through their experiences. This is also when a child's attitudes, values and perceptions are formed: 'Do I belong here?', '... read more

Sarah has 8 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

FEMI O.

FEMI O.

Jun, 2024

Sarah has delivered an impressive service that has not only elevated the professional nature of the manuscipt but has also offered considerations not thought of during the initial draft and suggestions to bolster it's message. I am delighted with the outcome and Sarah has been a pleasure to work with. I would readily recommend her to anyone wishing to have their manuscipt improved and brought...
Read more
Sarah G.
Thank you, Femi. It’s been a pleasure to work with you, too!
William T.

William T.

May, 2023

Wow, this book writing process is not easy. I had written, rewritten, edited and then rewritten my manuscript and was then told I needed a Copy Editor. I was gutted... more money. I was recommended to try Reedsy and was thrilled at how accessible it was. I chose five professionals to give me a quote and thankfully my favourite option, Sarah, gave me a quote that was very competitive. Sarah out ...
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Sarah G.
Thank you so much, William. It was a joy to work with you on your interesting and engaging book. I wish you every success with it.
Jayne H.

Jayne H.

Mar, 2023

Working with Sarah was such a positive experience. Not only was her attention to detail phenomenal, but she took the time to offer kind words about the content of my book as well as some really good suggestions for typesetting.
Julie H.

Julie H.

Feb, 2023

Sarah has been an excellent support to me. I felt she went above and beyond for me and produced a well copy edited final book draft. I'm really pleased and if I ever have a mad idea like writing another book, I shall be straight on to Sarah again for backup.
Sarah G.
Thank you, Julie, it was lovely to work with you!
anna R.

anna R.

Jan, 2023

Sarah was professional and communicative throughout and did an excellent, thorough proofread. Highly recommended!
Sarah G.
Thank you, Anna! A pleasure to work with you.

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