Sharon Rutland

Sharon Rutland – Editor

I work for indie authors and publishers. I provide thorough and sensitive editing, enhancing words to make your story the best it can be.

Overview

My specialisms in fiction editing are adult historical fiction, thriller and suspense, fantasy, mystery and crime and YA fiction. I have a degree in English literature and history, which led to my love of historical fiction. Before moving into editing, I was a primary teacher, so I also have a wide knowledge of middle grade and YA fiction.

It is important to me that I retain your voice and style while ensuring your book is the best it can be. I'm happy to complete a sample edit so you can decide if I am the best fit for you. I will be meticulous in my approach, but sensitive, as I know how hard it is to pass your book to someone else. I know because I've been in the same position! My aim is to make sure that working together is enjoyable while maintaining professionalism at all times. At the end of the project, I will send you a style guide to help with any future writing.

I do offer a manuscript review for anyone unsure about what level of editing they require. For a set fee, I read your manuscript and confirm the level of editing that I feel would be most appropriate for your manuscript.

Services
Fiction
Fantasy Historical Fiction Mystery & Crime Romance Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Copy-editing Headway (CIEP)
  • Proofreading Headway (CIEP)

Work experience

Self-employed

Feb, 2019 — Present
I have worked as a freelance line editor, copyeditor and proofreader for Joffe Books, Lume Books, Penguin Random House UK and US, and Macmillan Publishers.

Portfolio

Copy Editing
Everything I Wanted: A totally addictive psychological thriller with a shocking final twist

Dykema, Alesha

Joffe Books Mystery, Crime Thriller, Suspense Fiction

Copy Editing
Proofreading
The Second Honeymoon: A BRAND-NEW addictive psychological thriller with a shocking final twist

BLACK, MCGARVEY

Joffe Books psychological thrillers, suspense and crime

Copy Editing
If She's Found: A totally addictive psychological thriller with a shocking final twist

Dykema, Alesha

Joffe Books Mystery, Crime Thriller, Suspense Fiction

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
A Touch Unexpected

Rivers, A.L.

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Education of Ebenezer Wells

Harmon, Louise

Hot Brick Books

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
The Age of Reason

Birch, Marian

Sharon has 15 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

John H.

John H.

Aug, 2024

Pinned
Sharon exceeded expectations from the onset of our relationship. She asked me a pivotal question that informed the rest of the copyedit. Her revisions were spot on and her comments offered suggestions or asked questions when the text was murky. She delivered the copyedit of a 70K work docx on tim...
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Louise H.

Louise H.

Jul, 2024

Pinned
Sharon was a terrific editor. She tightened up my wordy prose and was sensitive to how the language sounded---her rearrangements of my description were invaluable. I appreciated the care that she took to stay in the style of the book I'm writing. She was in every way professional, and I will be u...
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Robert D.

Robert D.

May, 2023

Pinned
A high-level, experienced editor will make all the difference to a book's quality and chances for success. My previous editor(s) provided by my ex-publisher were little more than proofreaders. Sharon is on the opposite end of that scale. Beyond question, her talent and eye for detail made my book...
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Rebekah H.

Rebekah H.

Dec, 2025

Sharon was an absolute delight to work with. She kept me updated as she worked through my manuscript and was available for amendment feedback as well. Her comments were constructive and thoughtfully worded – something I really appreciated as a first-time author. As well as grammar, punctuation an...
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Adrienne C.

Adrienne C.

Oct, 2025

Absolutely a delight to work with, she did a double run-through of my book and was communicative throughout. Will definitely work with her again.

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