Sophia Blackwell

Sophia Blackwell – Editor

Author, copy-editor and development editor of books published by Penguin, Bloomsbury, OUP. LGBT+ books a speciality. Accepting new clients!

Overview

- I've been working in publishing for almost 20 years, and freelance editing for over twelve. I'm an experienced editor of fiction and non-fiction whose projects include books from Penguin, Bloomsbury, Oxford University Press, Duke University Press, Pearson, Zed Books and Unbound. I help self-published authors find their voices and create a final book they can be proud of.


Highlights of my editing work include:


- The Good Ancestor by Roman Krznaric, Penguin

- The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook (5+ years on the staff)

- The Sun, Moon and Stars romance series by Frances M. Thompson

- Two books on music by Geoff Baker from Duke University Press and Oxford University Press

- Three books in the Writers' and Artists' series: Publishing for Children and YA, Self-Publishing and Getting Published


For every manuscript I work on, I provide ALL of the following:


- Copy-editing and line editing

- Finding typos and other errors and correcting them

- Developmental editing and structural editing

- 3-5-page editorial assessment Word document with tips and ideas

- Suggestions on next steps


My clients say:


Sophia is undoubtedly one of the most skilled editors I have worked with over the past decade. She's extremely insightful in relation to structure, content and style, as well as being an eagle-eyed copy editor. We've worked together on multiple fiction and non-fiction projects for the major UK and international publishers and each time she has performed wonders with the manuscript. Sophia is also one of the most efficient editors I know - the job is always done on time and to the highest standards.

- Author, published by Penguin, Profile and Unbound


Sophia worked with me on my novel, which was published by Unbound. Her structural and copy-editing skills are thorough and thoughtful, with great attention to detail, and her approach to delivery was timely and effective. She was a pleasure to work with and I have no reservations in recommending her editing services.

- Author, published by Unbound and now Hachette UK


Having worked with Sophia for several years in-house at Bloomsbury, I’ve sought her out several times on a freelance basis and am always thrilled with her wonderful expertise, excellent ideas and unfailing reliability. I always look forward to the next time we can work together.

- Former Routledge, HarperCollins and Bloomsbury in-house editor, now freelance editor and writer


My own poetry, fiction and non-fiction have been published by Bloodaxe, Bloomsbury, Burning Eye, The Emma Press, Limehouse Books, Mslexia, Nine Arches Press, Poetry News, Writers Online and Writers’s Forum. I was nominated for a Polari Prize in 2019.


Let me help you make your book the best it can be!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs LGBTQ Non-Fiction Music Writing & Publishing
Fiction
Chick Lit Contemporary Romance LGBTQ Fiction Romantic Comedy
Languages
English (UK)
Awards
  • Spread The Word LGBT Hero, 2017
  • Literary Death Match champion, 2012
  • Polari Prize Nominee, 2019
  • LGBT Awards Nominee, 2017
Certifications
  • Managing Publishing Strategy, The Publishing Training Centre
  • The Digital Publisher, The Publishing Training Centre
  • 1st class BA Hons English Language and Literature, Oxford University

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2010 — Present

I am a freelance editor, copy-editor and proofreader and have worked on books from the UK’s top publishers. I specialise in non-fiction and academic publishing (secondary to higher education) but have also worked on fiction and poetry and, as an author and creative writing tutor, can understand my clients and help them refine their work to give them the best chance of successful publication.

Macmillan, Bloomsbury, Hachette UK (Hodder)

Sep, 2008 — Present

I have worked on marketing and publicity for academic, educational, trade and professional publishers for the bulk of my career, with stints on magazines and working for media agencies. With this background, I can also advise on press releases, web presence and help authors plan events for new books.

Portfolio

Boys & Girls

Burston, Paul

After My Own Heart

Blackwell, Sophia

Sophia has 21 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Pip L.

Pip L.

Mar, 2024

Everyone said that it's hard to find a good editor, or at least the right fit - I guess I got very lucky first time! I'm delighted with the editing work Sophia has done on my debut novel. Her approach was thorough, considered and sympathetic to my writing style and the story I'm trying to tell. Feedback was always delivered in a constructive way, with suggestions for improvement. Sophia's idea...
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Ross J.

Ross J.

Feb, 2024

I feel privileged to have had the chance to work with Sophia. I was really nervous about the whole process of editing, but Sophia put everything into the project and supported me through it. I could not recommend highly enough. I have gained so much, as has my book, as Sophia has kindly shared her knowledge, ideas and expertise along the way.
Daniel T.

Daniel T.

Dec, 2023

A phenomenal editor. Sophia is clearly a gifted communicator. I appreciate that she met with me virtually to discuss my goals and concerns with the draft. She was also very attentive to feedback and updates I sent her throughout the process.
Sophia B.
Many thanks, Daniel! Much appreciated.
Maya W.

Maya W.

Dec, 2023

Working with Sofia was a very smooth process. She communicated well, had everything done by the deadline and did a great job with the work. I highly recommend!!!
S N.

S N.

Oct, 2023

Sophia is amazing. I understand my story so much more now that I have worked with her and I feel as though her guidance will have a lasting and positive impact on my future writing endeavors.

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