Sophie Hampton – Editor

I'm an award-winning, published short story writer with 15 years' experience and a PhD in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia. I'm a specialist in the short story form with a wealth of experience in writing, teaching, editing, critiquing, and judging competitions.

My own writing has been broadcast on BBC Radio 4, widely published in literary journals, and recognised in numerous national and international short story competitions. I have an in-depth knowledge of short story publishing and can advise on opportunities. My feedback is encouraging but honest, offering clear advice on how to improve your stories. I'm friendly and empathetic and as I'm both an editor and a writer, I offer an invaluable perspective. I enjoy working with writers at all levels, from beginners to published authors seeking to polish stories prior to submission.

Developmental editing - I provide line edits (as for copyediting below) with forensic detail plus an in-depth, bespoke report analysing aspects of the story including setting and descriptive writing, character, dialogue, plot, structure and shape, pace, voice and tone, clarity and concision, and the beginning and ending.

Copyediting - I meticulously check grammar, punctuation, and spelling. I eliminate superfluity and focus on the concision and clarity so important to the short story form, while remaining sensitive to the authorial and characters' voices. I suggest words which could be stronger and restructuring sentences to improve the flow. I aim to achieve a professional manuscript ready for submission, polished to the extent that it allows the reader to immerse themselves in the story without the text getting in the way.

I only accept copyediting/proofreading if I have provided developmental editing, i.e. a second edit after the author has worked through the developmental edits. I can offer a bespoke writing coaching programme to a limited number of authors each year.

Feedback:

"Sophie’s critiquing service is incredible. Her instincts are spot on, from her line edits to her thoughts on character, theme and structure – she offers just the right balance of support and critique and has helped me elevate my stories to the next level. If you’re considering working with Sophie do it, you won’t regret it!” Toril C

“Working with Sophie was a delight. She looked at the stories from a literary perspective, helping me to shape characters and enrich the narrative. It made a huge difference. I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone who wants to work with a thorough-going professional and talented creative writer in her own right.” Neal R

Qualifications:

PhD in Creative and Critical Writing - University of East Anglia

MA Writing (Distinction) - Sheffield Hallam University

Prizes won:

Sean O'Faolain International Short Story Prize

London Magazine Short Story Prize

Highlands & Islands Short Story Competition (HISSAC)

Eastern Daily Press Short Story Prize

AM Heath Prize

Placed/listed:

Wells Festival of Literature (2nd), Bridport Prize (Highly Commended), Commonwealth Short Story Prize, Bath, Bristol, Fish, Brick Lane, Exeter Writers, Longlisted for the Women's Prize Discoveries 2024.