Ursula Acton

Ursula Acton – Editor

I am a long-time copy editor and proofreader invested in collaborating with authors to perfect their work. It's all in the details.

Overview

Aside from a brief, ill-considered stint waiting tables, all of my working life has revolved around reading and writing. I do not consider myself a big-picture editor and largely shine in the niches of copy editor and proofreader. Got a project where we are scouring out errors, polishing grammar, fine-tuning nuance and idiom, and getting the punctuation just right all while preserving the author's voice? Lead me to it!


I have worked largely in the field of academic publishing – is it odd that I find bibliographies gratifying? – interspersed with fiction and non-fiction titles for smaller presses (and a very enlightening three years as an in-house proofreader for a communications company). Recent topics have ranged from general books on linguistics, religion, self-improvement, social sciences, and history, to Wittgenstein, neurosis, computer sciences, and KCNQ2-associated epilepsies (that latter is a bit of a specialist market, granted). At present, I am also enjoying working with authors on biographies and memoirs and finding ways to help people tell their stories.


I work hard to build harmonious working relationships and strive to help authors get their work ready for press.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs History Philosophy Political Science & Current Affairs Psychology Religion & Spirituality Self-Help & Self-Improvement Sociology
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2001 — Present
This is my life. Years of freelance and contract work for a variety of authors and presses, in a variety of genres, and on any number of topics.

Ursula has 19 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Bert D.

Bert D.

Apr, 2025

I will happily work with her again!
Ursula A.
Thanks, Bert!
Bert D.

Bert D.

Apr, 2025

A wonderful collaboration. Greatful for the help.
Ursula A.
Thanks, Bert. It was a pleasure working with you.
Stelian A.

Stelian A.

May, 2024

ALL WENT FINE AND URSULA HAS DONE A WONDERFULL JOB ON ALL ASPECTS.
Linda D.

Linda D.

Mar, 2024

It was a pleasure working with Ursula. Her overall communication was direct, honest, and a learning curve for myself. I believe we interacted with each other very well; especially when she was patient and understanding 😊
Binh N.

Binh N.

Feb, 2024

Ursula is excellent to work with! She is very responsive, straightforward, and pleasant to communicate with, and she seeks to understand what I need. She is timely with the final product, and it's of great quality. I am thrilled with her work and am already working with her on my companion workb...
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