Vaira Purvina – Editor

I’m a crime, horror, and sci‑fi copy editor and proofreader based in the UK. I work with indie and self‑publishing authors to turn strong drafts into clean, confident manuscripts that are ready for publication and real readers. I’m used to working on long‑running series and shared universes, including multiple titles in RR Haywood’s The Undead and related thrillers, so I’m comfortable with complex timelines, returning characters, and detailed worldbuilding.

My background in German Philology and fluency in several languages give me a sharp ear for rhythm, tone, and nuance on the page. I work in both British and American English and can follow an existing style sheet or help you develop one that suits your project. Whether you’re polishing a debut novel or adding to an established universe, my focus is on preserving your voice while removing the small issues that distract readers.

In a copy edit, I look closely at grammar, punctuation, clarity, and consistency, as well as continuity, point of view, and any wording that might jar your audience or unintentionally mislead. In a proofread, I act as a final quality check before publication, tidying remaining errors and formatting glitches without unnecessary changes to your style.

I genuinely enjoy large, complex manuscripts with big casts and intricate plots. You can expect clear communication, realistic timelines, and a collaborative approach. You’ll receive a manuscript edited in Word with Track Changes, plus concise in‑margin comments that explain suggestions and highlight anything that may need your attention. If you’re unsure which level of editing you need, feel free to send a short sample and I’ll happily recommend the most suitable option for your book.

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Author Testimonial

"I’m a traditionally published author and one of the UK’s most downloaded indie authors. I’ve worked with some of the country’s leading editors. For my independent books — and often for manuscripts I intend to submit to publishers — I use Vai as my copy editor and proofreader. We’ve also worked together on publishing titles in my wider story universe for one of my best-known series.

Vai is instrumental in helping me protect a distinctive voice while elevating the work on the page. Her attention to detail is excellent, communication is clear, she’s always on time, and she’s highly aware of cultural sensitivities. I recommend her without hesitation." –RR Haywood

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Rates (guideline)

• Proofreading – from £0.012 per word

Final polish on a clean manuscript, using Track Changes in Word.

• Copy editing – from £0.015 per word

Line‑level work on clarity, consistency, and style, with Track Changes in Word.

As a rough guide, an 80,000‑word novel typically comes to around £960 for proofreading and £1,200 for copy editing at these rates. Manuscripts that need more intensive or corrective editing may be quoted at a higher rate, which we’ll always agree on in advance.