Victoria Straw – Editor

My love of reading novels moved to review advanced copies of books from top publishers like Entangled Publishing, Berkley Publishing Group, and Montlake Romance. I also reviewed for independent authors at the beginning of the eReader explosion, focusing on the layout and the story. Then came the opportunity for beta reading, moving to proofreading. That's where I got my experience. Then I went back to the classroom and learned how to edit. After guiding an author friend to give her books a lift, that's when I knew I could help others polish the final version of their stories.

One of my recent clients who went through a developmental edit, then a copy edit, plus book coaching sessions, got a starred Kirkus review on her debut novel. Another of my clients has his book turned into a movie and is currently in post production.

I've professionally edited 100+ manuscripts over the previous 12 months of all heat levels of romance and erotica. I love romance, but I'm genre friendly with no triggers. Nothing is off-limits. They include short stories, travel, women's fiction, mashups, action & adventure, anthologies, contemporary romance, holiday fiction, and suspense. In the last twelve months I've worked on many projects: Time Travel, World War II memoir, personal journey memoir, fairy tale retelling, reverse harem, dark romance, mafia romance, MC romance, mystery & crime, cosy (cozy) mysteries, small town, paranormal, clean and wholesome. Then there is literary fiction, humor and comedy, and coming of age. Shifter romance has been popular too. All tropes include enemies to lovers, second chance romance, fake relationship, forced proximity, destined to be together, forbidden love, love triangle, age gap, and workplace romance.

I publish under several pen names, fiction and non-fiction, and have published more than 50 books. I have a wealth of knowledge to offer in the self-publishing industry.

Do you need your story turned around quickly or an immediate start? Ask me, and I'll fit you in.

I can offer a meticulous eye for detail, synonymous with proofreading and copy editing. Ensuring the final version is as polished as it can be. I can additionally provide sensitivity checks for characters with hearing disabilities as I have a condition in this area. I'm going to go at your pace. I don't need hand-holding but embrace constant narrative with the author.

Are any of your characters based in the UK, or are they British? You may be unfamiliar with the UK's sayings, locations, or behaviours. I can help with that as I'm born, bred, and still reside in the UK.

Why me?

Based on your requirements, I will provide feedback on every line of your manuscript. I'll do it studiously and meet your deadlines. I'm not going to let you down. I'm going to be kind but straightforward. If something needs fixing, I'll show you how you can fix it.