Kathy Waghorn

Kathy Waghorn – Editor

Editor specialising in character-driven, heartfelt stories. Collaborative, supportive, and slightly obsessed with Highland coos.

Overview

I’m a Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), with advanced training in romance developmental editing. I work with indie and traditionally published authors in both US and UK English, helping them strengthen their stories while protecting the voice and heart that make them theirs.

My approach is collaborative, kind and practical. I’ll help you strengthen your story without losing what makes it yours, with clear, actionable feedback.

Copyediting: Stronger, smoother prose alongside careful attention to grammar, consistency, clarity and style.

Proofreading: That all-important final polish before your book meets its readers.

Above all, I love stories driven by people and relationships: the longing, vulnerability, chemistry and character moments that make a story stay with you after the final page.

When I’m not editing, you’ll usually find me reading romance, drinking peppermint tea, or being distracted by Highland cows and sloths.

*Testimonials*

“Kathy is an absolute expert. She’s highly professional and does an exceptional job with copy and line edits, as well as proofreading.

—Jessica Dodge, Amazon Bestselling Author

“I was so nervous to send my book to an editor, but Kathy immediately put me at ease, and now my story is truly alive. She is tough on the work and kind to the author, helping both become their best.”

—Scott K Good

“Kathy couldn’t have been more helpful, flexible, and thorough. I found her kind and considerate in her notes. I couldn’t recommend Kathy more.”

—Maggie Grant

"Kathy is incredibly knowledgeable, meticulous, and I am impressed by her work every time. Aside from being a true professional, Kathy is passionate about her craft, friendly, approachable, punctual and all-around a delight to work with.

—Aurora Reed

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance LGBTQ Fiction New Adult Romantic Fantasy Women's Fiction
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Club Ed Certificate in Developmental Editing of Fiction
  • Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading
  • CIEP Editing Romance Fiction
  • CIEP: Proofreading 1
  • CIEP Copyediting 1
  • UC San Diego Copyediting 1 Grade A
  • UC San Diego Grammar Lab Grade A
  • UC San Diego Copyediting Fiction Grade A+

Work experience

Penguin Random House

Apr, 2024 — Present
Copyediting and proofreading children's and young adult fiction in US English.

Self-employed

Jul, 2021 — Present
Supporting debut and experienced authors preparing for self-publication or submission.

Troubador Publishing

Mar, 2024 — Present
Copyediting and proofreading fiction and non-fiction manuscripts in UK English.

The Book Guild Ltd

Mar, 2024 — Present
Copyediting and proofreading fiction and non-fiction manuscripts in UK English.

Inkitt

Jan, 2022 — Dec, 2024 (almost 3 years)
Copyediting romance manuscripts in a range of romance subgenres in US English.

The Wild Rose Press

Aug, 2021 — Present
Proofreading in US English.

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