What's next?
Once your manuscript has been edited, the next stage is proofreading. It’s always advisable to get a fresh pair of eyes on your manuscript, and while I do my best to eliminate errors during a line and copy edit, I will have been focusing on sentence-level issues and writing style, so undoubtedly some errors will slip through. Plus, changes may be introduced during formatting.
Proofreading is often used as a generic term, so many people think they want their work proofread when in fact they want a copy edit.
A line and copy edit is not a substitute for a proofread. All edited texts will still benefit from a final proofread before publication, and I always recommend doing so.
I no longer offer proofreading, but I can recommend colleagues whose skills and experience I have confidence in, so you can be sure you’ll be in safe hands.
‘Nicky's input to my book on the wines of the Canary Islands was outstanding. Her involvement was as copy editor and proofreader – tasks completed to the very highest standard. Her proficiency in her field is without question, and her work ethic and attention to detail blew me away. Let me put it this way: thousands of eyes have now pored over the pages of the published book and no grammatical issues or typos have been detected. Furthermore, Nicky went above and beyond to assist me with last-minute adjustments to ensure that I ended up with a book that I was 100% happy with. What more can one ask for? An attentive and pleasant interaction throughout the job, perhaps? Well, judging by my experience with Nicky, that's what her impressive professional offer is built upon.’
Editorial consultancy
I offer editorial consultancy tailored to your needs: for example, if you’re not sure whether to self-publish or take the traditional route, or if you want a series bible or house style guide to be created.
It was no doubt deeply satisfying when you first typed those magical words ‘The End’, but you’ve probably realised that was just the beginning! Whichever publishing route you choose, there is more work to be done. Many authors find writing a synopsis particularly challenging. There are certain guidelines that should be adhered to when submitting to agents, and I can help ensure these are followed. If you’re self-publishing, the cover blurb and online descriptions are vital selling tools and you want them to do your book justice.
So take a step back and let me relieve your stress. Here are some examples of what I can help with:
- self-publishing
- work-in-progress feedback and advice
- creating a house style guide
- agent submissions: query letters and synopses
- help with revise and resubmit (R&R) requests
- back-cover blurbs, online descriptions
- author biographies, website copy
- cover feedback
‘Working with Nicky is a delightful experience. Following her developmental editing help, she was my editor on the covering letter for my novel, as well as its synopsis. She helped me improve and tighten my query and I believe it’s where it needs to be for submission to agents. Thank you, Nicky, for your expertise and your input!’
Coaching for writers
Helping writers achieve their goals and seeing them develop and improve their writing skills is a constant source of satisfaction. Much of what I do as a developmental and line editor involves elements of coaching, so it seemed a logical progression to do some formal training as a writing coach. I’ll be launching this new service later in the spring.
‘In her capacity as a consultant-slash-developmental editor, I continue to find Nicky’s support and assistance an invaluable crutch, and being able to bounce ideas has got me out of a creative void on many occasions. Her objective and honest advice has saved me many an hour of pulling paper from the typewriter, balling it and hurling it in frustration in the direction of the wastepaper basket. Writing can be a lonely occupation, and when one has an inkling that one's great idea may fail to transcend mediocrity into that legacy-defining opus magnum, it is good to have this confirmed sooner rather than later! And conversely, Nicky’s enthusiasm and encouragement for my writing projects continues to inspire me to chase that elusive dream.’
Audiobook proofing
The audiobook market is the fastest-growing sector of the publishing industry, and more and more independent authors are adding this format. You want your published book to be the best it can be, and your audiobook should meet the same professional standards.
I’ll listen to the edited audio recording in conjunction with the text. Here are some examples of what I’ll focus on:
- ambient noise, static, interference
- reverberation, echoes
- faulty splicing, skipping, glitches
- overly short or long pauses, breathing
- incorrect and inconsistent pronunciation
- omissions, repeated words
- character voice consistency
- accuracy
I’ll provide you with a report where details of all errors and their corresponding chapter/page reference and time stamp have been logged, making it easy for issues to be located and fixed. I’ll then do a final quality check of the amended version.
My previous career as a radio plugger in the music industry involved a lot of time spent in studios, outside broadcast trucks and control rooms, and gave me a solid grounding in checking sound quality and listening for anomalies.
How much does it cost?
Editorial consultancy is charged at an hourly rate or an agreed fixed fee, depending on the type of consultancy.
Coaching for writers is a new service that will be launching soon. Please contact me if you’d like to be kept informed.
Proofing of audiobooks and copy editing of PDFs, magazines and projects with a word count below 10,000 will be charged at an hourly rate or an agreed fixed fee.
Once I’ve seen the work in question and you’ve provided me with any background information, I can give you an accurate quote, with no hidden costs. Editorial consultancy starts at €60 per hour.
My rates are based on recommendations by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), of which I am an Advanced Professional Member.
