Copyediting looks at clarity, flow, consistency, punctuation, spelling, grammar, typos, awkward phrasing and repetition while preserving your voice.

Proofreading is the final check for errors such as spelling, punctuation, typos and formatting inconsistencies.

I provide estimates that are based on the type of editing required or requested, the scope and condition of the manuscript, and the estimated time involved. We’ll discuss your objectives, goals and requirements, then I'll assess your sample before providing an estimate.

First, I’ll review your manuscript and edit a few pages from the beginning of the first chapter, and I’d like to assess a chapter from the middle and end of the manuscript. For shorter works, I’ll review the whole piece.

This allows me to assess the scope and level of editing required and provide an estimate of the time involved.

Once you’ve accepted the estimate and agreed to the terms, I’ll request a 50% deposit based on the estimated cost. Once the deposit has been paid, I’ll schedule your project and begin work.

Most projects take 2–4 weeks, depending on the scope and level of editing required. The manuscript usually undergoes about 3 passes to ensure everything has been checked thoroughly. I work efficiently and aim to return your manuscript as promptly as possible without compromising the quality of the edit.

Once the editing is complete, I’ll issue the final invoice based on the actual time required to complete the work, which may be slightly lower or higher than the initial estimate.

You’ll receive your edited manuscript along with an editorial report and style sheet. You’ll then have an opportunity to review the changes, after which I’ll carry out one final check to ensure your requested changes have been correctly addressed and that no new errors have been introduced.

For fiction and book manuscripts, I follow The Chicago Manual of Style, alongside the appropriate English-language conventions (Australian, UK or US spellings) for the intended readership.

For other projects, I work to the client's preferred style guide or organisational house style, ensuring consistency in spelling, punctuation, grammar and presentation throughout the content.

Microsoft Word (.docx) is preferred for copyediting and proofreading, as they allow me to work efficiently with Track Changes and Comments, and make it easy for you to review my suggestions. Google Docs can also be used for shorter pieces.

PDF files are suitable for proofreading, but are not recommended for copyediting, because they are less flexible for making and reviewing editorial suggestions where heavy changes are required. It’s not impossible, but takes longer.

Contact me first with some details about your project through the Query & Quote contact form below. I'll let you know what I need from you and how to submit your sample or manuscript.

Of course! I work with independent authors who are self-publishing, as well as writers preparing manuscripts for agents, publishers or small presses.

Yes. I work with short stories, articles, essays and other shorter-form content, as well as books and manuscripts.

No. My role is to improve and polish your manuscript while preserving your voice and intentions. I work with Track Changes and Comments in Word files, and annotations and comments in PDFs, so you can clearly see and consider every suggested change.

You will also receive an editorial report outlining the key issues identified in your manuscript, along with recommendations for further revision where appropriate.

I specialise in manuscripts exploring consciousness, spirituality, metaphysics, esotericism, ancient history, archaeology, past lives, non-human intelligence and related subjects. You can see some of my specialist areas in the What I work with section above, but the list isn't exhaustive.

If your manuscript explores a subject that isn't listed, such as magic, witchcraft, veganism, medieval fiction, or something more unusual, feel free to ask. If it's within my areas of knowledge and interest, I'm happy to discuss it.

No. I don't use generative AI to edit or rewrite manuscripts. I use professional editing tools, such as PerfectIt, Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat, to assist with consistency, formatting and error checking. I use these tools to support my work. These are not generative AI tools.

The only AI used is to generate images for aesthetic reasons on this website.