I am a freelance editor providing editing services ranging from first concept brainstorming through to detailed copyediting and proofreading of full manuscripts. The type of work I edit includes:
Micro novels
Flash fiction
Novellas
Short stories
Young adult fiction
Standard novels
Epic novels
I also provide editing services for:
Book blurbs
Amazon listings
Documents for submission to publishers (proposal, covering letter etc).
For information about the editing services I offer, go to my services page.
Together, we work collaboratively to realise your vision both creatively and effectively. To discuss a project with me, simply get in touch via the contact me page.
About me
Hi, I’m Gemma Taylor
I’m a professional freelance editor with several years of experience in helping writers fine-tune their work. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Oxford University, I went on to work with dynamic business start-ups, editing online commercial content. In recent years, I have narrowed my field to focus on the line of work I truly love: helping authors make good books better. Fiction editing is my vocation. I’m fascinated by the ingenuity and creativity it takes to write a book. I run a book club simply so that I can share the magic that is the written word. Working with writers is always a privilege, and I love being part of the process of bringing each unique author’s voice to their readership.
Working together
I work across all genres and writing styles, providing bespoke editing services depending on what you need. I take a collaborative approach whereby we work together to evolve your writing dreams from an idea in your head into the reality of a completed book. Whether you’ve drafted a full manuscript, or you are just at the initial ideas phase, we always begin by identifying which type of edit your particular work requires. I do this by undertaking a professional analysis of your writing or collection of ideas so far, making suggestions on how we can progress and strengthen your composition. For instance, there’s no point paying for your work to be proofread when actually a structural edit is required.
My role as an editor is not to shoot your words down in flames, but to elevate your work to become the very best version it can be.
You create the miracle: I just help you bring it into the world.
So, whether you are planning to self-publish or looking to attract a publisher, get in touch and let’s start talking about your book.
Editing services
I specialise in six editing services.
1. Professional analysis
An evaluation of your initial ideas or written material. Identifies areas for development and outlines a plan to get your book to the finish line.
2. Developmental edit
Developing your ideas and working with you to create chapter outlines and clarify chronology before you launch your writing project.
3. Structural edit
An in-depth and detailed evaluation of your completed manuscript or other written text.
4. Line edit
Looking at your manuscript from a sentence and paragraph level. Evaluating the way you use language to communicate your message.
5. Copyediting
Undertaken after all large-scale editing issues have been addressed, this edit focuses solely on the technical quality of the text.
6. Proofreading
The final stage of editing, your work is proofread to ensure that your material is ready for publication.
Why hire an editor?
All of the best authors in the world have one thing in common: a good editor. Editors are trained to spot errors that a writer finds almost impossible to see in their own work. Here are three main reasons you should hire a professional editor to work on your novel:
1. An editor is a sounding board
When I work with you, I get to know your book in greater depth than any other person who will read it. Together, we form a clear idea of what you’re looking to achieve. Whether you are faced with a roadblock and need some input for brainstorming, or you simply have a new idea for your book, I will help you work through different challenges and provide honest, unbiased feedback to ensure any changes will benefit the storyline.
2. Editors work with you
Together, we build a thorough understanding of your story and how you work as a writer. This enables me to flag up or correct any errors in a way that is clear to you but without altering your individual authorial voice. I will be with you every step of the way to help guide your book to the finish line, while at the same time capturing and celebrating the very essence that makes your book unique. I’m here to help you with the essentials, such as ironing out plot holes and fixing inconsistencies in syntax, for two main reasons: primarily so that readers can stay immersed in the plot and not get pulled out of the narrative by errors; but just as importantly, so you are free to get on with the good stuff – the writing.
3. Editors provide professional, objective feedback
Well-meaning friends and family are not the best people to be editing your book: they may give you feedback that spares your feelings but doesn’t help improve your story. My role is impartial, which allows me to provide honest and objective feedback with the sole aim of helping you to improve the quality of your book. Moreover, I undergo regular CPD to ensure that my knowledge of the latest trends in fiction is up to date, and that my editing skills adapt as language and reader tastes evolve.
Get in touch
If you wish to discuss any of my editing services please contact me on the number or email address below:
07565544050
Or fill out this contact form below and I will call you back at a convenient time.