Non-fiction copy-editing

My copy-editing service

Editing is not just about correcting 'mistakes', it’s about making communications just right for your readership.

I turn working drafts into clear, consistent writing that is ready for publication.

I work at sentence level to refine flow, clarify arguments, tighten sentences, resolve inconsistencies, and correct grammar and punctuation.

I check for accuracy, tidy references and bibliographies, and create or update a style guide so future work stays consistent. Accessibility and bias‑conscious language are baked in.

What’s included in my editing and proofreading services?

  • Clear, compelling writing free of grammatical errors and unclear phrasing.

  • Unnatural sentences reworked.

  • Citations and bibliographies created and/or tidied up.

  • Fact-checking to ensure accuracy.

  • Producing or updating style guides for your organisation.

  • Several editing passes, working methodically sentence by sentence. 

  • Accessible language that consciously avoids bias.

  • Quality assurance that roots out errors and inconsistencies, ensuring the final version is perfectly polished.

Looking for ‘just’ a proofread?

I do offer proofreading services. But it’s important that we discuss what you need first.

Usually, proofreading happens as the final stage of the workflow, when few changes are expected to the text.

If you are looking for something in between copy-editing and proofreading, let’s have a chat about ‘proof-editing’ as an option that may suit you.

Allow me to level up your writing
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What my clients say

— Mónica Martí García, EJTN Training Projects Manager, Brussels

The work you have done for us has fully fulfilled our expectations in terms of efficiency and diligence.

The quality of the legal English translations of our COPEN training Modules for practitioners in the area of judicial cooperation in criminal matters meets high standards.

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— Tobin den Blijker, Project manager, Human European Consultancy

Your language edit has improved the quality of these human rights reports a lot, thanks not only to your knowledge about the English language, but also your eye for detail, the clarification questions you leave for authors, and the way you follow style guides and additional instructions.

Besides the quality of the language edit, you're quick, easy to communicate with.

We’re really happy about your work for us, and there is nothing we would like you to change!

How it works

  1. We discuss what you need, through a quick consultation to get to know your organisation, tone of voice and values. This is when I’ll ask you about any house style and the ‘brief’.

  2. We establish a timescale that ensures important targets are met.

  3. I put in the work behind the scenes, liaising with you to clarify terms, concepts and phrasing where needed.

  4. I work methodically, using tracked changes for editing projects and multiple drafts for translation projects. Confidentiality and on-time delivery are standard.

  5. What you get back: publish‑ready copy, a style sheet for editing projects, and clear notes explaining changes and any open questions.

    Ready to move from draft to done? Contact me to see how I can help, or to book your project.

Questions?

How long will a copy-editing project take?

This will depend on my availability and yours, but I can usually edit around 1,000 words per hour.

For proofreading, this can rise to 2,000 words per hour.

Read my blog here to understand how copy-editing is priced.

How much will it cost?

This is because each job will require a customised quotation according to your needs. You may simply require a summary translation or, in a copy-editing project, some degree of rewriting, for example.

To give you an idea, though, I usually charge by the hour for editing, starting from £40 per hour.

I'm not really sure which service I need. Can you advise me?

I most definitely can! Let’s discuss the purpose you want to achieve from the editing or proofreading project, and I’ll advise you.

Please fill out my contact form here and we’ll take it from there.

Your trusted choice for human-centred English that gets results

I’m Philippa, a well-trained and credentialed linguist. I have experience of working on written materials such as feature articles, donor-facing marketing materials, press releases, websites, and annual reports.

I love working with organisations keen on making an impact, and I pledge to amplify yours.

Drop me a line to discover what I can do for you
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