Freelance UK English non-fiction editor
Editing that makes your writing work.
You're doing work that makes a difference. But if your message falls flat, the problem might not be the message, but instead how it's communicated.
Maybe your team writes in multiple languages, producing multi-author documents. Maybe English isn't everyone's first language. Or maybe you're just too close to the work to see where your writing loses clarity.
I provide freelance non-fiction proofreading, copy-editing, and substantive editing services that help charities, publishers, think-tanks and international organisations get their publications just right.
I get the nuances and contexts behind your work and I understand when surface-level tinkering with a text is or is not going to help.
From draft to done: an MOT for your manuscript
You have more important things to do than debating whether a sentence needs a semicolon or a full stop.
Editing is not just about correcting 'mistakes', it’s about making communications just right for your readership.
I turn working drafts and multi-author documents into clear, consistent writing that is ready for publication — helping inspire action by the right people.
Specialist fields:
Editing and proofreading services
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Copy-editing
I work at sentence level to refine flow, clarify arguments, tighten sentences, resolve inconsistencies, rework any non-idiomatic phrasing and correct grammar and punctuation.
I tidy up references and bibliographies, and create or update a style guide so future work stays consistent.
If required, fact-checking is included.Accessibility and bias-conscious language are baked in.
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Substantive editing and rewriting
For when your writing needs more than a polish.
Substantive (or developmental) editing goes beyond surface fixes and helps reshape writing.
I challenge weak arguments, close logic gaps and rewrite sections that miss the mark.I'll suggest heavy edits when content meanders or recommend expansions where you've glossed over critical points.
The result: content that builds a clear, compelling case and delivers your message with the impact it deserves.
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Proofreading
Proofreading is usually the final stage of the workflow, when few changes are expected to the text.
When proofreading, I root out any remaining errors and inconsistencies to ensure the final version is perfectly polished and ready for publication.
Not sure whether you need a proofread, a copy-edit, or something in between? Let’s have a chat about proof-editing as an option that might suit you.
What my lovely clients say
— Director, International Correspondents in Education, Barcelona
“Professional, punctual, nice to work with and good at what you do!”
— 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!
Customised to your needs
I offer specialist support that tailors these services to exactly what you need: translation for one project, content writing, rewriting, editing or proofreading for another.
Or a blend of all of them. I’m flexible.
Confused about editing services? Here’s more information about what’s included in copy-editing.
Specialities:
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Many clients are confident in writing in English, so a full translation service may not be necessary. They write the content themselves and simply need a native English speaker to refine it.
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If your content is quite complex or technical, I can make it more accessible and work for a broader audience. The key focus is on clarity.
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This service falls somewhere between proofreading and editing, and is done in one pass. It’s often the right choice when a document has not been previously edited, or when speed is of the essence.
Questions?
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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.
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Each job gets a customised quotation according to your needs. You may simply require a summary or, in a copy-editing project, some degree of rewriting.
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.
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I most definitely can! Let’s discuss the purpose you want to achieve from the translation/writing/revision project, and I’ll advise you.
Please fill out my contact form here and we’ll take it from there.
How we can work together
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1. Consultation
We discuss what you need, and I ask you about your house style and the ‘brief’. That’s how I get to know your organisation, tone of voice and values.
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2. Agreement
We establish a timescale that ensures important targets are met. Confidentiality and on-time delivery are a standard part of every project.
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3. The work
Behind the scenes, I work methodically, using tracked changes and multiple drafts. I liase with you to clarify terms, concepts and phrasing when needed.
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4. Delivery
What you get back: publication-ready copy, together with clear notes explaining stylistic decisions and any open questions.