Why do I need an editor, anyway?
Even the best writers need editors. It can feel intimidating to be edited, but rest assured: my job is not to interfere with your style, but to perfect and enhance it so your voice really shines. I love working with authors to fine-tune a book-to-be at any point in the process, whether it’s an early-stage manuscript assessment, a full structural edit getting right to the heart of the narrative to make sure everything’s working, or a lighter proofread for the finishing touches. Spelling, grammar and typo-spotting come as second nature, and I also have a keen eye for layout and design.
I’m confident and approachable, with a decade of in-house experience from leading publishing houses and several industry-standard editorial courses under my belt, and as a freelancer my client list has expanded to include Vintage, Faber and Audible. I’ve worked with writers of all stripes, including first-timers, experienced self-published authors and high-profile award-winners, on a wide range of commercial and literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, biography & memoir, history and illustrated titles – so whatever you need, you can trust you’re in safe hands.
What can I help you with?
Manuscript appraisal
A written report giving a broad-brush assessment of your manuscript, including editorial comments and suggestions for how to progress to the next stage – an ideal starting point for first-time authors
from £750
Structural report
An in-depth editorial report focusing on crucial issues such as structure, plot, pace and characterisation, with detailed comments and suggestions aimed at ironing out any narrative snags and inconsistencies
from £1,000
Line edit
A thorough, in-line edit with a focus on polishing narration, characterisation, plot and voice, and highlighting any issues and inconsistencies with language, grammar, style or structure – perfect if you’re in the later stages with your manuscript
from £1,200
Copy edit
A final, in-line edit to perfect and polish spelling, grammar and punctuation, pick up on any residual narrative inconsistencies, repetition or awkward phrasing, and prepare the manuscript for typesetting or publication
from £1,200
Sometimes a project will fall somewhere in between these stages – get in touch for a personalised quote and a chat about how we can work together.
Don’t just take my word for it…
‘I’m delighted with Lottie’s work on my manuscript. She has fantastic attention to detail and has really polished my novel, going far beyond what I expected. She’s warm, approachable and diplomatic and has a great way of making suggestions without imposing her ideas, and the story felt tighter and clearer after her edit. In my experience, she really helps the author’s style shine through and I highly recommend her.’
Liz Treacher, author of Vegan Recipes for New Age Men (Skelbo Press)
‘Your line edits are so good. Thank you for the care and attention. It’s reassuring to know the book has gone through such a thorough and enthusiastic read.’
Marianne Power, author of Love Me! (Picador)
‘I’m so grateful and admiring of all you’ve done. Thanks so much for a really excellent, thorough copy edit! You’ve read and thought about my book in a way that is so precise and interrogative, and found things that I have not only missed but hadn’t even thought of. I have no doubt it is now a better book. I can’t thank you enough.’
Michael Amherst, author of The Boyhood of Cain (Faber)
‘Exceptional.’
Kapka Kassabova, author of Borrowed Land (Jonathan Cape)
lottie fyfe 