The right editing

Guidance on the different stages of editing and the recommended order of play. 

Punctuating dialogue

Learn how how to punctuate your dialogue to publishing-industry standards.

Using apostrophes

Everything the indie author needs to know about using apostrophes in fiction writing.

Publish with confidence

Welcome! Want to craft a novel that's ready for readers? I’m a specialist commercial fiction editor who helps independent authors prepare their books for market.

Not a seasoned author? No problem. Many of my clients are beginner and emerging writers who are starting out on their publishing journey. And if you're passionate about crime, mystery and thriller fiction, great. Me too.

Sentence-level mastery

Perhaps your writing needs smoothing to ensure it engages your reader. Or maybe industry-standard grammar, spelling and punctuation are your sticking points.

​​I’ll work carefully through your narrative and dialogue, attending to flow, clarity and consistency. That way, you can concentrate on what you do best – ​telling stories. 
Not ready for a full line- and copyedit? Try a mini line-level critique, a 10K-word edit or a sample edit

Safe hands

I've self-published five books, so I know exactly what it's like to walk in your shoes.

I have 25+ years of professional experience, including in-house roles for two international publishers. I'm also an Advanced Professional Member of the SfEP.​

Let’s talk

If you’re nervous about working with an editor, why not get in touch for an initial chat about what you need? 

​Whether this is your tenth book or your first, I'm on your side and am happy to guide you.​

My promise

I'll be honest about how I can help. If you want a service that I don't provide, I'll put you in touch with a colleague.

That means if we do work together, we'll both feel we've found a good match. That's the foundation of a great working relationship!​

Free resources

I've created a library of free resources just for self-publishers and independent authors. Simply help yourself to whatever you need.

No strings; no fees. Just stuff to make your writing life easier.​

Rebecca Milton, fantasy writer

'Through all of the changes and feedback I was never once anxious. That you made all of the changes needed with generosity and care is incredible. This is what I want to spend my life doing, and you have helped me to shed so many of my fears about doing so. It means everything. Thank you.'

Julian Dollimore, crime writer

​'Louise gives invaluable feedback on the quality, readability and pacing of manuscripts. I would not hesitate in recommending her to others or using her again myself.'

Kess Goldland, thriller writer

‘Louise has the rare ability to refine and polish sentences with a perceptive lightness of touch, revising only where necessary, and somehow, magically, what is left on the page better captures the very essence of exactly what you wanted to say.

​Add that she is a pleasure to work with and clearly loves what she does, and it really does become impossible to find fault with her service. In short – if you want your writing to be better, then you need to get Louise to edit it. I can't recommend working with her highly enough.’

A few of the 600+ books in my portfolio ... first and later editions

Meet Louise

From 1990 until 2003, I worked in London for two international publishing houses. Then a couple of things happened. Johnny (my partner) and I decided we wanted the sea in our lives. And we had a child. Eighteen months later, the three of us moved to Norfolk.

I wasn't done with books, though. I set up my editorial business in 2006. Since then, I've completed over 600 proofreading and copyediting projects for independent authors and mainstream publishers.

My portfolio includes a Pulitzer Prize winner, A Visit from the Goon Squad, and an anniversary facsimile edition of probably the most famous Gothic horror novel ever published, Dracula.

​In 2017, I was awarded the Judith Butcher Award by the Society for Editors and Proofreaders.

I have the privilege of spending my working week with words. My clients come from all over the world but they have one thing in common – they want to make their books the best they can be.

I help them with that mission and I reckon it's the best job in the world!

​Ever wondered what an editor's office looks like? The gallery below gives you a flavour of mine!​