Helping indie authors 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.

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.

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!

Just for you

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.

Free ebook: Which level of editing do you need?

For independent authors seeking guidance on the different stages of editing and the order of play. 

Free ebook: How to punctuate dialogue in a novel

For independent authors seeking guidance on how to punctuate dialogue in fiction.

Rebecca Milton, fantasy fiction 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 & thriller writer

​'It is nice to work with someone who is approachable and who is willing to give their clients time to discuss potential worries and concerns. Louise does all of these things and, furthermore, she 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.'

Read my flash fiction!

I don't just edit fiction. I write it too.

Writing short stories, and putting them out there for others to read, helps me understand what it's like to sit on the other side of the editing desk.

​If you'd like to read 9 shorties, one of which was shortlisted for the 2018 Noirwich Crime Writing Festival's flash fiction competition, click on the button below.

I hope you enjoy them ... I loved writing them!

A few of the 570+ 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 570 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!​

Want to talk things over?

If you'd like to discuss a line editing, copyediting or proofreading project, get in touch so we can have a chat.​