After ten-plus years of writing and studying writing craft, I am now offering editorial services, specifically line editing.
I write middle grade fantasy, women’s historical fiction and historical fantasy. Various of my novels and short stories have won awards and have been bestsellers and top new releases on Amazon. Readers consistently praise the quality of the writing, the ability to set a scene and build relatable characters whom they care about. You can check out my books here or on my Amazon author page.
However, my aim is not to make your writing read like mine. Your unique voice comes first.
‘Cheryl is a skilled editor and story analyst who knows what a work needs in order to become a compelling best seller. I love how she taps into each author’s writing style and genre, not trying to change a writer’s voice but only improving the content and flow. She notices details I so easily miss, and I wouldn’t consider my book complete until she’s had a run through it. She’s the talented, expert set of eyes every writer needs.’ Lori Peckham, university writing professor and author.
I offer line editing for short stories, novellas and novels. Most fiction genres accepted. Without judgement and purely as personal preference, I do not accept erotica, horror or kids’ picture books, or poetry. Cosy mysteries, women’s fiction, romance, contemporary fiction, Christian fiction, historical fiction, thrillers, fantasy and historical fantasy are all welcome. Middle grade and YA novels, including fantasy, also accepted.
What is line editing?
As a fiction line editor, my focus is to work at the level of paragraphs, sentences, and words to improve the clarity, flow, and readability of your manuscript without losing your unique voice and style.
The overall aim is enhanced reader engagement.
What it does not include is fact checking (although I will highlight suspected anomalies), or proof-reading (although I will highlight consistent incorrect punctuation and grammar.)
‘Cheryl has an exceptional knowledge of writing craft. Her award-winning stories speak to her writing prowess. She offers an efficient, friendly service and is a pleasure to deal with.’ Lily Lawson, children’s author, short story writer and poet.
At what stage should you seek line editing services?
When you believe you have produced the best draft you can, and before you send your manuscript to beta readers (see this post if you’re unclear of the role of beta readers). By ‘best draft’, I mean you, or a developmental editor, have checked the manuscript for big picture issues such as plot consistency, genre expectations, character development and overall pacing. Your ducks are in a row. Now you need to make your words shine and every sentence captivate your reader.
What you will receive
* A marked-up manuscript using MS Word’s editing function.
* An edit letter with general comments on areas where a specific focus could deliver a better reading experience, with concrete suggestions.
* Encouragement! My aim is to give you a clear, focused approach to tackling the next stage of your novel or story’s development, together with an eagerness to do so.
* For full MS assessment, a 45-minute follow-up Zoom call.
‘Cheryl’s help was invaluable while editing my second novel. She went through each chapter, highlighting grammar errors and making useful comments and suggestions regarding the plot, consistency in POV, and the need for more action beats to break up the dialogue. She also cheered me on when inadequacy and poor self-esteem tempted me to give up. She maintained a careful balance between honest critique and encouragement. I felt appreciated and supported, but was also challenged not to settle for mediocracy, and am convinced my book has benefited as a result of her coaching.’ Alex Banfield, author of Just Benny.
How long does it take?
Turnaround time will be agreed at the time of engagement, but is normally about four weeks for a short story or up to 5,000 words and up to six weeks for a longer manuscript.
How much will it cost?
Feedback on your short story or the first 5,000 words of your novel. £90
For a novel, this is an efficient way to identify any consistent issues either in narrative style or sentence structure which you can then address yourself. For example, too heavy an emphasis on backstory, slow pacing, or inconsistent punctuation.
If you then decide to have your full manuscript edited, the £90 is deducted from the relevant fee.
Full manuscript assessment up to 50,000 words. £400
Full manuscript assessment up to 75,000 words. £500
Full manuscript assessment up to 90,000 words. £750 (word length beyond this by agreement)
Short story collections are priced per word count as above.
Workshops and author talks
I am available within a reasonable radius of where I live in the Forest of Dean, UK, for workshops on writing topics and author talks. In the past, I have run workshops for Gloucestershire Libraries, for local secondary school students and their teachers, for children aged 10 -12, and for local charities.
Rates for both workshops and talks depend on the organisation, the length and topic. Out-of-pocket expenses are charged at cost.
To get in touch about editing services, workshops or talks, email me at [email protected].
Looking forward to working with you.