The gimlet-eyed grammar tickler®
EDITORIAL SERVICES FOR AUTHORS, PUBLISHERS AND BUSINESSES
PROOFREADING
From £10 per thousand words, with a minimum charge of £40
What it is
The final safety net before sharing your content with confidence.
Who it’s for
Independent publishers, self-publishing authors and businesses of all sizes. People who want their writing to build trust and authority, and to reflect the care that has gone into creating it.
What you get
My gimlet eye on your words.
This often includes web copy, reports, white papers, bids, marketing material and other professional documents. I check spelling, punctuation and grammar, as well as consistency of language, terminology and style.
You’ll receive clear mark-ups, with explanations where helpful, so you can understand the changes and improve your own grammar wisdom.
Why it matters
For you, it means relief and peace of mind, with no last-minute doubt or panic. It also means pride and confidence in sharing work you feel genuinely proud of.
Client experience
One client described it like this:
“Just when you think you’ve caught every punctuation, spelling and grammar glitch, Melanie provides the keen set of eyes we all need to capture those errors that have evaded our best efforts! Working efficiently, quickly and professionally, Melanie has been my invaluable literary safety net and has given me the confidence I needed before sending my manuscript to the printers.”
Peter Docker – Author
COPYEDITING
From £16 per thousand words
What it is
An essential quality control stage in the publishing process for fiction and non-fiction.
Who it’s for
Publishers and self-publishing authors who have a complete draft but want to ensure it holds together properly before moving on.
What you get
- Punctuation, spelling and grammar checks
- Consistency and continuity checks throughout
- Suggestions that respect your voice while encouraging use of good grammar
- An understanding of when to leave your words alone
- A smoother experience for your readers
- A manuscript you can be proud to move forward with
Why it matters
You’re no longer working on your own. You have a critical partner alongside you, helping you progress with care and confidence, while respecting your voice and intent.
Client experience
One author described it like this:
“She breathed life into my first book, Paying for the Party, searching for, and destroying the glitches, turning a good piece of work into a great piece of work.”
Mark Whiteley – Author
BETA READING
£5 per thousand words
What it is
A first professional read of your manuscript, before any editing begins.
Who it’s for
Authors who want to know how their book reads before deciding what to do next. Often, it’s the first time someone outside the writing process reads the work from start to finish.
What you get
- One complete read-through of your manuscript
- Notes on what worked well, what didn’t quite land, and what may be missing
There are no edits or corrections at this stage.
Why it matters
Beta reading gives you perspective. It helps you see your work from someone else’s point of view, so you can make informed decisions about revisions or further editorial support.
