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Experienced Copy Editor Required – Based on a true story manuscript I am looking for an experienced copy editor with a strong background in memoir, life writing, narrative based writing on true events or emotionally driven contemporary fiction to work on my completed manuscript. The book is a personal, emotionally complex story dealing with family relationships, the family court system, parental separation, coercive control, and the experience of losing contact with children. It is written in a memoir-style, highly personal narrative voice, with a strong emphasis on the emotional journey of the central character. The manuscript has already undergone considerable development and editing. I am now looking for a professional copy editor to take it to the next level and make it consistent, polished and suitable for approaching literary agents/publishers. Important - I am not looking for someone to completely rewrite the book. The author's voice, personality and emotional authenticity are extremely important. I want the editor to improve the manuscript while preserving the author's natural voice and the way the story is told. The main requirements are grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence flow, consistency, repetition and readability, using British English. I would also like a careful continuity check, particularly around dates, ages, names and the chronology of events. Please preserve the author's existing voice. The book is written in a personal, conversational memoir style, and I do not want it rewritten into a generic literary style. Where you come across something that is unclear, repetitive or could be strengthened, please use tracked changes/comments so I can make the final decision. I would also appreciate a short editorial note at the end identifying any significant issues you think should be addressed before the manuscript is submitted to agents or publishers. The manuscript contains sensitive real-life material relating to family relationships and court proceedings. Some names and identifying details have been changed. Please preserve these changes and flag, rather than alter, anything that you feel requires my attention. I am looking for someone experienced in memoir/life writing or narrative non-fiction, preferably someone who has worked on manuscripts intended for traditional publishing. Please Include in Your Proposal Examples of similar memoir or narrative non-fiction projects you have edited. Your experience with first-person memoir. Whether you have edited manuscripts intended for traditional publishing. Your proposed approach to this manuscript. Whether you provide tracked changes and editorial comments. Your estimated turnaround time. Your fee for the complete manuscript. Whether you would recommend a full copy edit, developmental edit, or a combination of the two after reviewing the manuscript. I am particularly interested in finding an editor who will work collaboratively with the author, rather than simply correcting grammar. I am happy to provide a short extract from the manuscript to suitable candidates before choosing an editor. Many thanks for your time.
Project ID: 40742358
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44 freelancers are bidding on average £398 GBP for this job

With over 13+ years of experience under my belt, including extensive work in legal writing and copyediting, I assure you a steadfast and meticulous approach to your memoir-style manuscript. Having worked on sensitive and complex topics before, I understand the importance of maintaining your unique voice while enhancing the overall reading experience. My abilities span grammar refinement, readability improvement, sentence-flow enhancement, correction of punctuation and spelling - all of which are vital skills for making your manuscript polished and ready. Moreover, given my exposure to traditional publishing projects, I recognize the significance of conserving authors' original styles. When uncertainty arises or revisions are necessary, I will provide tracked changes and comprehensive editorial comments for your consideration. As for turnaround time, I guarantee timely delivery without compromising quality. Lastly, my past clients speak highly of my collaborative working style, acknowledging my ability to balance authors' visions with professional suggestions. In addition to ensuring an impeccable final manuscript, I am willing to offer a short editorial note outlining any crucial points that may require further attention. Collaborating together on your memoir would be an honor and a testament to the emotional clout it elicits. Let's transform your deeply personal story into an impactful journey that literary agents won't be able to put down!
£300 GBP in 1 day
6.9
6.9

Hi, I am very interested in this project. I am a PhD Book and Journal Editor with more than 25 years' experience. I have published over 70 research papers and am a native UK English speaker. Price and timeline are dependent on the total word count required. Please review my portfolio to see examples of my work and we can discuss further via chat. Thanks!
£250 GBP in 7 days
6.9
6.9

Preserving author voice while elevating manuscript polish requires a surgical approach—not a rewrite. This manuscript sits at the intersection of emotional authenticity and publishable standard, where heavy-handed editing destroys the narrative's power. Six years of memoir and narrative non-fiction work has established a clear process: tracked changes methodology, preserving voice integrity, and flagging ambiguities rather than rewriting them. Recent projects include family court narratives, parental separation memoirs, and emotionally-driven life writing submitted to agents and traditional publishers. Every manuscript receives a diagnostic editorial note identifying friction points before agent submission. The approach here is systematic—grammar, punctuation, and sentence rhythm first; then continuity mapping for dates, ages, and chronological consistency; finally, a careful sweep for unintended repetition that weakens impact. British English conventions maintained throughout. Sensitive material and name changes preserved exactly as written, with flagged observations only where clarity requires attention. Turnaround depends on manuscript length. Full copy edit with tracked changes and editorial summary provided. Recommend reviewing a sample extract first to confirm editorial philosophy aligns with your vision before committing to the full scope.
£250 GBP in 1 day
6.0
6.0

Hi, Aashiq (Ash) here from Cape Town, South Africa. This project instantly caught my eye, so I had to reach out. I see you’re looking for a copy editor experienced in memoir-style writing, particularly with emotional depth and family dynamics. Your emphasis on preserving the author's voice really resonates with me. I've worked on several memoirs, helping authors refine their voice while enhancing clarity, flow, and emotional impact. I understand the balance required for sensitive subjects and can provide samples of my work upon request. Based on what you mentioned, here is how we would approach the project: - Conduct a thorough grammar, punctuation, and readability check. - Use tracked changes to suggest improvements while maintaining your voice. - Provide a brief editorial note at the end highlighting significant issues. - Ensure continuity and consistency throughout the manuscript. You can count on clear communication throughout the process, and I'll deliver a polished narrative that stays true to the author’s emotional journey. Best Regards, Aashiq
£700 GBP in 14 days
3.9
3.9

Your manuscript's emotional complexity and personal voice are paramount, especially given its sensitive themes. My approach focuses on enhancing clarity and consistency while preserving the authenticity of your narrative. I’ve edited several memoirs that required a delicate balance between correction and collaboration, ensuring the author's voice remains intact throughout. I provide detailed tracked changes and comments to facilitate your decision-making on any unclear or repetitive sections. My experience includes editing works aimed at traditional publishing, where attention to detail in grammar, punctuation, and chronology is crucial. For your manuscript, I recommend a comprehensive copy edit, considering its nuanced content. My estimated turnaround time is four weeks, and my fee for the complete manuscript is $1,200. I’d appreciate discussing any specific areas of concern you have in mind. Junaid
£350 GBP in 7 days
0.0
0.0

Burton-on-Trent, United Kingdom
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