Hi
Hello, I’m Lucy
I help authors to get their manuscripts into shape for self-publishing or to submit to agents and publishers. I specialise in editing romance, fantasy and young adult fiction.
I offer manuscript critiques, developmental edits and line-edits, and I work on UK and US English text. My goal is not just to help you better your manuscript, but also to equip you with knowledge and techniques to hone your writing craft. I build lasting relationships with my author clients, many of whom I have worked with on multiple books.
I have been editing books for over 17 years. I started out as an editorial assistant and worked my way up to managing editor at Summersdale (Octopus). For three years I was a freelance editor, editing fiction for publishers including Titan Books, Simon & Schuster, Harper Collins and Black Library (Games Workshop). I returned to an in-house role as a senior and commissioning editor with Quarto Publishing for five years. Since 2018 I have run my own editorial business, helping authors to get their manuscripts in shape for publication.
FUN FACT: The name ‘Lucy’ means ‘light’, or ‘bringer of light’.
My Philosophy
Authenticity
What makes your manuscript unique? It is written by YOU. My job is to make sure that your authentic voice shines through.
Clarity
It’s my mission to help you bring precision to your text. I will explain writing techniques and practical solutions in a clear, straightforward way.
Fun
The editing process is a serious business, right? Right. But there’s room for some light-heartedness along the way.
My credentials
I am an advanced professional member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP).
I am committed to continued professional development and always looking for ways to develop my craft as an editor.
Training and qualifications:
MA English Literature with French (The University of Edinburgh)
Copy-Editing Skills (The Publishing Training Centre)
Introduction to Fiction Editing (CIEP)
Developmental Editing: Fiction Theory (Liminal Pages)
Developmental Editing: In Practice (Liminal Pages)
The personal bit
When I’m not editing books, I love to get out and explore. Since 2018 I have divided my year between my home base in Brighton, UK, and countries including Thailand, Bulgaria and Portugal. I travel slowly, spending a few months in each destination to soak up the local culture, eat delicious food and take time to stop and cuddle cute cats I meet along the way.
Miso, the Thai office cat
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