Professional Editing for Indie Authors, Novelists & Self Publishers
If you’re an indie author looking for a reliable ebook editor, paperback editor, or manuscript assessment, you’re in the right place. I help writers produce publish ready books with clear, supportive, professional editing — whether you’re preparing a novel for Amazon KDP, polishing a manuscript for agents, or refining an academic text.
I’ve edited for publishers including Polygon, Flame Tree Publishing, Routledge Taylor & Francis, and Palgrave Macmillan. I also work directly with independent authors across fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, memoir, academic writing, and translated books.
If you want your book to stand out for its story — not its typos — I can help.
Books I’ve edited for indie authors and publishers
Book Editing Services for Indie Authors
Strong writing needs more than correct grammar. It needs clarity, rhythm, believable characters, and narrative flow. My editing services include:
Manuscript Editing
I improve:
• Dialogue
• Pacing
• Tension
• Character development
• Exposition
• Repetition
• Awkward phrasing
• Over explaining (especially through dialogue)
Your voice stays intact. The writing becomes sharper, clearer, and more engaging.
Copyediting and Proofreading
I correct:
• Grammar
• Spelling
• Punctuation
• Style consistency
• Formatting issues
• Word choice
• Ambiguous or unclear phrasing
This is ideal for indie authors preparing ebooks or paperbacks for publication.
A Few Testimonials (more below)
***** “I was recommended to get in touch with Emma by another editor/proofreader due to the subject matter of my book (supporting neurodiversity in the primary classroom). She was fantastic – professional, efficient and conscientious. She was great at spotting where a particular word had been used in clusters so that I could amend some of those, for seeing where an additional phrase was needed for clarification or where a piece of text needed condensing a little. She was also quick to remark on where she thought the text worked especially well, which was so encouraging when I was in the midst of making corrections. Thank you, Emma, my book is now off to the publisher….”
— Karen Earl, author of We’re All Special
***** “My memoir had not been read by anyone else. Emma offered developmental notes to improve my arguments and edits so it would make sense to the general reader. She can take a complex piece of work and improve it immeasurably.”
— Richard Brown MBE, author of Disability is Other people
Narrative Improvement & Line Editing
For authors who want deeper refinement, I offer:
• Sentence level polish
• Stronger verbs
• Improved flow and readability
• Suggestions for tightening or expanding sections
• Notes on emotional resonance and reader engagement
Perfect for fiction writers who want their prose to shine.
Editing for Translated Books
I specialise in French‑to‑English editing, ensuring your book reads naturally to English audiences while preserving the original tone and cultural nuance. I also work with Arabic and Chinese translations. If your manuscript includes AI‑generated sections, I can refine and humanise the text for consistency and flow.
Academic & Nonfiction Editing
I edit academic books, memoirs, and nonfiction manuscripts. My own book was published by Palgrave Macmillan (Young People, Learning & Storytelling, 2018). Services include:
- Fact checking
- Clarity and argument flow
- Terminology consistency
- Structural notes
- Final proofreading
First 10,000 Words Edit (Ideal for Indie Authors)
If you’re preparing a submission package for agents or publishers, or you want early professional feedback, I offer:
- A full edit of your first 10,000 words
- A polished writing sample
- A proofread synopsis
- Clear notes on strengths, weaknesses, and next steps
This affordable option increases your chances of agents requesting a full manuscript.
Self Published Ebooks & Amazon KDP Editing
Self‑publishing is thriving — but Amazon’s strict quality standards mean typos and formatting issues can lead to warnings or removal.
A professional ebook editor ensures:
- Clean, error‑free text
- Consistent formatting
- A polished final product
- A better reader experience
- Fewer negative reviews about grammar or typos
If you’re still drafting, revise until you’re happy, gather reader feedback (e.g., Scribo, beta-reader), then return for a final professional polish. Or you can contact me for a manuscript assessment.
Traditional Publishing & Book Agents
If you’re submitting to agents or publishers, I can help you present a professional, clean manuscript. I work across genres including:
- Children’s fiction
- Fantasy
- Historical fiction
- Literary fiction
- Memoir
- Academic texts
- Translated works
I ensure your manuscript is tidy, consistent, and ready for professional review.
Testimonials from Indie Authors
Rated 5 out of 5 on Google Business (29 reviews)
***** “Thank you so much for helping me improve my book before publication. It’s been a great ride. I loved the way you have improved the introduction. I hope there will be more collaboration in the future!”
— Alberto Cossu, Academic Author, Autonomous Art Institutions
***** “I commissioned Emma to do a final proofread for my comic fantasy novel, and I can only concur with the general view that she certainly delivered on her promise. […] to polish and finalize it for publishing. Emma ensured consistency, updated the vocabulary in places, suggested (e.g. stronger verbs) where there still was room for improvements, rephrased here and there, or came up with multiple alternatives in case a passage didn’t quite work. If something was unclear she promptly responded to my questions. She was on time, dedicated and professional, exactly what I needed. ”
— Artimidor Federkiel, Fantasy author, Stopover at World’s End
***** “I hired Emma to proofread my book Travelling While Black. It now reads like it was written by a native English speaker. Excellent work.”
— Roobens Fils, author Travelling While Black
***** “Emma helped us immensely in proofreading the English translation of a French novel, in record time and with great professionalism and care for the original text. I recommend Emma’s seriousness, dedication and kindness; you’re in great hands”
— Mike Guimond, Managing editor, Wade
Free Diagnostic Sample
Send your first 3,000 words for a free diagnostic. I’ll tell you exactly what level of editing your manuscript needs — no obligation.
Recommended Partner Services
Looking for reviews? A book cover? Author website fixing? Here are some trusted professionals I’ve collaborated with and can personally recommend.
Sandra’s Book Club – Cover Design, Graphics, Trailers, Book Promotion, and Reviews!
https://sandrasbookclub.blogspot.com/
Oeindrilla
M. Khan
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does editing take? Most 10,000‑word edits take between one day and one week, depending on the level of editing. Please send me a sample of your writing and I can calculate how much time it will take me as part of my free diagnostic above.
Do you edit all genres? Yes. I read widely and work across fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, memoir, academic writing, and more.
Do you change my writing style? No. I am careful to preserve your author voice. I think of myself as a jeweller polishing a stone, taking out those final imperfections.
Can you help with Amazon KDP formatting? Yes — KDP, PDF, and print formatting. Please ask if there is a specific format you would like.
Do you offer instalment payments? Yes, arranged in advance this is no problem.
How much does editing cost? Editing costs vary depending on the length of your manuscript and the level of editing required. For full‑length novels (around 80,000 words), professional editing typically ranges from £1,200–£3,000, depending on whether you need proofreading, copyediting, line editing, or developmental work. I provide a precise quote after reviewing your sample. I also offer fixed rate services:
Manuscript Assessment — £600
Formatting of Document — £200
Special Discount Package (Assessment + Formatting) — £700
Do you sign NDAs? Yes, of course. I would have many more examples of my work to share if I didn’t. Your work is always confidential if you choose to work with me.
Ready to Improve Your Manuscript?
