proofreader « Black Cat Editorial Services

Black Cat Editorial Services_ August round-up(1) One of the best things I did during August was to take part in FutureLearn’s How to Read a Novel course. It’s a great introductory exploration of key parts of modern fiction: plot, characterisation, dialogue and setting. The concepts were familiar to me but Dr Alex Lawrie is a wonderful guide through the frameworks and examples presented in the course. Fiction writers, and editors, could do worse than spend a few hours working through the material and thinking about how to apply it to their own practice.

What I’ve been working on

I’ve been fortunate to have four books on my desk this month. I started with a children’s fantasy-fiction novel, set in Scotland, and followed it with a novel about a European woman starting a new life in India. Finishing off the last two books will take me into September. One is a fascinating non-fiction book about cricket in the early twentieth century; the other is a fiction novel about bereavement.

What I read for fun

I read two brilliant books in August. The Way of All Flesh, by Ambrose Parry, is a Edinburgh-set historical crime novel. I was drawn right in. It’s a good example of how to use two point-of-view characters to cover the same events, of how to use their overlapping perspectives to enhance the reader’s engagement with the story. Children of Blood and Bone, by Tomi Adeyemi, is another strong example of using multiple point-of-view characters. It’s glorious, epic fantasy-fiction, with superb world-building and female friendship at its core. I do wish, however, that the characters didn’t exclaim ‘Agh!’ or ‘Ugh!’ quite so often.

Looking ahead

This time last year I was nervously looking forward to attending the Society for Proofreaders and Editors’ conference. I’m not making the journey this year but I’ll be following the Twitter hashtag (#sfep2019) to keep up with the goings-on. I will be taking part in September’s meeting of the West Surrey and North Hampshire local group. We’ll be talking about marketing and finding work (always a hot topic for freelancers). Then I will be off on a short holiday to celebrate my birthday.

Black Cat Editorial Services_why I'm NOT the editor for you There are lots of proofreaders and copy-editors out there, all trying to make themselves visible and entice you to use their services. It can be hard to choose the right one for you. Will they do a good job? Will they understand what you want to achieve? Will you like them? Well, I’m going to make your life a bit easier and tell you why you should cross me off your list of editors to contact.

I’m totally laissez-faire

You’re using serial commas? Cool. You aren’t using serial commas? Also cool (unless they are needed for sense). We are using single quote marks for concepts but double quote marks for speech? No problem, as long as it’s consistent. You want to spell verbs with the -ize ending? Super, I’ll make sure they’re all like that. It’s your writing and they are your style choices, not mine.

I’ll encourage your ‘rule’ breaking

Rules, legitimate or otherwise, shouldn’t come between you and great writing. Split your infinitives for effect. Put a preposition at the end of the sentence because it reads more naturally. Use comma splices in that section of dialogue to convey your character’s anxiousness. I’ve got your back.

I’ll ask you some hard questions

Is this word appropriate in this context? Could we make this language more inclusive? Have you got permission to use these song lyrics? I’ll admit it right now: I might be a tiny bit annoying. But that’s better than alienating your audience or getting in trouble because you forgot to seek copyright permissions.

My services aren’t cheap

I’m a highly trained professional. I edit for a living. I invest in continuing professional development. I belong to one of the most respected editing organisations in the world. My time and services are in constant demand. And I have a cat who will eat only Felix As Good as it Looks.

You might have to wait a while

It’s really, really unlikely I’ll be able to start work on your 100,000-word manuscript immediately, and I definitely won’t get it back to you within a couple of days. I’m usually booked up at least two weeks in advance, so the best thing to do is get in contact as early as you can. And your project deserves time and attention – I won’t rush through it or assume it’s all fine. I’ll take my time on an edit, and I’ll do it properly.

In summary

If you want an editor to take the ‘rules’ and their favourite style guide and stamp them all over your writing, you’ll find me very disappointing. If you’d like thoughtful guidance and support, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re searching for someone who won’t flag up anything dubious buried in your manuscript, I’m not for you. If you want to work with an editor who will advocate for your potential readers and support your long-term interests, you’ve found her.

If you need editorial services that are cheap and quick, you’d best look elsewhere. If you want high-quality editing, giving your writing the time and respect it deserves, Black Cat Editorial Services is for you.