Book Editor based in Northamptonshire, UK. Learn more.
Experienced editor with published experience in fiction and non-fiction.
I specialise in engaging narratives and thought-provoking stories.
Contact me for more information regarding developmental editing, copy editing and proofreading services.
More information
"Kill your darlings."
A good editor reviews your story for far more than just making sure your commas are correct. Originating in 1916, Arthur Quiller-Couch's book On the Art of Writing describes how an author must 'kill their fictional darlings' if they do not serve the story.
But, how do you know which parts to cut and which to keep?
I can help.
For more information about professional editing for fiction and non-fiction books, please visit the page or contact me using the link below.
Featured Blog Posts
Flick through a selection of featured pieces or scroll to see the portfolio.
What professional writing can do for you
20+ years of eye-tracking research confirms that most internet users only skim and skip around a webpage for relevant info. Good writing is not limited to literature. By utilising the skills of a professional you are increasing your legitimacy.
Writing realistic dialogue
Adding layers to your dialogue can help expand confusing scenes and offer more insight into scenes where, on the surface, not a lot is happening.
So, why not give compiling layers and adding them to your dialogue a try? Your writing may even become better for it!
So, why not give compiling layers and adding them to your dialogue a try? Your writing may even become better for it!
Romanticising Proofreaders: What should you expect from your editors?
It’s no secret that even the best writers could benefit from a second set of eyes scanning their work. And, let’s face it, none of us want to be caught out like Karen Harper was when she wrote "wonton" instead of "wanton" in 'The Queen’s Governess'.
Writing Examples
Vocal+ regularly hosts creative writing competitions with individual prompts. In February 2023, I was fortunate to have had two of my stories come as 1 of 10 runners-up. Please click to read directly on the website where all my pieces are published under the pseudonym C. R. Drinkwater.
Ariadne of Crete
His feet leave their mark on the soft sand as I wait, frozen still. Every move is a dangerous dance of the unknown, and I can’t seem to bring myself to move a toe in the wake of his arrival. My eyes stare, rapt with attention, as a dull ache begins to blossom behind my brow.
It should be impossible but there he walks through the surf I thought sure he’d forgotten. My lungs feel close to collapse as I try to make sense of the sight of Theseus, returning to my side.
For days I’ve wept and yelled
It should be impossible but there he walks through the surf I thought sure he’d forgotten. My lungs feel close to collapse as I try to make sense of the sight of Theseus, returning to my side.
For days I’ve wept and yelled
Coffee at One
The little monitor light flickers. Again, again, again, like the rhythmic beat of Bon Iver which trips through your headphones. You’re tired, it’s late, and you can’t stop thinking about that email you’re fairly sure you forgot to send.
Scratch that. Entirely certain that you did not send.
You sigh, sit, and rub hand over eye as you press the button again. Off and on, like clockwork. Whenever there’s a problem, you turn it off and on again. Wouldn’t it be great if that same principle applied t
Scratch that. Entirely certain that you did not send.
You sigh, sit, and rub hand over eye as you press the button again. Off and on, like clockwork. Whenever there’s a problem, you turn it off and on again. Wouldn’t it be great if that same principle applied t
Contact
For general inquiries or more information about my services, please contact me using the form below.