Shape your novel with expert editing, delivered with heart, precision and a deep respect for your voice.

Hi! I’m Sarah, a seasoned editor with over six years’ experience at leading publishing houses. I specialise in refining narratives, enhancing prose, and guiding authors towards publication success. My editing style is fierce but friendly — I will be honest about what isn’t working, and praise what is good.

Whether you're grappling with structural issues or seeking a final polish, I’d love to discuss your book and explore how we can collaborate to bring it to its fullest potential.

Need help on your novel? Schedule a free consultation with me.

How I can help

Got a brilliant idea that won’t leave you alone but no clue where to start?
Halfway through a messy first draft and feeling a bit lost?
Maybe you have a nearly-finished manuscript sitting quietly on your laptop, waiting for its moment?

Wherever you’re at, I can help you discover the shape your novel is truly meant to take. My editorial approach is detailed, attentive, honest and deeply responsive to each writer’s unique voice and vision. While I draw on established craft techniques, I tailor my feedback to suit your story — not a formula. With a multicultural background and experience in literary research, I bring both sensitivity and precision to every project. My reports are longer and more in-depth than the industry standard, with the aim not just of improving your current manuscript, but of equipping you with tools to grow as a writer.

Let’s shape your manuscript into something publishers can’t resist. If you’d like to talk it through, I’m always happy to hear about a novel-in-progress.

Editorial services I offer

  • I provide a thorough assessment of your manuscript and tailored guidance on how to make it a success, including:

    -15-20 pages of guidance on characters, structure, pacing and tone

    -In-depth comments on every page of your manuscript

    -Follow-up Zoom calls and emails for extra support and feedback

    -Insider tips about the publishing industry

    My editing style is friendly but fierce (I will be honest if something isn't working!) I'm a strong believer that there is nothing less helpful for a writer than a vague comment like 'Pacing feels slow here' or 'Add more tone'. My feedback is specific: I won't just tell you there's a plot hole, I will offer tailored solutions on how you could fix it.

    To hire me or for any questions, please get in touch

  • I will edit your novel line by line, word by word, with an eye on clarity and flow, providing in-depth commentary and polishing your prose until it glows.

    I'll address the following:

    •Authenticity of phrasing and word choice in relation to character voice

    •Chapter sequencing

    •Character-trait consistency

    •Cliché and awkward metaphor

    •Dialogue expression: style, tagging and punctuation

    •Effectiveness of sentence-level narration

    •Layout guidance

    •Letter, word, line and paragraph spacing

    •Pace and flow: special attention to repetition and overwriting

    •Problematic representation, stereotyping and othering

    •Spelling, grammar, syntax, punctuation, hyphenation and capitalization

    •Standard document formatting using Word’s styles palette: indentation, paragraph style, section breaks

    •Told versus shown prose

    •Use of tenses

    To hire me, or for any questions, please get in touch

  • Need someone to fix grammar gaffes, nix typos and format your manuscript in line with publishing best practices, to maximise its changes of being plucked out of a submissions pile? I'm a fully trained proofreader with 5 years' professional experience.

    You can hire me on Reedsy, or by dropping me a line here (which may be quicker!)

  • We will work together on your submissions package - query letter, synopsis and pitch - to make it an irresistible proposal for agents and publishers.

Why work with me?

I have edited for some of the world’s leading publishing houses including Hachette UK (Little, Brown and Hodder & Stoughton) and Penguin, and independent publishers Atlantic Books and 404 Ink, publishing bestselling, award-winning novels across a range of genres including literary fiction, romance, memoirs, crime and thrillers, memoirs, fantasy and historical fiction, many of which have charted in bestseller rankings, featured in Harper’s Bazaar and Elle’s Best Books of the Year, and been winningly reviewed in the New York Times, The Sunday Times, The Times and The Guardian. Hear from those who’ve worked with me and what they think about my editorial skills here.

Having worked closely with literary agents and editors during my years in-house, I understand what makes a manuscript stand out in a crowded submissions pile. I can offer honest, practical insight into what agents and publishers are really looking for—plus up-to-date knowledge of the market to help position your book for success.

Whether you need support with a pitch, proposal, or query letter, I can help you shape your submission materials so your novel lands with the right agent or publisher.

I’d love to hear about your book—so please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a chat, a quote, or just to find out more about how I work.

For my freelance editing portfolio and more client testimonials, check out my Reedsy page: