Copy Editing and Proofreading for Indie Authors: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Thinking About Hiring a Copy Editor?

What it’s Like to Work with Me: Behind the Scenes at The Blue Pencil

Hiring a copy editor or proofreader can feel a bit nerve-wracking, can’t it? You’ve poured your heart into your manuscript, and now you’re handing it over to someone who’s going to… what, tear it to shreads?

Let me put your mind at ease.

I’m Deborah, a freelance copy editor and proofreader with a love for crime, thrillers, and romance novels of all spice levels. I work closely with indie authors and small publishers to help make their words clearer, cleaner, and more confident — while always keeping their voice intact.

So, what’s it like to work with me?

Let me walk you through it.

It All Starts With a Conversation

Before I touch a single comma, I like to get to know you and your manuscript.

That usually means starting with a sample edit or a quick chat—whatever suits you. I want to understand your goals, your tone, and any concerns you might have (like whether you’ve used too many ellipses or how dialogue punctuation works!).

I ask you to fill in a Style Preferences Guide, which I use to create your manuscript’s Style Sheet.

This isn’t about judging your work. It’s about supporting it.

I approach every manuscript with curiosity and care, and I always aim to make you feel heard and respected. After all, this is your book. I’m just here to help get it ready for publication.

The type of questions that will help you choose an editor who’s the right fit for you can be found in this post.

Timeline and Budget

Everyone has one, and I offer a stage payments to spread your budget. I book your project into my calendar with an agreed deadline and fee. Usually, I take 50% of the total price as the booking fee and that guarantees your place in my schedule. At this point I also provide you with my terms and conditions, which ensures my confidentiality and other important factors. The remaining amount can be split or just paid in full on completion of the manuscript. I return the document in the same format (i.e. MS Word) along with up to four of my completed Style Sheets — General, People, Timeline, Places.

Clarity, Consistency, and Kindness

Once I’ve received your manuscript, my job is to help make it the best version of itself.

That means looking out for things like:

• Clarity and flow

• Sentence structure and pacing

• Grammar, punctuation, and spelling

• Consistency in style, spelling, and formatting

• Repetitions or overused words (especially pesky adjectives and adverbs!)

  
  

But I never rewrite your voice or bulldoze your choices. If something doesn’t quite work, I’ll explain why and offer suggestions — not dictate how it should be done.

I leave thoughtful comments (using Track Changes), ask questions when something’s unclear, and give you a General Style Sheet to help you see what’s been standardised along the way.

Communication is Key

I know how personal writing is. I take that seriously.

I’ll keep in touch throughout the process, and I’ll always let you know when to expect your edited file. If you have questions afterward — or need help understanding any of my comments — you’re welcome to come back to me.

Think of me as your book’s second pair of eyes and your biggest cheerleader.

Every Book Is Different

No two manuscripts are the same, and I don’t treat them as such.

Whether you’re writing a gritty procedural, a slow-burn romance, or a dual-timeline mystery, I adapt to your genre, your goals, and your voice. I’ve worked with debut authors, seasoned indies, and writers for whom English is a second language.

Wherever you’re starting from, I meet you there — and help you get to the finish line with confidence.

What Authors Say

Here’s what one author told me after their first project:

“The final product is amazing. You were very professional. The work you did on my sample was top-notch compared to others who had edited my previous works.”

Another said:

“I was nervous to hand over my manuscript, but Deborah made me feel completely at ease. Her edits were spot-on, and her explanations made me feel supported, not corrected.”

Ready to Chat?

Editing doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, it can be one of the most exciting parts of your publishing journey — where your book really starts to come into its own.

Not sure what stage your manuscript is at, read this post to find out more about the stages of publishing.

If you’re thinking about hiring a copy editor or proofreader and want someone who’s kind, thorough, and committed to preserving your voice, I’d love to hear from you.

Send me a message or get in touch for a no-obligation sample edit. 

Let’s make your book shine — together.