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    The History Editor

    Specialist Editing for

    HISTORICAL WRITERS of

    Fiction & Creative Non-Fiction

  • Self-publishing historical authors read on ...

    Hello ... I'm Emily Young ...

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    As a specialist history editor, I provide DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING,

    COPY-EDITING

    & PROOFREADING

    to historical writers of fiction and

    creative non-fiction.

  • So ... are you a self-publishing author with a completed manuscript (or almost!) who wants it to be the finest work you've produced yet?

     

    Are you unclear about the different levels of editing and unsure of how to proceed or what to do next?

     

    Or maybe you're clear on the task at hand but need an editor who cares about your work and has the professional skills to bring your book up to publishing standards?

     

    I can help you with that.

     

    Let me be frank ... I live and breathe the written word. It's my craft, my passion and my preferred form of self-expression. It was only natural that I would turn to editing as a career.

     

    Writing a book is a special undertaking which deserves to be nurtured and refined. I see myself as a COLLABORATOR ... someone who'll work WITH you and share your path towards publication.

     

    With my discerning eye, I can help you to express a story, a character or a scene in a true and inspiring way, all the while keeping an eye on being consistent, pertinent and concise.

     

    I'll be tuned in, ready to offer my professional guidance and to spot those sneaky editorial glitches.

     

    However, this is YOUR work so I will respect your voice and style ... in fact, my aim is to help you to develop and strengthen them. The intention here is for consistency, not a rewrite that you can barely recognise.

     

    So ... have a look at my services below, and see if I can help you to whip your work into shape.

  • Editorial Services

    Not sure of the differences in the various levels of editing? Have a look below...

    Manuscript Critique

    Big-picture analysis of your manuscript which includes:

    • Characterisation & dialogue
    • Point of view
    • Story & plot
    • Voice & style
    • Historical authenticity

      £6.50 per 1000 words ($8.50 US clients)

    Line editing, Copy-editing & Proofreading

    • Accuracy of spelling, grammar, syntax & punctuation
    • Word choice & sentence structure
    • Use of tenses
    • Authenticity of phrasing
    • Use of language, style & tone
    • Logical pace & flow with special attention to repetition
    • Basic fact checking
       
      If I think your manuscript is a good fit for my skills, I'll provide a free 1000 word sample edit. 
      Get in touch below for a no-obligation quote.

    Mini Critique - Editing Taster

    Are you on the right track?

    • Synopsis analysis
    • Critique of developmental issues in a chapter or approx. 5000-word sample
    • Line and copy-edit of 500-word sample
    • Feedback on issues of your choosing
    • My own feedback which you can extrapolate to the rest of your novel​​

    Perfect for those on a SMALL BUDGET who are confident with handling developmental issues themselves

     

    OR

     

    for FIRST-TIME AUTHORS who've written part of their book and want feedback at an early stage.

    £149 flat fee ($199 US clients)

    My Specialisations & Interests

    Historical fiction and creative non-fiction with a special interest in:

    • Long 18th Century & Regency England
    • WWI & II
    • History of emotions, love, marriage & the family
    • Gender history
    • Historical authenticity

    I also edit literary/contemporary fiction.

  • Professional Credentials

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    College of Media & Publishing

    Diploma in Copy-Editing & Proofreading (UK government registered).

    British Standards Institution (BSI) mark-ups, style, language, accuracy & fact checking, academic editing.

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    The Publishing Training Centre (PTC)

    Editing Fiction Certificate.

    Including editing of plot, dialogue & characterisation.

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    Liminal Pages

    Developmental Editing.

    Literary Fiction Theory.

    Developmental Editing in Practice.

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    Society for Editing & Proofreading (SfEP)

    Your House Style - Style Sheets.

    Proofreading Theses & Dissertations.

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    University of Liverpool

    BA (Hons) History & Literature.

    British Medieval, Tudor & Georgian History, Gender History, 20th Century German History, 19th & 20th Century Literature.

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    University of Exeter

    MA History.

    Researching romantic love, courtship and women's autonomy at the turn of the 18th Century.

  • "Virtue can only flourish amongst equals."

    A Vindication of the Rights of Men (1790).

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    Mary Wollstonecraft.
    Writer, Philosopher & Humanist.

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  • Testimonials

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    Delphine Woods

    Historical Fiction Author - delphinewoods.com

    This was my first time having an editorial report for a novel and I was very impressed. The report was eight pages long and filled with valuable insights.

     

    The positive feedback demonstrated where I was on the right lines, but the constructive criticism allowed me to see where I could improve, and, most importantly, it allowed me to understand how my potential readers might interpret my work.

     

    I felt in safe hands with Emily - she knows her history, she is so friendly and approachable, and she always replied swiftly. I also know that if I need anything clarifying, I can easily get in touch with her.

     

    I’m looking forward to improving my novel with Emily’s wonderful suggestions in mind.

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    Alexa Bitsko

    Young Adult Fiction Author & Editor ~ alexabitsko.com

    I cannot thank Emily enough for the feedback she provided for me and she was a pleasure to work with. She hit the nail on the head with a lot of the issues I had with my writing, went through my submission with a fine-tooth comb, and dug up problems I needed to address that I wasn’t even aware of.

     

    I plan on using her advice in my writing as I move forward in my career, and I would recommend her services to anyone who was looking for a fabulous developmental editor. I hope to work with her again soon!

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    Stefano Levi

    Storyteller & Managing Director ~ charicomm.org

    It's fun and easy to work with Emily. She's fast, reliable and is a great writer and editor. It’s now been several years since we started cooperating on important projects. Her ability to explore and propose different solutions depending on my needs is one of the things that makes her a very valuable team player.

    I have always been very satisfied with the results and would recommend her to anyone without any hesitation.
    Thank you     Emily!

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    John Parten

    Historical Fiction Author

    I found Emily's constructive criticism and analysis in her mini critique of my new book to be invaluable. Emily has an enthusiasm for writing that seems contagious and inspiring.

     

    I hope to seek her guidance on a professional basis again in the future.

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    Elena Berman

    Writer

    Had a wonderful experience with Emily. You can tell that she loves the written word and she does a great job. Communication and responsiveness were also great. Emily clarified our requirements and delivered an excellent piece of work.

    I would hire her for additional work with full confidence.

  • Do you think we might work together?

    Tell me a little about your manuscript and
    what you need right now so I can     organise a no-obligation quote.

    As a bonus, you'll also receive my regular newsletter and the occasional offer, to help & inspire your writing.
    You can unsubscribe at any time.

  • Want to know how it all works?

    1

    We talk ...

    You give me some basic info on your book and I email you a questionnaire (to learn more about you and your work).

    2

    You show ...

    You return your questionnaire and a sample of your work (MS Word file) in order for me to ascertain the scope: 1000 words for copy-edits & proofs; 2000 words for manuscript critiques, a synopsis & a 5000-word sample for mini critiques.

    3

    We decide ...

    We decide on the level of editing and time frame and I send you my quote.

     

    For line, copy-edits & proofs only, I provide a free 1000 word sample edit to give you an idea of my editing style.

    4

    You secure your spot ...

    If you want to proceed and we decide we're a good fit for each other, I send you my Terms & Conditions & a booking form so that I can secure your spot in my schedule. I then email you an invoice for my booking fee (50% of the total fee).

    5

    I work ...

    I get to work on receipt of the booking fee ... and you can sit back and relax in the knowledge that your manuscript is in safe and professional hands.

    If I have questions, I'll be in touch.

    6

    I deliver ...

    When I'm done, this is what you get:

    • email contact for 14 days for the discussion of feedback
    • For manuscript critiques: a detailed report
    • For mini critiques: a detailed report & a 500-word line & copy edit, annotated using Track Changes in MS Word 
    • For line edits, copy-edits & proofs: 
    1. Three versions of your manuscript –annotated & with comments using Track Changes in MS Word  AND
    2. A style sheet (a useful reference document which lists the main stylistic editorial decisions)

  • The History Blog

    Editing tips, historical authenticity and reviews.

    Film Review: Mary Queen of Scots.
    February 22, 2018 · Reviews,Authenticity
    I’m not going to lie … the film, Mary Queen of Scots, looks stunning. The backdrops had me drooling and show the Scottish landscape off beautifully. Saoirse Ronan’s acting too, was something to behold. But my historical accuracy radar was switched on and beeping loudly. Let me state my position...

  • Personal Stuff

    Hey, Emily here again ...

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    After some serious education in history, psychology and biology at universities in the UK and Australia, I put on my editing boots and hit the books.

     

    All that time in academia and my experiences in writing, travel and human encounters have given me a keen appreciation for the art & science of the written word and a sensibility for the craft of authorship.

     

    When I'm not geeking out playing with words, I love to read about people who are long dead, listen to my songwriter husband and talk with my children about the mysteries of the animal kingdom ... human and otherwise.

     

    Recently, I moved to rural Devon in England with my family on an adventurous quest to get closer to nature and gain inspiration from its diverse and plentiful historical sites. We came for the heather-topped cliffs, the waves and the stone circles ... but we also find the pace of life much to our liking.

     

     

  • Social Intelligence

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