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About Bella
I’m a freelance editor with a background working across various genres. My philosophy as an editor is it’s your book, so your word goes. I understand how personal and emotional writing a book can be; I’ll provide supportive and honest feedback with your creative vision in mind while advising you on the logistical and financial aspects of publishing and creating a book.
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Of course, I have my personal favourite genres to read. I’m particularly passionate about the fantasy genre; Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson are among my favourite authors, and I studied the Ancient Greek classics like Homer’s Iliad at university. I’ve also worked on a number of YA and children’s books and find this a particularly gratifying area to work in; reading formed a huge part of my childhood, and it brings me joy to work on stories that will be similarly formative to future generations.
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Before working in publishing, I worked in the film and television industries for companies like Stylist Magazine and the BBC on the long-running drama Silent Witness. I've also worked briefly in the events and hospitality industries. When I’m not editing, reading, or writing, I’m most likely watching a character-driven TV show (my recent favourite is Kin), attempting to learn how to play guitar, or hanging out with friends.
Certifications
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How do I know if I'm ready to work with an editor?If you've finished writing your first draft and you've spent some time reviewing and revising it, the likelihood is that it's ready to be sent to a professional editor. But whether you need to work with a professional editor like myself is another matter. I delve into this more in my blog post on the topic. I'm aware of how costly editing and publishing can be for authors so I want to ensure I work with clients who will benefit from my services. Still unsure? Why not check out my checklist to self-editing your work to ensure your manuscript is as polished as possible before being sent to an editor, or check out my free beta-reading course to get an outsider's opinion?
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What kind of editing help do I need?That entirely depends on what stage you're at and what your goals are. If you're looking to learn and improve your writing, I offer courses like my Grammar Basics course. I also have a monthly Editing Membership where you'll receive bespoke, 1-on-1 guidance from me. Books go through three editorial stages (in the following order): Structural editing Copy editing Proofreading I discuss these editorial stages more in my blog post on the topic. If your first draft is finished and you're happy with it, I'd recommend starting with a structural edit. I offer query letter reviews for authors hoping to be traditionally published, and I help self-publishing authors by typesetting books and creating eBooks, as well as offering coaching to help navigate the publishing industry. I've worked with businesses and bloggers who need their website copy edited or have asked me to create a bespoke style guide for them. Feel free to get in touch and schedule a free discovery call to find out the best solution for your needs.
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Should I work with a professional editor like you?Since you're on this website, the likelihood is: yes. However, working with a professional editor costs money, so it's crucial that you know what you hope to gain from your investment. I've written a blog post on when writers should wait before hiring an editor which should help you decide. Feel free to schedule a free discovery call with me if you're still unsure. I always offer potential clients my honest opinion; I have previously advised clients not to work with me because it wouldn't further their goals, so you can be assured there will be no pushy sales in my calls!
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What can I expect when working with you?I always offer potential clients my honest opinion; I have previously advised clients not to work with me because it wouldn't further their goals, so you can be assured there will be no pushy sales in my calls! I firmly believe in my role as a creative facilitator; I work with writers and creatives to help them realise their vision. This makes my relationship with each of my clients highly collaborative as we work together to hone their style and find the best way of achieving their goals. I'll always provide you with my honest opinion and feedback, whether this is on the best publishing path for you or on your authorial style. One of the reasons you're working with a professional editor is to find out what an objective third-party thinks of your work, so, while I communicate constructively, I'll always ensure you're equipped with the right knowledge to make informed decisions. I like to speak with each client over the phone to ensure I'm aware of their publishing ambitions and creative vision, as well as to make sure I'm the right fit for them. The more I know about each client and their work, the more I can tailor my advice and work to suit their needs.
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Can you help me get my book published?Yes, absolutely. While I cannot publish your book directly or introduce you to someone who can, I can help you discover the best publishing path for you and equip you with the tools to help you on your way. The best way to do this is with my 1-on-1 coaching calls. If you'd like to be traditionally published, we'd discuss agents, their role, and how to find the perfect match for you, as well as publishing houses and what to expect when working with them. If you're seeking to self-publish your work, we'll review the many options available to you and how to choose the right ones for you. And if you're not sure if you'd like to self-publish or seek representation, that's okay: we can discuss your book, your ambitions and hopes for your career as an author, and I'll help you decide which path suits you best.
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Do you publish books?The Bella Edit is not a book publisher; I'm a freelance book editor and coach who can help you refine your manuscript and find the right publishing path for you. If you are interested in finding out more about your publishing options, why not schedule a free discovery call with me?