Ian Skewis - Proofreader and copyeditor

Ian Skewis

www.ianskewis.com                

About you:

Hello and welcome! I am a qualified editor and proofreader. A trained member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and the Glasgow Editors’ Network, I have edited books ranging from science fiction and horror to crime thrillers, historical and comedy. I also proofread website layouts, leaflets and magazines. I can work with hardcopies, Word and PDFs. I am also trained in using BSI symbols. 

I have supplied rigorous edits for authors, providing them with invaluable commentary and suggested improvements, but always treating them with kindness and respect. I have proofread/edited more than forty novels, some of which have gone on to become bestsellers.

I am also a member of the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) and the Society of Authors. I believe that my time as an author has given me further insight into what is required from an editor and proofreader.

I always respond to enquiries promptly and work to an agreed schedule. I have never missed a deadline and I’m known for often completing edits/proofreads ahead of schedule. 

For further information please visit my website.

Talk us through the services you offer. 

• Proofreading:  checking spelling, punctuation and grammar.

• Copyediting: checking organisation & structure, contradictions, unnecessary repetition, omissions, inappropriate writing style, copyright, plagiarism, libel, sexism and parochialisms. 

• Structural/Developmental Edits: checking structure, content, plotting, pacing, character development, point of view, themes, dialogue, language, style and presentation.

Each job is quoted for differently depending on exactly what is required. Sometimes I can undertake a ‘Proof-Edit’ if the manuscript requires it and this can be less costly if you are on a tight budget but it entirely depends on the quality of the manuscript. Please feel free to contact me for an informal chat about your project and budget. For more information on general costs please see below. 10% discount for Empowered Author members!

Tell us a little about your clients.

I have proofread and edited for debut authors and indie publishers, including Bloodhound Books and Bombshell Books. With my many contacts in the business I have also helped authors to find an agent and a publisher once the editing process is complete which is a service I provide FREE OF CHARGE.

Roughly how much do you charge? 

My basic hourly rate is based on the minimum recommendations by advisory organisations in the industry such as the Society of Authors of which I am a member. These rates are transparent and can be found on their website. Here are a couple of examples:

Proofreading: (based on a typical novel of 80,000 words): £420.00 (before discount)

Copyediting: (based on a typical novel of 80,000 words): £812.00 (before discount)

Smaller projects would be based on an hourly rate and so would be much less.

Empowered Author members get a 10% discount!

How can authors/publishers find you?

Via my website: www.ianskewis.com 

contact@ianskewis.com

Any additional information we should know about you?

I have written a bestselling novel (A Murder Of Crows) with a second book in the pipeline. My resulting experience in the book industry means that in addition to providing guidance on finding an agent and a publisher I can also help with finding suitable festivals, bookshops, libraries and other venues in which to sell and advertise your work.

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Please mention that you found Ian on The Empowered Author. With my thanks, Sam.