Editing begins with reading. Not scanning for errors, not imposing rules, but taking the time to understand what the work is trying to do.
At Ink-Stained Hearts, editing is approached as a form of close attention. We work to clarify structure, strengthen expression, and support the voice already present in the text. The aim is not to reshape writing into something else, but to help it become more fully itself.
Writers come to editing for many reasons. Sometimes, a piece feels close but not settled. Maybe the structure isn’t quite holding. Or the language needs space to breathe.
Editing support includes:
clarifying structure and flow
strengthening focus and coherence
refining language and rhythm
identifying patterns that might obscure meaning
offering perspective on what is working, as well as what needs attention
Our process is collaborative and thoughtful.
We begin by reading the work carefully and discussing what kind of support will be most useful. Feedback is offered with clarity and respect, and always with the intention of strengthening the writing rather than correcting it into submission.
Editing here is not a one-size-fits-all service. Each piece of writing asks for something different, and the process adapts accordingly.
The level of intervention is always guided by the needs of the work and the wishes of the writer.
Editing is:
attentive
respectful
grounded in the intentions of the writer
It is not:
formulaic
prescriptive
rushed
Good editing leaves the writer feeling clearer, not smaller.
Full or in-depth editing is both the most comprehensive and meticulous form of editorial work. It addresses sentence structure and any major inconsistencies, corrects unintentional tense switches, and supports clarity while preserving your voice for an overall smoother reading experience.
Editing sits at the heart of the editorial process, shaping the manuscript so its intentions and strengths can be felt more clearly.
Fee: from £0.010 per word; a reduced rate is offered to returning clients.
Proofreading focuses on detail. It involves a final, careful reading of the manuscript to catch typographical and mechanical errors such as spelling mistakes, missing or misplaced punctuation, erroneous spacing, and formatting inconsistencies.
Proofreading assumes the text has already been fully edited and is close to publication. Its purpose is to refine, not to revise.
Fee: from £0.008 per word; a reduced rate is offered to returning clients.
Manuscript advice looks at the overall structure, content, tone of voice, and style of your work. You’ll receive a considered editorial overview with specific guidance on areas to strengthen, helping you decide how to move forward with your manuscript.
This service is often most helpful at an early stage, before line-level editing begins.
Fee: from £0.008 per word; a reduced rate is offered to returning clients.
If you’re unsure whether your work needs editing, writing support, or something else entirely, that uncertainty is part of the process.
You’re welcome to get in touch to talk through what you’re working on and what kind of support might serve it best. Often, clarity emerges through conversation.
When supporting publishers and authors, Caroline takes care to understand the brief and deliver a bespoke service. Her vibrant presence across social media, supporting authors and publishers, allows her to share her delight in the written word and engage a broad spectrum of readers.
Kerensa Jennings, Author of Seas of Snow. Storyteller, Strategist, Writer, Producer and Professor