Storyhouse Works Editing Services

Professional Editing Services for Polished Perfection

Our expert editors are here to elevate your written material to the highest standards of clarity, coherence, and professionalism. All the while making you feel like you have a trusted partner by your side.

Experienced Editing Team: Our team comprises skilled editors with years of experience across various industries. From fiction to non-fiction, we've got the expertise to enhance your writing.
Customized Editing Solutions: We understand that every project is unique. That's why we offer personalized editing solutions tailored to meet your specific requirements. Whether you need proofreading, line-editing, copy-editing, or developmental editing, we've got you covered.
Strict Quality Assurance: At Storyhouse Works, quality is our top priority. Every document undergoes a rigorous editing process to ensure accuracy, coherence, and adherence to your style guide. Our editors pay meticulous attention to detail to guarantee a polished final product. There’s no reason self-published books can’t be edited to the standard of a traditional publisher.
Investing in professional editing not only enhances the quality of your content but also contributes to your credibility and success. A well-edited document reflects attention to detail, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
Non-fiction: Entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and creatives looking to share their knowledge and/or business practices with others, memoir, and literary essays, short stories.
Fiction: Literary fiction, crime fiction, short stories, poetry, Young Adult fiction
Books that we don’t feature in our collection but are happy to help you with the editing part of your self-publishing journey: Cookbooks, Children’s Books, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi. We have editors that focus on these specific genres.
No worries! We have you covered. There are several types of editing. The type of editing you need depends on which stage you are with your manuscript.
- If you haven’t even started writing yet, but have an idea for a story, we recommend working with our writing coach or book doctor.
- If you have a 1st or 2nd draft of a manuscript (fully or mostly complete), we recommend a manuscript assessment or developmental editor.
- If you’ve been through several revision rounds already and have a complete manuscript, you may consider developmental or line-editing (often these go hand-in-hand).
- If you have a fully edited manuscript already and you’ve worked through beta reader feedback, i.e. your manuscript is as close to publication as it could possibly be, you may want to consider copy-editing (this happens just before the book goes to layout to check for any remaining errors).
- If the book has already been laid out and it’s about to go to print, then you’re ready for a final proofread.
You’re interested in our editing services, but not sure which is right for your project.
1. Email: hannah@storyhouseworks.com. Within a week, Hannah will schedule a 30-min non-binding discovery call with you based on your answers to the Storyhouse Works online questionnaire.
2. You’ll be asked to submit a writing sample (1500 words), if you have one.
3. Hannah will check the availability of the editing team and match you with the right editor.
4. The editor will provide a sample edit of your writing sample (Price: 50 EUR which will later be deducted from your overall editing costs).
5. Hannah will send back your editing sample with a cost estimate and proposed timeline.
6. If in agreement, Hannah draws up an author agreement and schedules a kick-off call between you and your editor.
7. Final adjustments are made to the estimate (if necessary based on the call) and a deposit invoice is sent for 50% of estimated costs.
8. The remaining 50% is due upon delivery of the assets, in this case the edited material.
9. Depending on the editing service, there may be a follow-up call between the author and editor.

Manuscript Assessment

Receive feedback and editorial comments on your manuscript. Includes structural feedback and some light copy-editing. Includes an optional follow-up call with your editor.
€800 for a manuscript of 70K
Note: Additional rounds of edits requested by the client will be charged €45 per hour.
Estimated 10-15 hours + 30 mins feedback call.
We’ll also provide you with possible Storyhouse Works agents available to provide the services we think are needed for your writing project, and give a suggested timeline for publishing.

Writing Coach

10-hr package, 1500 word feedback per session with Talia Stone of The Story Lounge.
Pricing: €700. Additional hours €80.

Developmental Editing

The macro (big picture) part of your editing journey. The process begins at the first meeting or discussion between author and editor, where your editor will ask questions about your book’s proposal/outline and any issues or sticking points you are encountering whilst writing. Your editor gains an overview of what you are trying to achieve with your writing, and you gain perspective on what your editor can do to help you whilst you continue to write. This initial collaboration is crucial to setting out on the developmental editing phase with a shared vision for your book.
Looking in-depth at: voice, structure, focus/viewpoint, pacing, plotting and narrative arc (fiction), character development and ‘believability’ (fiction), forming an argument (non-fiction), ‘gaps’ in the narrative
Reordering/restructuring chapters, sections or parts
Suggesting new writing approaches, where appropriate
Reviewing and renovating the introduction, prologue, epilogue, etc.
Enhancing/discarding sub-plots (fiction)
Getting rid of unnecessary material, e.g. repetitive or meandering writing
Interweaving strands of ideas or narrative into a more cohesive whole
Making sure that the book’s title (and subtitle, where applicable) really convey what the book embodies
Providing a book blurb for the author to work on, or offering feedback on the author’s own blurb
A ‘click’ at your first meeting, which makes you feel that you can work well together
The ability to problem solve, without dictating to you
Someone who can inhabit the role of both critic and cheerleader of/for your writing
Powerful questions and candour
Good judgement: the ability to evaluate and discuss both your writing and your approach to it, then communicate that to you in the right way, at the right time
Taste which aligns well with your own: your editor’s comments might reflect some of the things you had already been wondering about, and their alterations make you think, yes, making that change would definitely improve my writing/get me closer to my vision for my book…
Empathy: your editor can perceive what your aims are, communicate well with you throughout the process, and help you realize your aims in a way which suits you best (the editor might provide a nudge but the response is all yours).
An initial meeting to discuss your vision and purpose for writing your book
Either a complete or partially complete first draft, or a commitment to submit chapters/distinct portions of your book at a regular pace (within reason)
Regular opportunities to communicate about suggested changes and ideas to consider
A book blurb to edit, or instructions to write a book blurb for you
A closing meeting to check there is nothing outstanding to work on, decide if you’d like the editor to take a final look at your manuscript later in the editing journey, and provide any feedback you have for the editor in terms of how well the developmental process went for you.
3-6 months up to 1 year.
2 (on average, with the second being lighter and more like line/copy editing)

Line-editing

The micro (detailed) part of your editing journey. Your editor goes through your manuscript line-by-line, and comments on every aspect of the text itself, including word choice and punctuation.
In reality, line editing is often done by the developmental editor, as most can’t resist making corrections/alterations to the details too – macro and micro can sometimes be hard to separate - but it can also be done as a standalone task, if your manuscript has already been developmentally edited, or you are certain you are ready for line editing to begin.
Correction of errors in: punctuation, spelling, grammar, syntax
Production of a style sheet (a list of language style choices for ongoing reference, which may or may not be based on a well-known writing style, e.g. Chicago, Harvard, etc.)
Suggesting deletion/relocation of words, phrases, or even paragraphs
Checking the consistency of chronology, style, tone, content – highlighting anomalies
Checking foot/end notes (non-fiction)
Commenting on whether or not dialogue feels authentic (fiction only)
Asking the author to clarify any potentially confusing or under-explained material
Highlighting transitions which still need work, or don’t seem to provide adequate ‘flow’
Suggesting possible re-writes, at sentence level
Respect for your voice as author
A high level of knowledge of the language you are writing in – ideally, native speaker level. Someone who is well versed in the range of language registers within your chosen language, as well as being highly skilled in the application of its grammatical rules, spelling conventions and syntax.
A communication style which works well for you and provides you with the highest level of clarity
Someone who has an eye for sensitive language and can help you apply it well
A full manuscript or first draft, or a commitment to submit chapters/parts regularly (having agreed on the number of editing rounds required first)
An (optional) initial meeting to discuss any points to focus on (e.g. “I am not a native speaker of the language I am writing in, so can you pay attention to anything that reads a bit ‘Google Translate’ please?”)
Communication between reading rounds one and two (if you request more than one reading round), or prior to your manuscript being passed on for legal checks, design work, or forwarded for proofreading, so that the line (copy) editing stage is concluded tidily and feedback on your level of satisfaction can be given to the editor, where applicable.
Variable (depending on the length of your manuscript) – maximum of 6 months, to maintain momentum for publication
1-2 (the second is mainly to respond to/action author feedback on editor comments)

Copy-editing

The final, most refined, stop along your editing journey – the polish that makes your book shine. Copy-editing happens just before the book goes to layout.
Your copy-editor reads your manuscript, looking for any remaining technical errors, anomalies, and lapses in consistency, and marks up any easy design/formatting specifications (e.g. title formats, figures and table labels, etc.).
Correction of errors in (similar to line-editing): punctuation, spelling, grammar, syntax
Production/continuation of a style sheet (see line-editing)
Review and refinement of references
Checking general consistency throughout
Making sure that timelines make sense
Teasing out any unnecessary repetition
A certain amount of fact checking (e.g. asking Did that war really happen in that decade? Or Is that town in Utah or Oregon?)
Someone different to your developmental and/or line-editor. We believe copy-editing and proofreading are most effective when done by someone who has not yet been immersed in your work.
An optional initial meeting to discuss focus points, possibly including your designers and/or line-editor
A quick turnover/rate of working – the process should only take a fraction of the time needed for developmental and line editing.
Minimal communication throughout (if you find yourself wanting a lot of communication, consider returning to your line/copy or developmental editor before stopping at this part of your journey)
A full manuscript or final draft – it should be as ready to publish as possible
Clear (ideally brief) instructions at the outset, for any areas of specific focus
Minimal disruption throughout the editing process
An optional meeting at the end, for brief questions, and for you to give your feedback, where appropriate
Variable (depending on the length of your manuscript), around 58 hours for 70k words, c. 1,250-1,500 words ph – maximum of 3 months, to maintain momentum for publication
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Proofreading

The final check before your book goes to print. Proofreading happens after the book has been laid out, just before it goes to print.
Your proofreader reads your manuscript, looking for any remaining obvious errors, anomalies, and lapses in consistency, and marks up any easy design/formatting specifications (e.g. title formats, figures and table labels, etc.).
Correction of obvious errors in: punctuation, spelling, grammar, syntax
Refers to the already-existing style sheet (see line-editing). A ‘ hand-over’ meeting takes place between the editor who does the developmental and/or line-editing and the proofreader, as ideally these are two different editors.
Final check for consistency throughout
Someone different to your developmental and/or line-editor. We believe proofreading is most effective when done by someone who has not yet been immersed in your work.
An initial meeting to discuss focus points, including your designers and/or line-editor
A quick turnover/rate of working – the process should only take a fraction of the time needed for developmental and line editing.
Minimal communication throughout (if you find yourself wanting a lot of communication, consider returning to your line or developmental editor before stopping at this part of your journey)
A full manuscript or final draft – it should be as ready to publish as possible
Clear (ideally brief) instructions at the outset, for any areas of specific focus
Minimal disruption throughout the editing process
An optional meeting at the end, for brief questions, and for you to give your feedback, where appropriate
Variable (depending on the length of your manuscript), around 25-50 hours for 70k words, c. 1,250-1,500 words ph – maximum of 1 month, to maintain momentum for publication
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Meet our Editors

Anna Trapmore

Services: Developmental Editing, Line Editing, Book Blurbs, Press Releases, Copyediting and Proofreading
Genres: Fiction and Non-Fiction, open to all genres
Storyhouse Works Titles: Just: A Crusade for Credit by Radiohead’s First True Fan by Paul McCarthy, Heart of the Party by Henri Wild, Welcome to Amsterdam by Talia Stone, Unexpected Gifts anthology. Press releases for ABCs of Amsterdam, The Art Engager, Welcome to Amsterdam, Unexpected Gifts, Following Van Gogh.
Talia Stone

Service: Writing Coach
Genres: Open to all genres
Storyhouse Works Titles: Following Van Gogh by Tea Gudek Snajdar
Kristin Anderson

Services: Line-editing, Copyediting, Developmental Editing, Proofreading, Back Book Blurb, Manuscript Assessment.
Genres: Fiction: contemporary fiction, women’s fiction, romance, Young Adult and New Adult.
Non-fiction: self-help books, memoirs, informational, narrative, and academic books about the arts, culture, humanities, and religion.
Storyhouse Works Titles; Phantom Parents, Locked in Workmode, ABCs of London, Unexpected Gifts, Gymsical.
Kristin’s favorite books: Demon Copperhead, The Overstory, Gaviotas, A village to Reinvent the World
Rebecca Blunden

Services: Developmental Editing, Line-editing, Copyediting, (Book Doctor service if combining all 3 aforementioned services), Writing Coach, Manuscript Assessment, Back Book Blurb (copywriting)
Fiction: Children's picture and chapter books, young adult (YA) novels, coming of age, dystopian, historical, horror, humorous, mystery/thriller, fantasy/adventure, short story anthologies, anything ‘dark’ or alternative
Non-fiction: The arts (visual, dance, music, film, and pop culture), neurodiversity, mental health, parenting, education, law, history, sociology, science, renewable energy, gardening/green space, sustainability, urban planning, memoir
Storyhouse Works Titles; Place and Queens’ Row, The Art Engager, Caelum, All Too Well, Can-Can and the Adventures of Ming Island, and Following Van Gogh.
Meet Rebecca with this short clip. What’s Rebecca reading? See Exactly Editing to get more of a feel for how Rebecca works.
Lucy Goodchild

Services: Book Blurbs, Ghost Writing
Genres: Fiction & Non-fiction
Annemarie Ros

Services: manuscript ‘leesrapport’ (focusing on: short summary and subject matter; characters; plot, structure, style; target reader, USP; lay out; strengths and weaknesses), copy editing, line editing/proofreading. Translation: English → Dutch and Dutch → English
Genres: fiction (thriller, historical, literature, fantasy).
Storyhouse Works Titles; Vaselientje by Joosje Asser and Als Lage Landen te Klein Zijn by Bonny Wassing
Fatima Fazli

Services: Ghost writer, writing coach, Book blurb, marketing texts, translator (NL-ENG, ENG-NL), Proofreading, Copy-editing.
Genres
Non-Fiction:(auto) biographies, memoirs, journalism, travel writing, philosophy, self-help, true crime
Fiction:historical fiction, adventure and romance
Storyhouse Works Titles: Unexpected Gifts, Nara Elmaftouhi’s story.
Other experience: ghost writer for international best-sellers, wrote/translated/edited published books in NL and the US, wrote several blogs/social media posts for influencers for social media platforms
Howie Adan

Services: line-editing, copyediting, translation (Dutch→English) and proofreading in American English. Although, having lived in Canada and the UK for over ten years, Howie is familiar enough with those variations.
Background: intercultural studies, commercial economics, and divinity.
Genre: non-fiction
Favorite books: The Poisonwood Bible; Barbara Kingsolver. The Complete Stories; Flannery O'Conner. A Ilha Perdida; Maria José Dupré.
Kate Doyle

Services: Developmental Editing, Line-editing, Copy-editing, Proofreading, Writing Coach, Manuscript Assessment, Book Blurb, Press Release, Copywriting, Publicity brainstorm session (including how to approach Literary Magazines)
Genres: Literary fiction & literary nonfiction/memoir/essay
Callum McClean

Services: Developmental Editing, Line-Editing, Copyediting, Proofreading, Writing Coach, Back Book Blurb, Press Release (Copywriting)
Genres: Particular passion for Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Horror, but open to all genres
Favorite books: The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin, Northern Lights/The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster
Meet Callum with this short clip.
Nicoline van Slingelandt

Services: Developmental Editing, Line Editing, Copyediting, Proofreading, Writing Coach, Book Blurb, Press Releases and Manuscript Assessment
Genres: Non-Fiction, open to all genres. Fiction: Children’s books
Storyhouse Works Titles: The GYMSICAL Guide to a Creative Life
Jessica Swearingen

Services: Developmental Editing, Line Editing, Copyediting and Proofreading.
Genres: Non-fiction: narrative, biography, memoir, essay collections, history
Fiction: mystery, thriller, literary fiction, historical fiction, short story collections
Hanna Craig

Services: Line-editing, Copyediting, Proofreading, Writing Coach, Manuscript Assessment
Genres: Fiction (contemporary, women's, fantasy, romance, historical, young adult) short stories, literary essays and poetry
Non-fiction: memoirs, the arts (art, photography), travel
Open to all genres.