MARY DAVIS EDITING
editing . proofreading . copy-editing
Do you need an editor or proofreader?
I love words.
Some people are busy and want to outsource things they could easily do themselves. Others just feel more at home giving a presentation or talking one-to-one and are pleased to have some input when it comes to the written word.
My aim is to ensure that each piece of writing speaks clearly and that the meaning of each sentence is immediately obvious to the reader. Have a look and see the kind of things that I can do to help achieve clear writing. In some of the projects, I was deeply involved – in others, I simply cast a fresh eye over the material. Each project is different.
I specialise in bringing clarity, accuracy and impact to non-fiction books, reports and other content. While this is my focus, my experience covers a wide range of materials and all stages of the editing process. I’d be delighted to discuss whatever project you have in mind. Get in touch via my Contact form below.
Some projects I've worked on
editing non-fiction training materials
A fellow editor commissioned me to proof-edit and peer review her editing training courses. This involved all the usual checks for consistency, grammar, spelling, etc. I also made suggestions for rephrasing where anything was unclear. I included some ideas for marketing the courses and created some bonus content as well. Contact me if I can help with editing your training materials.
copy-editing and proofreading
Well over 2,500 hours of copy-editing, proofreading, indexing for publishers and individual authors.
spoken word to printed page
Transcribing and editing the informal, spoken word to produce best-selling paperback.
modernising 19th-century text
A light edit of out-of-copyright material, simplifying sentence structure and vocabulary. My edits mean that a modern audience can enjoy the content as well as the beauty of the original text.
editing multi-authored works
Light edits to substantive rewrites. Editing for multi-lingual authors.
assessing manuscripts for literary agent
This busy literary agent receives hundreds of submissions for children and young adults each year. They asked me to help assess the fiction and non-fiction manuscripts.
index for substantial academic work
I created a detailed index for Denis Alexander's non-fiction book, Genes, Determinism and God (Cambridge University Press, 2017).
Testimonials
A bit about me
I have been editing for over thirty years.
Until recently, I lived in a diverse, vibrant, multi-cultural part of south London where many people have English as their second language. It was a daily reminder of the need to speak and write clearly so that we can all understand each other.
Alongside my editing, I have been involved in counselling and local church ministry for many years. Before that, I worked in corporate public relations (mainly for the property industry) and did a lot of writing, editing, training in effective report writing, press relations and overseeing print production.
I am an Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), which is the highest level of membership. I also have a degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge.
When I set up my business, I took the Publishing Training Company’s Introduction to Editorial Skills: Copy-editing and Proofreading course to check that my skills were fit for purpose – they are!
Other more recent qualifications include:
- CIEP: Editorial Project Management
- Oxford University Saïd Business School: Artificial Intelligence Programme
- Edit Better: Perfect Handovers for Editorial Projects and Handling Large Editorial Projects
Working with me
Thinking about working with me? It’s easy!
1. Enquiry
Tell me about your book or project. What is it about? What is your timetable? Who are you writing for? I’ve got a list of questions that will help you describe your book or project to me in detail.
2. Quotation
I will assess the project and send you a quote (along with my Terms & Conditions). How much will it cost? It depends on the project and what needs doing. Let’s chat and I can give you a firm quotation.
3. Booking
You pay a deposit to reserve a slot in my diary. Then, just send me your manuscript. Easy!
4. Editing or proofreading
I will edit or proofread your manuscript and send the edited document back to you. Once you have reviewed my suggestions, I will incorporate your feedback and send you the final version.
What’s it like being edited?
Don’t worry – I’m on your side. I love helping authors express themselves with clarity, accuracy and impact. And as a published author myself, I know what it’s like to be edited!
Questions?
I’m here to help. Do you want recommendations for typesetters, designers or printers? Not sure what kind of edit you need – or what the difference is between copy-editing and proofreading? Perhaps you are still at the ideas stage and you need help with planning and structuring your book? Use the contact form below to send me a message and I’ll tell you how I can help. Would a free Discovery call be useful?
Contact me
Please use the form below to get in touch to chat about your project.
