Book editing, developmental editing and beta-reading for writers.
Are you looking for a hands-on book editor to help take your novel from first-draft to agent submission?
I'm a professional writer, editor, journalist and founder of ScarlettInk editing. I write book reviews for national and regional UK press and have a wealth of experience in editing fiction and non-fiction in genres from Fantasy to Memoir and Literary Fiction. Previous clients have been short-listed and won prizes including Grindstone Lit and Creative Futures.
If you want honest, actionable feedback, use the ScarlettInk contact form to send your elevator pitch, synopsis and a sample chapters and let's start making that dream a reality.
About me
Words is what I do, and when it comes to literature, I have made a career out of knowing exactly what sells and how.
Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature from the University of Southampton and a Masters from Bath Spa University, I have now been writing and editing professionally for over 8 years. My literary criticism and book reviews are regularly published in national press across the UK, with credits including The Herald, The Manchester Evening News, The Times, The Independent and The Irish Examiner. I now work as a Senior Editor and Journalist for The Press Association, the UK's national news agency.
While one half of my career is tied up in understanding the current publishing trends, attending literary festivals and keeping up with book launches, on the other side of the curtain, I am also myself an author. I have been where you are. I understand first-hand the writing and editing process, the frustrations with querying, the competition frenzy (did I mention I have also been a competition marker) and the publishing journey from a writer's point-of-view. This, I feel, is a very important part of my offering, and helps me give a more honest and personable service to writers at every step of their journey through ScarlettInk.
I love helping authors bring the nuances of their stories to life. And whatever stage of the writing process you're at, I will become as fully invested in your characters and your world as you are. Let's work together to make your story shine the way it deserves.
Book editing services
All packages come with 2x 30 minute phone consultations to talk through your edit and plan your next steps.
Line-editing
This edit is perfect if you're already happy with the shape and structure of your manuscript, but want a final set of eyes to iron out the creases before taking it to agents, competitions or self-publishing.
This package does not come with a written report.
Manuscript overview
I'll beta-read your entire manuscript, top to bottom, and give you actionable summarised feedback on everything from structure and plot to voice and characterisation.
This includes a full written report to help you move your novel forward.
Developmental editing
This is the most comprehensive service I offer at ScarlettInk. With this edit, you'll get notes, edits and suggestions from the first to the last page of your manuscript. You'll also get full written feedback on plot, structure, tension, voice, and character to help you highlight any areas you might need to revisit.
Submission package edit
A comprehensive edit of your query letter, synopsis, and the first ten pages of your novel, ready to start querying. After this edit you'll have everything you need to catch the attention of literary agents and get your novel noticed.
Editing prices
Rates for book editing and beta-reading
All these prices are based on a 80,000 word manuscript, and may vary depending on your word-count. If you feel your novel needs something a little different, feel free to get in touch for a bespoke book editing quote.
Take off 10%
In February 2023
Line editing
£600+
Developmental editing
£850+
Manuscript assessment
£550+
Submission package edit
£100
2x 30 minute phone consultations included with each package.
VAT included.
Book editing testimonials
"Scarlett is very thorough and encouraging. Not only does she offer critiques across big picture, line, and grammar level, she cheers you on every step of the way! After working with Scarlett I’ve gone on to be shortlisted for major novel, short story, AND a poetry competitions. The novel Scarlett helped me craft went on to win the Byte the Book/Hachette UK Debut Author Prize. I cannot recommend her highly enough."
– Viktoria
"Thank you SO much! All of this is so incredibly helpful. I feel so thankful that I found you and decided to use you as my editor!"
– Melissa
"Your edit made me think about my novel from a different perspective. Useful feedback given in a clear and supportive way. Would highly recommend your service."
– Reece
"Thank you so much for your precious work on my book! Your analysis has given me new perspective and your specific proposals about how to improve the reading experience feels very valid and manageable at the same time :) I finally feel courage to get it ready for agents."
– Eliza
Let’s Work Together
Ready to get started? Get in touch with a short summary of your novel, and what you're looking to get out of book editing. I'll be right back with a quote.