Memoir-Style Manuscript Requires Expert Copy Editing

Experienced Copy Editor Required – Based on a true story manuscript

I am looking for an experienced copy editor with a strong background in memoir, life writing, narrative based writing on true events or emotionally driven contemporary fiction to work on my completed manuscript.

The book is a personal, emotionally complex story dealing with family relationships, the family court system, parental separation, coercive control, and the experience of losing contact with children. It is written in a memoir-style, highly personal narrative voice, with a strong emphasis on the emotional journey of the central character.

The manuscript has already undergone considerable development and editing. I am now looking for a professional copy editor to take it to the next level and make it consistent, polished and suitable for approaching literary agents/publishers.

Important - I am not looking for someone to completely rewrite the book.

The author's voice, personality and emotional authenticity are extremely important. I want the editor to improve the manuscript while preserving the author's natural voice and the way the story is told.

The main requirements are grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence flow, consistency, repetition and readability, using British English. I would also like a careful continuity check, particularly around dates, ages, names and the chronology of events.

Please preserve the author's existing voice. The book is written in a personal, conversational memoir style, and I do not want it rewritten into a generic literary style.

Where you come across something that is unclear, repetitive or could be strengthened, please use tracked changes/comments so I can make the final decision.

I would also appreciate a short editorial note at the end identifying any significant issues you think should be addressed before the manuscript is submitted to agents or publishers.

The manuscript contains sensitive real-life material relating to family relationships and court proceedings. Some names and identifying details have been changed. Please preserve these changes and flag, rather than alter, anything that you feel requires my attention.

I am looking for someone experienced in memoir/life writing or narrative non-fiction, preferably someone who has worked on manuscripts intended for traditional publishing.

Please Include in Your Proposal

Examples of similar memoir or narrative non-fiction projects you have edited.
Your experience with first-person memoir.
Whether you have edited manuscripts intended for traditional publishing.
Your proposed approach to this manuscript.
Whether you provide tracked changes and editorial comments.
Your estimated turnaround time.
Your fee for the complete manuscript.
Whether you would recommend a full copy edit, developmental edit, or a combination of the two after reviewing the manuscript.

I am particularly interested in finding an editor who will work collaboratively with the author, rather than simply correcting grammar.

I am happy to provide a short extract from the manuscript to suitable candidates before choosing an editor.

Many thanks for your time.