Emily Reader

Emily Reader – Editor

A copy editor, proofreader and editor with a First in English Literature from Exeter University and a track record of editing bestsellers.

Overview

After achieving a First for English Literature at the University of Exeter, with the highest creative writing mark in my year, I completed a course at the Publishing Training Centre in proofreading and copy editing. Since then, I have formatted, copy edited, and proofread commercial fiction for a variety of publishing houses such as Boldwood Books and Head of Zeus. At this stage, I have worked on well over two hundred titles, many of which are bestsellers. I also help authors curate 'bibles' of their series to keep track of characters, locations and timeline, and advise unpublished authors at the earlier stages of their manuscripts. Additionally, I have completed a masters in scriptwriting at Goldsmiths University with distinction which has further developed my writing and editing skills.


Through my personal experiences and passions, queer fiction is my area of expertise, but I also have extensive experience in romance (especially romcoms), historical fiction, thrillers, and cosy crime. I love to collaborate with authors at all stages of their career - it's always a joy to work together to make a story as vibrant and compelling as it can be.

Services
Fiction
Chick Lit Contemporary Fiction Holiday LGBTQ Fiction Romantic Comedy
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Zara Malone Memorial Prize, University of Exeter
Certifications
  • Publishing Training Centre - Introduction to Proofreading and Copy Editing
  • BA English Literature, Exeter University
  • MA Script Writing, Goldsmiths

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2021 — Present
I proof read and copy edit novels on a freelance basis, working with companies such as Boldwood Books and Head of Zeus as well as directly with authors, advising on continuity, clarity and format. Many of the manuscripts I have worked on are now bestsellers.

Self-employed

Jan, 2021 — Present
For backlist titles being republished, I format the manuscripts to fit the house style, checking elements like font, spelling and layout.

Self-employed

Sep, 2019 — Feb, 2020 (5 months)
I read novel manuscripts and decided whether they should be pursued by editors, giving reports on each novel and its merits. Based on my decisions, work was either rejected or sent to an editor to be reviewed for potential publication.

Boldwood Books

Sep, 2019 — Oct, 2019 (about 1 month)
I read potential manuscripts and gave feedback on whether they should be pursued. I sorted through hundreds of novel applications to ensure only the relevant ones were pursued. I created graphics for social media and Amazon using Canva. I inputted literature data into websites such as Nielsen, Consonance and NetGalley. I communicated with reviewers to ensure we reached our Amazon targets.

Write Label

Feb, 2019 — Feb, 2020 (about 1 year)
I wrote radio adverts, TB adverts and greetings cards for a wide variety of US-based companies, creating content with a distinct voice each time, according to the given briefs. I optimise each advert to the specifications given, whilst keeping to company guidelines, and have been praised for my use of tone and style.

Head of Zeus

Aug, 2014 — Aug, 2014 (less than a minute)
I ran the company’s social media, focusing on their Facebook page. I proof-read novels to be published, responded to client enquiries via email, and edited and wrote copy for authors’ websites.

Portfolio

Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
The Riviera House Swap

Gillian Harvey

Boldwood Books

Proofreading
The Side Hustle

Lynn, Hannah

Boldwood Books

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
The Moonlit Piazza

Thorpe, Annabelle

Aria

Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
A Sister's Promise

Finnerty, Caroline

Proofreading
Proofreading

Most recent contributions

How do you handle feedback from authors who may be resistant to revisions or suggestions?

I think if you're offering feedback in a way that is constructive, clear and has valid reasoning, and the author rejects it, it's best to let it go. At the end of the day, you're giving suggestions and advice but the manuscript belongs to the author. It's their choice what feedback to take. If yo...
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How do you handle the administrative aspects of your freelance writing business, such as invoicing and taxes?

I personally like as much variety in my work as possible; a day of solidly editing and nothing else leaves me feeling under stimulated and I believe decreases the quality of my work. So I like to sprinkle my admin into my working day, every day. I have a to-do list of admin tasks with clear deadl...
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How do you balance managing your own schedule as a freelance editor?

Working freelance comes with many perks but also a lot of responsibility. No one but you will be monitoring your workload, so it's really important to keep track of your deadlines and only agree to an amount of work that is sustainable for you. I like to use to-do lists, my calendar and a spreads...
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