Welcome!
I am a qualified copy-editor and proofreader, and I have worked on over 350 books, specialising in fiction and general non-fiction. I have also worked on hundreds of other projects, including commercial reports, catalogues, brochures and newsletters and many other types of documentation.
As a trained freelance copy-editor and proofreader, I am meticulous and flexible, and I offer an editorial service covering all areas of written material and publications. I am a Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and have been trained by the Publishing Training Centre and the CIEP. I wrote part of, and act as a tutor on, the Introduction to Fiction Editing course run by the CIEP. I have also provided editing workshops and masterclasses for The Literary Consultancy, Leicester Writes, Writing East Midlands and Leicester Writers' Club. I have written both fiction and non-fiction for a number of years and I edited the Philip Roth Society Newsletter from 2008 to 2015.
I can work on paper or on-screen, 'blind' or against copy, and can use the 2005 BSI mark-up symbols.
I can also edit Microsoft Word files as well as PDF files on-screen.
My most recent clients: Wellcome Collection, The Literary Consultancy, Arvon Foundation, Pan MacMillan (Tor Books), Ebury Publishing, The School of Life, Endava PEG, Intuitus Ltd, Stork Press, Troubador Publishing, Hodder & Stoughton, Alliance Publishing Press, The History Press, Biteback Publishing, Robson Press, Roman Books, Black Library, as well as a growing number of self-publishing clients.
Subjects: fiction (general, literary, crime/mystery/thrillers, historical, romantic, science fiction/fantasy/horror, short stories), non-fiction (general, history, memoir, biography), information science and technology, computer technology/software/hardware (internet, IT security, technical support), literary studies (critical editions, literary criticism), sport (cricket, football, general).
As a trained freelance copy-editor and proofreader, I am meticulous and flexible, and I offer an editorial service covering all areas of written material and publications. I am a Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and have been trained by the Publishing Training Centre and the CIEP. I wrote part of, and act as a tutor on, the Introduction to Fiction Editing course run by the CIEP. I have also provided editing workshops and masterclasses for The Literary Consultancy, Leicester Writes, Writing East Midlands and Leicester Writers' Club. I have written both fiction and non-fiction for a number of years and I edited the Philip Roth Society Newsletter from 2008 to 2015.
I can work on paper or on-screen, 'blind' or against copy, and can use the 2005 BSI mark-up symbols.
I can also edit Microsoft Word files as well as PDF files on-screen.
My most recent clients: Wellcome Collection, The Literary Consultancy, Arvon Foundation, Pan MacMillan (Tor Books), Ebury Publishing, The School of Life, Endava PEG, Intuitus Ltd, Stork Press, Troubador Publishing, Hodder & Stoughton, Alliance Publishing Press, The History Press, Biteback Publishing, Robson Press, Roman Books, Black Library, as well as a growing number of self-publishing clients.
Subjects: fiction (general, literary, crime/mystery/thrillers, historical, romantic, science fiction/fantasy/horror, short stories), non-fiction (general, history, memoir, biography), information science and technology, computer technology/software/hardware (internet, IT security, technical support), literary studies (critical editions, literary criticism), sport (cricket, football, general).
Delighted that In The Shadows by Michael Ashcroft won the 'Best Non-Fiction Book by a Parliamentarian' category at this year's Parliamentary Book Awards. A book that I worked on for Biteback Publishing last year.
A small selection of the 300+ books in my portfolio
Testimonials
'Richard has provided an invaluable service for me over the years. We have worked together on three books and I have come to value his opinion so much that I would never consider going to anyone else. He has in-depth knowledge not only of grammar and punctuation, but also historical context and plot consistency.'
Thomas Brooke, author of Blood of the Raven, 2023
Thomas Brooke, author of Blood of the Raven, 2023
'Richard kept me on track and was always available to answer my many queries, which usually arrived at short notice. He picked up inconsistencies, fact-checked, and suggested edits that improved the content and flow of the narrative.
'I would definitely recommend Richard and hope to work with him again.'
Gavin de Bier, author of Consider It Done, 2023
'I would definitely recommend Richard and hope to work with him again.'
Gavin de Bier, author of Consider It Done, 2023
'Richard Sheehan was professional and forensic. He checked every date, name, place and context of the facts. A skilled editor, Richard also communicated clearly and explained changes he suggested, leaving me to make the final decisions. A great team worker, he also connected with what the typesetter was doing. The experience made me realise the value of having a professional editor on your team. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Richard Sheehan as editor and proofreader.'
Sammy Stein, author of The Wonder of Jazz, 2022
Sammy Stein, author of The Wonder of Jazz, 2022
'Richard Sheehan is an outstanding editor. His attention to detail helped improve my manuscript immeasurably. He knows just what to look for and how to fix it. To find someone who knows how to examine every sentence in this careful, focused way is rare. His experience, hard work, and clear way of editing is just what my novel needed. His pleasant way of communicating made it all the easier to work with him.'
Michael Pronko, author of Tokyo Traffic and Tokyo Zangyo, www.michaelpronko.com
'As a writer of historical fiction it was very important that I found a copy-editor who could work with a manuscript that included dialect, non-standard grammar, phrasing, and spelling, and who would do his job without in any way altering my "voice".
'I found the perfect person in Richard. He was extremely professional, meticulous and, importantly, kept to the agreed timeframe. His suggestion that we work out a style sheet together at the outset made the whole process very straightforward, and his careful checking of timelines, locations and historical characters, invaluable. A good copy-editor is worth their weight in gold, and Richard is among the best.'
Margaret Skea, author of Turn of the Tide and A House Divided
'I found the perfect person in Richard. He was extremely professional, meticulous and, importantly, kept to the agreed timeframe. His suggestion that we work out a style sheet together at the outset made the whole process very straightforward, and his careful checking of timelines, locations and historical characters, invaluable. A good copy-editor is worth their weight in gold, and Richard is among the best.'
Margaret Skea, author of Turn of the Tide and A House Divided
'Richard has been an absolute pleasure to work with. He was very dedicated to every single detail in my manuscript. Since English is not my native language, it was in his best interest to make it sound as if written by a native English speaker and he made suggestions for improvements. The collaboration and communication was very professional and seamless. I’m delighted with the outcome and would have no hesitation in recommending his services.'
Andrea Polakova, 2019
'This is really brilliant – thank you very much indeed. I’ve never seen such detail and clarity. I shall be very pleased to work with you again!'
Toby Fountaine, Blue Mark Books, 2019
Toby Fountaine, Blue Mark Books, 2019
'Richard is highly professional in his field and went way beyond copy-editing, as he was still there to support me once his work had been done. His accurate corrections of historical events and timelines was vital to my memoir, as well as thoughtful advice when it was so easy for me to get carried away with my emotions. And as Richard had also spent some time there, his knowledge of American English and the Californian culture was also crucial. He was friendly, diligent and very quick to respond to any queries, as well as keeping me updated on progress.
'I am extremely grateful for his time and help to help make my memoir come to fruition.'
Robert James Brook, author of Wasn't Born to Follow, 2018
'I am very pleased with the work Richard has completed on my manuscript. He found inconsistencies that I hadn't noticed on the countless times I'd read it myself. His edits have massively improved my manuscript and he explained all changes or suggested changes fully. I am very grateful at such a thorough job being done.'
Gavin Eyers, 2016
'Richard is thoroughly professional and diligent. It was clear he had been through my manuscript very very carefully and this was hugely reassuring. His attention to detail is superb and impressive. He understood my work and was even able to work entirely in "American" English. I will definitely be using him again. He is the real deal!'
Duncan Campbell, author of Foehammer
Duncan Campbell, author of Foehammer
'From the moment that I was introduced to Richard, I knew that I had found a fantastic proofreading partner. He was friendly, helpful and quick at responding to my messages, to say nothing of his willingness to accommodate the tight timelines I was working to. His rates are reasonable and throughout the proofreading process Richard kept me informed of his progress, never hesitating to ask questions when my intentions were unclear, which as a first-time author was hugely reassuring. The resulting proofread manuscript
was of a very high quality and I was even provided with a short summary report and style sheet, which was of great assistance as I reviewed the changes. Richard went far beyond proofreading and also highlighted a few points for my consideration, which would usually fall under the remit of a copy-editor, and I strongly believe that my debut novel was improved because of his involvement in the project. Since completing the proofread, Richard has remained on hand to answer my queries and provide comprehensive explanations about some of the quirks of the English language, which has been incredibly educational for me. Richard is the consummate professional and an absolute joy to work with. I would not hesitate to use his services again and will probably be coming to him for my copy-editing in future too.'
Marisha Pink, author of Finding Arun and Last Piece of Me
was of a very high quality and I was even provided with a short summary report and style sheet, which was of great assistance as I reviewed the changes. Richard went far beyond proofreading and also highlighted a few points for my consideration, which would usually fall under the remit of a copy-editor, and I strongly believe that my debut novel was improved because of his involvement in the project. Since completing the proofread, Richard has remained on hand to answer my queries and provide comprehensive explanations about some of the quirks of the English language, which has been incredibly educational for me. Richard is the consummate professional and an absolute joy to work with. I would not hesitate to use his services again and will probably be coming to him for my copy-editing in future too.'
Marisha Pink, author of Finding Arun and Last Piece of Me
'Richard's copy-edits and proofreads are always extremely thorough, comprehensive and professional. A number of our authors have expressed their gratitude to Richard for providing such a high-quality edit.'
Lauren Lewis, Troubador Publishing Ltd.
'Richard tackled a long manuscript that included numerous terms from Southeast Asian languages with meticulous dedication. He noted a number of infelicities and embarrassing repetitions - thus improving and refining my work enormously.'
Christopher Hale, non-fiction writer, producer and director
Christopher Hale, non-fiction writer, producer and director
'Richard did a wonderful, painstaking job, and I am eternally grateful. I have learned a lot.'
Independent Author, 2012
Independent Author, 2012
'I am deeply impressed with the sheer professionalism and erudition of the editor ... my deep thanks for the brilliant job he has done on the manuscript.'
Independent Author, 2012
Independent Author, 2012
Contact Details
Tel: +44 (0)116 2402825
Mobile: +44 (0)7971 448064
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @RichardMSheehan
Reedsy: reedsy.com/richard-sheehan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardMSheehan/
Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading: https://www.ciep.uk/directory/richard-sheehan/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-sheehan-b7279044/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1250525-richard
For a no-obligation quote, please send me three samples of your document, from the beginning, middle and end, including details of the work you require.
Mobile: +44 (0)7971 448064
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @RichardMSheehan
Reedsy: reedsy.com/richard-sheehan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardMSheehan/
Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading: https://www.ciep.uk/directory/richard-sheehan/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-sheehan-b7279044/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1250525-richard
For a no-obligation quote, please send me three samples of your document, from the beginning, middle and end, including details of the work you require.
