Welcome!
I am a qualified copy-editor and proofreader specialising in fiction and general non-fiction and I have worked on over 200 books.
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 Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) and have been trained by the Publishing Training Centre and the SfEP. I wrote part of, and act as a tutor on, the Introduction to Fiction Editing course run by the SfEP. I have also provided editing workshops and masterclasses for The Literary Consultancy, Leicester Writes and Writing East Midlands. 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 have copy-edited and proofread over 200 novels, non-fiction books, memoirs, essays and newsletters as well as many other types of documentation.
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: The Literary Consultancy, Pan MacMillan (Tor Books), Ebury Publishing, Fixi London, The School of Life, 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 Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) and have been trained by the Publishing Training Centre and the SfEP. I wrote part of, and act as a tutor on, the Introduction to Fiction Editing course run by the SfEP. I have also provided editing workshops and masterclasses for The Literary Consultancy, Leicester Writes and Writing East Midlands. 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 have copy-edited and proofread over 200 novels, non-fiction books, memoirs, essays and newsletters as well as many other types of documentation.
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: The Literary Consultancy, Pan MacMillan (Tor Books), Ebury Publishing, Fixi London, The School of Life, 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).
Testimonials
'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
‘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’s edits are thorough and precise. My book benefited from his professionalism as a copy-editor and proofreader and also from his extensive general knowledge. I certainly intend to secure his expertise when my next text is ready for revision.'
David Lee Marriner, Author of The Gods' Gambit
David Lee Marriner, Author of The Gods' Gambit
'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: richard.sheehan@richardmsheehan.co.uk
Twitter: @RichardMSheehan
Reedsy: reedsy.com/richard-sheehan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardMSheehan/
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 a sample of your document, including details of the work you require.
