I'm a writing coach, editor, and experienced author who knows that receiving critique isn’t just an investment in a single project, but an investment in you as a writer. I’d like to help you improve, without charging you a fortune to do so. Before we commit to working together, I’ll suggest that I complete a free sample critique on a couple of pages of your work so we can get a feel for whether we’d be a good match. As a writing coach, I offer:
Manuscript appraisal - I'll read your manuscript and write a report on key areas of craft and style you may want to consider, while explaining why various techniques can help you communicate with your reader and conventions to bear in mind.
Quick critique – I’ll critique several short samples of your fiction (or a synopsis and first eight thousand words of your novel) which will provide advice on what your strengths and weaknesses are. I’ll make some suggestions for how to develop/address these.
For those aiming to self-publish, I offer:
Structural/developmental editing of novels and short stories – I’ll let you know what’s working about your story as well as what doesn't work so well. I’ll point out any areas of writing technique you might want to improve and give suggestions for how you could do that. This level of editing will consider story logic and narrative arc, pacing and flow, characterisation, dialogue, your writing style, and use of description.
Copy editing – if your story doesn't require a structural review, I can edit to ensure your sentence structure and word choices are compelling, as well as error-checking (to include spelling, grammar and punctuation), reading for continuity and spotting anachronisms.
It’s impossible to do all levels of editing at the same time and advisable to use a different person for each stage. However, if I complete a structural edit for you and notice particular problems a copy edit would fix, I will of course mention them.
I aim to complete each project within three weeks of our agreed start date. I’ll provide a report for structural edits and a marked-up copy of your electronic manuscript in all cases. I’ll also be available for a short follow-up email consultation. Have a look at the frequently asked questions for more information.
Each project will be unique, so please get in touch for a quote. As an example, a structural edit of an 80000 word novel could cost around £500 depending on the number of hours I estimate the project will take.
Please email me on katharinedsouza1 [at] gmail.com to ask any questions or to get the ball rolling. Make sure you let me know your name, what you’re looking for, and tell me a little about your work such as genre, word count and your writing ambitions.
Testimonials:
Manuscript appraisal - I'll read your manuscript and write a report on key areas of craft and style you may want to consider, while explaining why various techniques can help you communicate with your reader and conventions to bear in mind.
Quick critique – I’ll critique several short samples of your fiction (or a synopsis and first eight thousand words of your novel) which will provide advice on what your strengths and weaknesses are. I’ll make some suggestions for how to develop/address these.
For those aiming to self-publish, I offer:
Structural/developmental editing of novels and short stories – I’ll let you know what’s working about your story as well as what doesn't work so well. I’ll point out any areas of writing technique you might want to improve and give suggestions for how you could do that. This level of editing will consider story logic and narrative arc, pacing and flow, characterisation, dialogue, your writing style, and use of description.
Copy editing – if your story doesn't require a structural review, I can edit to ensure your sentence structure and word choices are compelling, as well as error-checking (to include spelling, grammar and punctuation), reading for continuity and spotting anachronisms.
It’s impossible to do all levels of editing at the same time and advisable to use a different person for each stage. However, if I complete a structural edit for you and notice particular problems a copy edit would fix, I will of course mention them.
I aim to complete each project within three weeks of our agreed start date. I’ll provide a report for structural edits and a marked-up copy of your electronic manuscript in all cases. I’ll also be available for a short follow-up email consultation. Have a look at the frequently asked questions for more information.
Each project will be unique, so please get in touch for a quote. As an example, a structural edit of an 80000 word novel could cost around £500 depending on the number of hours I estimate the project will take.
Please email me on katharinedsouza1 [at] gmail.com to ask any questions or to get the ball rolling. Make sure you let me know your name, what you’re looking for, and tell me a little about your work such as genre, word count and your writing ambitions.
Testimonials:
"Working with Katharine was a breath of fresh air for my writing, which had been kept behind closed doors for too long. She helped me with the pacing and structure of my plot, and revealed inconsistencies and contradictions I'd have otherwise missed. Her insight and analysis improved my novel to the point where it was hauled from the slush pile and won a publishing deal!" Holly Cave, author of The Memory Chamber
'Katharine D’Souza has edited two books of short stories for me. She took the time to understand not only the plot, but also the theme and spirit of each piece. Katharine’s insight and sensitive suggestions helped me elevate my stories, an editing process with a creative writing masterclass thrown in.' Jenefer Heap, short story writer
'Katharine's editorial help with my second novel was immensely helpful in strengthening my writing, and in avoiding a handful of mistakes which would have seriously spoiled the effect I had been hoping for. When we had finished working through the ms together, I was confident that it was as good as it could possibly be, and ready for publication.' Carol Cooper, contemporary fiction
"I write full-length crime thrillers. They've benefited hugely from the professional polish that an edit by Katharine provides. At the same time, I've learned to avoid clichés and maintain tension throughout the story, so working with her has also improved my skills." AA Abbott, author of crime thrillers
"Katharine has been super to work with, prompt, efficient and with the eagle eyes I lack. She spots mistakes in text which I totally miss and has a knowledge of grammar and spelling that has totally passed me by. Whatever my failings, she is always a pleasure to work with." Lynne Pardoe, author of social work stories.
"Katharine’s input into my novel has been invaluable. She picked through the major and minor beats of the story’s plot and sense-checked all the links, references and character circumstances across two different time lines with hawk eye precision. For me as a writer, her most memorable feedback was in spotting my weaknesses, measuring these against my strengths, and reminding me where I could improve both story and style. Above all, Katharine is a joy to work with, always personable, and generous with her time and energy." Thriller writer, UK.
"Katharine's appraisal of my novel was professional, thorough, and astute. Several other people have read the manuscript but nobody else provided such detailed analysis. I have found it enormously helpful in revising and improving my work. Highly recommended." Historical fiction author, UK.
Katharine is a careful reader and has a practised eye for both the structure and the detail of a text. Her work on Stories was invaluable. Charlie Hill, PowWow Festival of Writing director and anthology editor.
"Thank you very much for your valuable edit ... you've been extremely kind, gentle and insightful. I couldn't be happier with your suggestions and approach." Women's fiction author, UK
“Katharine has a good eye, a sharp mind and a kind heart: you know you're going to get very smart analysis and critiques but you also know you'll enjoy it. I've used Katharine for my first commissioned prose fiction and I think countless longform non-fiction books too. She's very clever at spotting detailed problems and yet also able to take in the whole picture.” William Gallagher.
"Katharine found some inconsistencies in text from my own books that had been through several editorial processes, and I am very grateful for that." Liz Dexter.
"Highly recommended from the self-publishing community, Katharine made our list of the top book editors proving that quality and price were a perfect match." Dave Chesson, Kindlepreneur