You found me ...

I'm guessing you found me because you already know this: words really do matter. They can win trust ... and just as quickly undo it.

A small typo is rarely the end of the world ... until it’s on your book cover or your homepage. And a stray comma may seem harmless ... until it quietly changes what you're trying to say.

That's where I can help.

I'm Amanda Ellison, and I work with individuals to turn good writing into polished, confident prose that sounds just like them – only clearer and sharper.

Good writing gets noticed. Great editing makes sure it gets noticed for the right reasons.

 

Recent edits...

Helping you write with confidence

 

Words are important, especially when they represent your ideas and creativity. I work closely with authors to ensure their writing is clear, accurate and compelling.

As a certified proofreader and editor (qualified with distinction from the College of Media and Publishing and a member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading), I take pride in offering a thoughtful and meticulous service.

My manuscript evaluation, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading services are tailored to elevate your work, whether you’re submitting to agents, self-publishing, or refining your craft. 

If you'd like to see how I work, I offer a no-obligation sample edit – so you can judge for yourself.

"Amanda has an attention to detail that assured me that her professionalism is authentic. I'm lucky to have worked with her."

Jim Sheehan - Author

I'm a writer too ...

As well as working with writers, I’m one myself — so I understand how much time, care and thought go into every sentence. Having formatted and published three books of my own through Kindle Direct Publishing, I know the practical challenges and decisions indie authors face.

You can explore some of my written content in my curated portfolio — including my contributions to North East Bylines — and browse my blog for authors, designed to support and encourage you at every stage of the process.

"For anyone who has the ambition to get published and would like genuine feedback and guidance, then I thoroughly recommend Ellison Editorial. The service was quick, concise, and extremely helpful – and certainly spotted things I had missed."

Colven Gibson - Author

About Ellison Editorial

A Little About Me

 

I’m a copyeditor and proofreader, based in Northumberland. Before moving into editing, I worked as an English teacher and freelance writer, so the potential of the written word has underpinned my practice for many years. These days, I use that experience to help individuals and small publishers showcase their writing at its finest.

 

Off the clock, I gravitate towards Russian literature and Nordic noir, fuelled by strong black coffee (and the occasional Guinness), with fond memories of Murphy, my much-missed Labradoodle, never far away.

 

 

Qualifications and Training

 

  • BA (Hons) English with History
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (English)
  • Diploma in Proofreading and Editing (Level 4, Distinction)
  • CIEP Copyediting 2: Headway (Merit)
  • Diploma in Freelance Journalism
  • Intermediate Member of Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP)

Being a certified proofreader and copyeditor goes beyond core training: I keep my skills sharp, and learn new ones, by undergoing further training with respected providers, such as the Publishing Training Centre (PTC).

Here are just some of the courses I've recently completed:

  • Copyright for Publishers (PTC)
  • Editing Illustrations (PTC)
  • Editing References (PTC)
  • Working with Typesetters (PTC)
  • Author Queries (PTC)
  • Editing Fiction (PTC)
  • Introduction to Publishing (PTC)
  • Essential Editorial Project Management (PTC)
  • Editing Children's Books (CIEP webinar)
  • Academic Essays (University of Queensland)
  • Building a Screenplay (University of Cambridge)
  • Agatha Christie and the Golden Age of Detective Fiction (Open University)

My Approach

 

Every project is different. So is every writer. That’s why I tailor my editing and proofreading to suit your aims.

I take a collaborative approach, aiming to improve clarity, flow and consistency while respecting your unique voice. I won’t impose rigid rules or strip out your style; instead, I apply good judgement, language expertise and careful attention to the details that matter.

I work respectfully and reliably, keeping communication clear and deadlines realistic. If something isn’t working, I’ll let you know — kindly, and with suggestions. If something works especially well, I’ll let you know that too.

 

My Values

 

At the heart of Ellison Editorial is a belief that good editing is quiet, careful and collaborative. I approach every project with the following values in mind:

  • Clarity – Editing should make your meaning shine, not muddy it.

  • Respect – Your voice matters. I work to enhance, not overwrite.

  • Accuracy – Detail matters. I take time to get things right.

  • Judgement – Not all rules are helpful. I weigh choices in context.

  • Professionalism – You can expect clear communication and dependable delivery.

Whatever you're working on, you can trust that your work is in thoughtful, capable hands.

 

I'm currently reading ...

Thomas Hardy, The Woodlanders

 

'Ever it happens that even among the moodiest the tendency to be cheered is stronger than the tendency to be cast down'

 

For more well-crafted reads, see my Recommended Reads for Authors. 

Get in touch!

Drop me a line at info@ellisoneditorial.co.uk or use the contact form to discuss your project. I usually reply within 48 hours.

I look forward to hearing from you.