Welcome

I'm Amanda Ellison, a professional proofreader and editor.

I provide proofreading and editing services, primarily to publishers and independent authors.

About Ellison Editorial

With a lifelong dedication to language and literature, my career spans diverse roles where precision and passion for the written word intersect. For twenty-five years, I led an English department in secondary education, cultivating the next generation of writers while honing my own editorial eye.

As a proofreader and copyeditor, I've partnered with authors across multiple genres to elevate their manuscripts from promising to polished.

I do more than correct text – I collaborate with writers to ensure their authentic voice resonates with crystal clarity. My commitment is to help your work shine at its absolute best, whether you're crafting fiction, non-fiction, or educational content.

Qualifications

BA (Hons) English with History
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (English)
Diploma in Proofreading and Editing (Level 4, Distinction)
Diploma in Freelance Journalism
Member of Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP)

Professional development

Being a certified proofreader and copyeditor doesn't end with core training: I keep my skills sharp – and learn new ones – by devoting a minimum of one day a month to professional development.

Here are just some of the training courses I've recently completed with the Publishing Training Centre:

Author feedback

My commitment to my craft drives me to deliver the best possible version of an author's manuscript. I bring my expertise to bear while ensuring that the author's unique voice remains true and authentic.

But don't just take my word for it – check out these kind words from authors.

"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

"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

Services

I offer the following services:

Proofreading
Copyediting
Proof-editing (a combined copyedit and proofread)
Line edit
Mini line edit
Free author resources

To find out more, click one of the categories below.

Not sure which service you need? Check out the steps of the editorial process further down the page – it should make things a whole lot clearer!

Proofreading

Find out what's included in the final polish that showcases your work at its best.

Find out more ...

Editing

Identify whether you need a line edit (stylistic) or a copyedit (technical) – or both!

Find out more ...

Resources for Authors

If you want – free! – tips and advice, something here might help you.

Find out more ...

What are the stages of the editorial process?

Stage 1: Manuscript Critique and/or Developmental Editing – Ensuring Coherence

A manuscript critique is a form of feedback that offers an overview of the strengths and weaknessnes of your manuscript.

A developmental edit is similar but is a more in-depth process: it suggests detailed revisions and suggestions for improvement.

Stage 2: Line Editing – Making Text Compelling

Line editing is a stylistic stage and involves a line-by-line examination of the copy. It looks for inconsistencies in style and language. A line edit will evaluate word choice, eliminate repetitions, correct syntax, and ensure that tone and voice are consistent.

Stage 3: Copyediting – Ensuring Consistency and Accuracy

Not to be confused with proofreading, a thorough copyedit ensures consistency and accuracy in the mechanics - capitalisation, spelling, phrasing, and so on.

This edit will also ensure that the specified style guide has been adhered to and formatting specifications have been followed.

Any fact-checking will take place at this stage and key words/phrases will be optimised.

Stage 4: Proofreading – Perfecting and Polishing

This is a final check. A proofreader will identify errors (spelling, punctuation, sentence construction, formatting, etc) and inconsistencies (capitalisation, etc). This is a crucial stage: the proofreader may also flag issues such as confusing acronyms or over-use of jargon.

How much will it cost?

Every project is different. Some manuscripts require minimal intervention; some require heavy editing. This is why I offer a free-sample service: it helps me to accurately gauge your requirements and quote fairly, and it helps you see what I can bring to your work!

My rates are competitive and based on the premise of value. For suggested minimum rates, see the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading. However, I do provide indicative pricing: