Ms Gaynor Haliday | Non-fiction Editor

NON-FICTION EDITING FOR SOCIAL HISTORIANS, GENEALOGISTS AND BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR WRITERS

Are you looking for an experienced editor to polish your text? I’m passionate about the genres I specialise in and enjoy reading other people’s manuscripts and learning something new. I’ve edited more than 175 non-fiction books, including local, social & family history, fascinating personal memoirs, and biographies on people as diverse as Charlotte Bronte and Napoleon!

A small selection can be seen here: https://www.gaynorhaliday.co.uk/books-ive-recently-copyedited

HOW DO I WORK?

My role is to help turn your manuscript into the best book possible. Being naturally analytical and a meticulous fact-checker, I’m detailed and thorough in my approach to copyediting. I’ll make sure your text meets industry-standard grammar, spelling and punctuation (which may differ from what we might more generally accept!) and that it’s consistent. In addition, I’ll look at the flow and clarity of the narrative to ensure it engages your readers. There’s no need to be afraid of this – I’m very respectful of the work you’ve put in and will handle your manuscript sensitively, making only necessary changes and querying anything I don’t understand, or suggesting alternatives for you to consider.

I’m a traditionally published author (two social history books with a third underway) so I have first-hand knowledge of turning a cherished manuscript into a published book.

I’m computer literate and can edit/proof in Microsoft Word and Adobe PdF, though it’s always far more straightforward to edit in MS Word (it’s also efficient, so helps to keep the costs down). And I’ve always been self-motivated, proactive and resourceful – vital when you have deadlines to meet!

SUBGENRES I WORK IN

History | Social history | Local history | Women’s lives | Heritage | Genealogy | Biography | Autobiography | Memoirs (historical, political, military, letters and diaries) | Crafts | Travel

EXPERIENCE & TRAINING

After many years in the food industry (sales and marketing), I decided a new career was a good idea and, after some training with CIEP, embarked as a freelance editor and proofreader in 2015. Ongoing training and experience helped my career progression and the numerous resources available at CIEP ensure I’m always learning something new to put into practice.

WHAT MY CLIENTS THINK

As a first-time author, I was overwhelmed by the process of writing and publishing. Gaynor's calm and simple approach helped me immensely. She never added to my overwhelm by giving me too much to consider. She edited my manuscript thoroughly, making wonderful suggestions throughout. I highly recommend her to other genealogy and local history authors looking to put out the best book they can. Denys Allen

This editor is experienced, polite, and professional. Her knowledge of British history complemented my need to ensure the work was written in the proper context. Her suggested edits were on target and, I believe, greatly improved the quality of the product. I am pleased with the outcome of our collaboration. Mark Johnson

I could not have wished for a more professional editor than Gaynor Haliday and thank her for her very methodical, patient and friendly editing. Pen & Sword author

My editor, Gaynor Haliday, has proved admirably patient and professional in helping me to refine and clarify the manuscript. Pen & Sword author

Thanks to Gaynor Haliday for her thorough, and especially professional, editing and proofreading. Pen & Sword author

Thanks to Gaynor Haliday for her excellent proofreading and editorial skills. M.J. Trow

Gaynor was a pleasure to work with. She grasped the objective and worked within my intended scope of work. Mark Hunnibell

A detailed, thorough and friendly service. Highly recommended. Jan Hoyland

• Editor
• Proofreader

• Non-fiction
• Biography, autobiography & memoir
• Crafts & hobbies
• Gardening
• History
• Narrative non-fiction

• Academics
• Book publishers
• Indie authors
• Journal publishers

• Transcription
• Copywriting
• Writing