Hannah McCall | Fiction
Based in Wiltshire, UK. Works remotely with authors worldwide
- Website
- https://blackcatedit.com/
- Organisation
- Black Cat Editorial Services
- Membership Grade
- Advanced Professional Member
About Hannah
Fiction editing and proofreading for publishers and independent authors.
Why should you choose me?
- You'll receive a sensitive, thoughtful, and supportive service, tailored to you and your project.
- You'll benefit from the knowledge and expertise I have accumulated through thousands of hours of editorial work since 2015.
- I'm highly recommended by my clients – in the last financial year, 82% of my work was commissioned by repeat customers.
Training and qualifications
I think training and continuing professional development are extremely important. Here are the key courses I have completed:
- An Editor's Guide to Editing Fiction (Publishing Training Centre), 2021
- Copyright for Editorial Professionals (Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading), 2020
- Introduction to Fiction Editing (Society for Editors and Proofreaders), 2019
- Basic Editing by Distance Learning (PTC), 2018
- Basic Proofreading: Digital Skills (PTC), 2017
- Mentoring scheme (SfEP), 2016
- P2: Proofreading Progress (SfEP), 2015
- Grammar at Work (PTC), 2015
- Basic Proofreading by Distance Learning (PTC), 2015
I've also passed the SfEP's basic editorial test, an objective demonstration of the required skills, knowledge and judgement to copy-edit and proofread to a high standard. (The SfEP is now the CIEP.)
Services
I offer four core services:
- Line- and copy-editing: this is editing at the sentence level. It'll look at clarity, readability and consistency, alongside areas such as grammar and spelling.
- Proofreading: the last check before publication, usually focused on picking up small errors that remain after previous rounds of editing.
- Manuscript critique: a critique will look at the novel as a whole. The result will be a multi-page report on big-picture elements such as structure and characterisation.
- Developmental editing: a development edit will also look at the novel as a whole, but this service is more hands-on than a critique. You'll receive a multi-page report as well as detailed notes, explanations and suggestions on the manuscript itself.
Each service is bespoke, so please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss your specific requirements.
Clients
- Cornerstones Literary Consultancy
- Joffe Books
- Troubador Publishing Ltd
- The Book Guild Ltd
- SilverWood Books
- Independent authors
I'm a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.
Subjects and specialisms
Fiction
- general commercial fiction
- fantasy fiction, science-fiction and speculative fiction
- crime, thriller, and mystery fiction
- contemporary British fiction
- young adult (YA) and new adult (NA) fiction
- fiction written by LGBTQ+ authors and/or featuring LGBTQ+ characters
Find out more
You can visit my website to view my portfolio, explore my services, or check out my blog.
In the words of my clients
The care that Hannah puts into her work shows in the attention to detail in her edits, and her reports. She picks up major and minor world building elements and stylistic choices I’ve made as a writer. I could go on and on, but I’ll put it simply: If you’re looking for top-notch editing services you’ve come to the right place!
– Steven Healt, author of the Amboy series
I was so delighted to read the editorial report. … It really feels like gold to receive this feedback. It’s almost like having a masterclass in the writing process. I’m also feeling encouraged about the prospect of future writing projects.
– S. J. Southwell, independent author
Hannah, your dedication and professionalism continue to impress me. The copy edit you completed for my manuscript is brilliant. Your meticulous attention to detail has ensured that the text is polished and precise. I appreciate how you preserved my voice and style while making necessary corrections and suggestions. Your comments were clear, constructive, and always supportive. This level of expertise and care has made a significant difference in the quality of my work.
– Ryan J. Hamshaw, award-winning author of the Keepers of the Crossing series
Service(s)
Specialisms
Client types
Associated skills
Disclaimer note
The CIEP Directory of Editorial Services should be considered a point of first contact and prospective clients must satisfy themselves that members are capable of the work on offer. The Institute cannot be held responsible for the quality of work provided by any member listed in the directory. The members themselves are responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of their entries in the Directory and the CIEP has not made any attempt to vet them. The institute cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the Directory. Inclusion in the Directory as a freelance does not necessarily mean that the member is self-employed as defined by HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions.