Jane Hammett
Advanced Professional MemberLocation | LEIGHTON BUZZARD, Bedfordshire |
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Mobile | 07895 179 056 |
Web | https://jane-hammett.co.uk/ |
Welcome! I’m Jane.
Are you looking for an experienced, trustworthy, professional copy-editor and proofreader? Then you’ve come to the right place.
I work with independent authors, businesses and publishers on fiction and non-fiction.
I strongly believe that trust is the cornerstone of the editor–client relationship, whether the client is an author, business or publisher. You’ve put blood, sweat and tears into your project, and you can trust me to make the editing changes that will lift your words and allow them to shine.
I want you to be delighted with my edits: to feel that your work is still yours but perfected. Polished. Ready to go confidently out into the world.
The practicalities are important too. You can trust me to be honest … but diplomatic. To be helpful and kind. To be professional. To return your project on schedule. To stick to your brief. To think of solutions to problems, and to keep you informed and up to date along the way.
Much of my work is with repeat clients, who come back to me because they trust me.
Why choose me to work on your editing or proofreading project?
- I take editing seriously: I’m an Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, and a tutor on the CIEP’s editing and proofreading courses.
- I’m experienced: since 1998, I’ve worked with publishers, independent authors and businesses on thousands of projects, including books, e-books, blogs, magazines, websites, online courses, press releases…
- I’m reliable, thorough, friendly and honest: I always meet deadlines, and clients say they enjoy working with me.
- I love my job: I love working with clients to polish their words and make their book the best it can be.
Trust me to edit your text.
Which editorial services do I offer?
- MS critiques
- copy-editing
- proofreading
- blurb writing
- website editing
- writing (blogs, articles, etc.)
- rewriting
- fact checking
What kind of projects do I work on?
Books, games, magazines, websites, annual reports, blogs, press releases … the list is endless!
Please see my website for more information, or get in touch to discuss how I can help you with your project.
Here's a small selection of the projects I've been proud to work on recently. Please check out my website portfolio for more.
Books for younger children
Middle grade fiction
YA fiction
Thrillers and crime fiction
Romance
Non-fiction for adults
Games and other products
Skills
Copy-editing, rewriting, writing (blog posts, blurbs), proof-editing, proofreading (PDFs/on screen/hard copy, using BSI proofreading markup symbols or Adobe Reader’s editing tools), proofreading e-book/Kindle/mobi/epub files, Anglicising, writing in plain English.
Recent training
Sub-editing masterclass run by Martin Lloyd, former head of writing standards at the BBC (January-February 2021)
The Society for Editors and Proofreaders (now CIEP) annual conference (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 (online), 2021)
Fiction Editors Mini Conference, London, March 2019
Editorial Freelancers Association’s course: Development Editing of Fiction (intermediate), 2018
Workshop on narrative distance run by writer Emma Darwin, 2017
SfEP Editing for Fiction: Professional Development Day, 2016
I belong to several editing groups, both online and in real life.
Recent clients
Bonnier Zaffre, Headline, Hot Key Books, Auzou, Little, Brown, One Third Books, Quercus Books, Schofield & Sims, Osiris Educational, businesses and independent authors
Subjects
Animals and birds (behaviour, husbandry, welfare), education (pre-school, early years, primary), English language, English and Scottish literature, the environment (conservation, nature, wildlife, birds, birdwatching, ornithology, countryside), feminism and women's rights, geography, history, midwifery, parenting and child development, personal development (pregnancy and childbirth, relationships, self-help/popular psychology, anxiety, depression), religion (Christianity), social sciences (crime/criminology, sociology), horses (dressage, show jumping), gymnastics
Children's fiction: pre-school books, picture books, rhyming books, chapter books, middle grade, Young Adult (YA)
Adult fiction: crime, thriller, mystery, romance, popular fiction, chick lit, biography, autobiography, memoirs
Other subjects also considered.
Testimonials
Jane completed an incredibly thorough edit of my middle-grade fantasy novel. She made suggested improvements which ranged from small technical corrections and stylistic tweaks to highlighting inconsistencies and ambiguities in the characters and underlying plot. After I implemented the suggested changes, Jane took the time to respond to my queries and read through the text again. She was very positive about my project, criticism was always constructive, and she was easy to contact throughout the process. I'd have no hesitation in approaching her to work on future projects.
Finlay Dick, author of Faerio Fortress
I’ve worked with Jane on over twenty books and her attention to detail never ceases to amaze me. Whether it’s a spelling mistake hidden in an illustration, a rogue apostrophe, or a formatting issue, Jane spots it. Our books are bilingual and she’s even flagged up discrepancies in foreign languages!
As well as being eagle-eyed, Jane turns things around quickly and has never missed a deadline. Her comments and amendments are communicated clearly and she’s always happy to follow up on any queries. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
Jonny Pryn, One Third Books
Jane has worked with our company for many years now. She is extremely reliable and quick to respond to proofing requests. We really trust her advice and she is a pleasure to work with. I have no hesitation in recommending Jane.
Olivia Stephenson, Osiris Educational
Jane’s approach to story-telling and line-editing is precise. If you’ve ever had those niggling doubts about elements in your manuscript you can’t quite put your finger on, Jane has the unerring ability to home in on these and offer assistance to rid them from your work. The result is a manuscript that is much tighter, more coherent, and far more enjoyable to read than the one you sent her.
Seth Rain, author of the Humanity Series
I find it hard to express how grateful I am to have found Jane to work with. My stories would not be what they are without her input and experience. Any writer who finds her will be lucky indeed! She has taught me so much.
Lily Dyu, author
Jane is everything you want in an editor and more. She helped make my books the best-sellers they are today. I wouldn't consider using anyone else.
Carl Vernon, author of The Less Stress Lifestyle and Anxiety Rebalance
Jane has been a massive part of my writing dream. She has encouraged me to dig deep, research and learn new writing skills. I am truly grateful for all her help and advice. She is an amazing teacher. I wouldn’t want anyone else to edit my work.
Faye Clark, author of Harper's Fate and Harper's Fortune
Jane is an excellent copy-editor and proofreader and I have no hesitation in recommending her.
Annette Abel, Wiley-Blackwell project manager
Jane's experience and knowledge have been a great support since I launched my blog and online business. By working together, both editing and proofreading, she has helped me to publish high-quality content not only on my own website and marketing products, but as a guest writer for other blogs. Most valuably for me, Jane has encouraged and guided me, and helped me to improve my writing skills. I now see Jane as a valued part of my support team. Thanks, Jane!
Jo Warwick, counsellor
I worked with Jane on four of my books and I recommend her services unreservedly. She has an eagle eye for inconsistencies and a deep understanding of language. It was a pleasure working with someone who is always pleasant, always on time and highly professional.
Natasha Mostert, author
Jane has worked for me for 15 years on many books (across all age ranges) and I have always found her to be thorough and conscientious. She always meets deadlines and is very reliable.
Jane Hughes, editorial manager, Orion Children's Books
Jane has been a great support. She has edited my first series of children's books, and her feedback and kindness have made the process much smoother and more positive. I've really valued her views and guidance, and how quickly she has got back to me. Many, many thanks.
Caroline Meek, author of the Chloe and the Weatherbys preschool series
Jane has been amazing. Her copy-editing brought my children’s story to life, after many months lying dormant. She is supportive, competent, talented and did a great job. Thank you so much.
Debra Harris, author of Cats Behaving Badly
From my first email to Jane, I felt as though I was in safe hands: she has a professional but friendly approach, and is pleasantly efficient. She is also honest. I think that one of the most important attributes in an editor must be to tell the truth. In addition, Jane made suggestions and comments and gave me ideas throughout the script, all of which I believe will add to readers' enjoyment of the book. I was really impressed. Excellent service.
Gordon Warden, independent author
I can’t say how much I appreciated your thoroughness and attention to detail throughout your copy-edit. The way you so thoughtfully engaged with the text has really reassured me. Thank you.
Alison MacDonald, editor, Quercus Books