Lee Dickinson | Fiction and non-fiction book editor
East Yorkshire, UK, but working with words from across the world
- editor@bookediting.co.uk
- Phone
- 07528 761051
- Website
- bookediting.co.uk
- Job title
- Editor and proofreader
- Membership Grade
- Advanced Professional Member
About Lee
Books I've edited, proofread or assessed
My website: BookEditing.co.uk
For self-publishing authors
Video: decades of experience
Among the many fabulous editors here on the CIEP, why choose me? Many here will also have great testimonials like those at the bottom of this page, superb experience similar to the list of clients below, plus my thirty years as a writer, sub-editor and editor. However, most won’t also combine the qualities and benefits below:
Sensitivity toward your ‘voice’
Rigid editing can wreck the creativity behind your writing. Whether you call it voice, character or individuality, it’s unique to you, so you probably want it respected while I’m making your words correct. I specialise in that.
Plain English
The best writing is often crafted from simple words. Jargon and bombast can creep into texts, distancing readers. I assess for the intended audience, using an expert eye for clear, plain English.
Communication
I’m dedicated to keeping you informed during the editing or proofreading process. You’ll get prompt query replies and concise email updates when they’re necessary.
Prices
You won’t find better editing or proofreading prices for the level of expertise offered. The unique nature of projects means fixed prices aren’t possible, but proofreading starts at £8 per 1,000 words and editing at £10 per 1,000.
The qualities and benefits above have contributed to more than seventy per cent of my work now being from return clients. Combined with years of writing experience, they give me a wealth of knowledge to help hone your writing in areas including:
- Books of non-fiction and fiction, so far covering the genres of adventure, thriller, genre-mashers, young adult, historical fiction, self-help, fantasy, dystopian, mystery, horror, biography, memoir, crime, humour, literary, magic realism, realistic, journalism, literary, political, Christian, urban, science fiction
- Business, oil and gas, North Sea oil, health and safety, risk assessment, agriculture, finance, retail, local government, law, charities, energy, renewables
- Sport, especially football, motor racing, Formula One, cricket, boxing, tennis, rugby league and rugby union, coarse fishing, bodybuilding, fitness
- Cars and motoring, transport, leisure and tourism
- Travel, especially in Scotland and the North Coast 500 route, Yorkshire, Cyprus with a focus on the embargoed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Europe
- Dogs, aquariums with a special focus on African cichlids
- Education, theses, dissertations, theology, Christian, Bible, linguistics, anthropology, English literature, classics, management, history, politics
- Marketing, public relations, journalism, current affairs, information technology, computers, gaming, photography, religion, art, crime, social media, internet, blogs, food, whisky, horticulture, nature, television, cinema, social media, archaeology, film, chess, health, nutrition.
If your specialist area isn’t listed, I’d love to add it by working together to make your words the best they can be.
I mostly work on:
- Fiction and non-fiction books for traditional and self-publishers
- Journals
- Company literature
- Multi-author books
- Websites/blogs
- Magazines
Experience
Freelance editor since 2018; sub-editor, DC Thomson, 2011-2018; sub-editor, Johnston Press, 2000-2008, Northcliffe Media and other media groups from 1990
Clients
Bloomsbury, ISC Medical, Endava, Veloce Publishing, Dr Sarah Brewer, The Open University, WaterAid, Jonglez Publishing, SunRise Publishing, The SHARP Agency, Risktec Solutions Ltd, Visual Identity Creative Ltd, Urtext Ltd, New Life Publishing, SAUE Technology Solutions, Benaki Museum, Newgen Publishing, Betterwrite Literary Consultants, Dr Prasanna Gautam, University of Aberdeen, Dr Tatiana Argounova-Low, Indie Authors World, The Brand Surgery, Howgate Publishing, Conscious Dreams Publishing, Marcia M Spence Publishing, Marcliffe Hotel, dozens of independent authors across many genres
Training
- CIEP web editing 2019
- CIEP proofreading 2018
- CIEP copy-editing 2018
- CIEP theses and dissertations 2018
- CIEP fiction editing 2018
Qualifications
BA in English Literature
NCTJ Journalism
Specialised software
Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Affinity Publisher, DaVinci Resolve (video production), Zotero (referencing), Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, Elementor Pro (for WordPress websites)
My heartfelt gratitude for all the wonderful work [on] the manuscript. I am massively pleased with your in-depth report. [It] shows the deep work you’ve done on dissecting the manuscript and is truly commendable. Your experience in the field is impressive and your comments and advice have meant a lot to me.
What I hold in even higher regard is the heart of gold you carry with you.
Aditya Shroff, The Storyteller of Umarsadi
Beyond all expectations. Lee’s edit was invaluable. Clear, detailed comments. He is truly a talented, committed professional who provides a personalised service. Lucky me!
Sir Dexter Hutt, The Mantra and Digging Deep, longlisted for the Bath International Award
Service(s)
Specialisms
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.