
Lee Dickinson | Diverse editing experience and a book specialist
Advanced Professional MemberLocation | East Yorkshire, England |
Mobile | 07528 761051 |
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Website | For book authors |
Website | Academic proofreading |
Website | Editing and proofreading |
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.
Video
Skills
- Copy-editing
- Proofreading
- Developmental/substantive editing
- Plain/clear English, writing
- Copywriting
- Rewriting
- Anglicizing
- Website editing, website design
- Editing non-native English
Media
- Fiction and non-fiction books for traditional and self-publishers
- Theses and dissertations
- Journals
- Company literature
- Educational materials
- Multi-author books
- Websites/blogs
- Magazines
Experience
Editor since 2018; sub-editor, DC Thomson, 2011-2018; sub-editor, Johnston Press, 2000-2008, Northcliffe Media and other media groups from 1990
Clients
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
Subjects
- Books of non-fiction and fiction, so far covering the genres of adventure, thriller, genre-mashers, young adult, historical fiction, self-help, epic 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
- Dogs, aquariums with a special focus on cichlids
- Travel, especially in Scotland and the North Coast 500 route, Yorkshire, Cyprus with a focus on the embargoed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Europe
- Education, theses, dissertations, theology, Christian, 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, archaeology, film, chess, health, nutrition
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
Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve (video production), Photoshop CC, Elementor Pro (for WordPress websites)
Testimonials
Brilliant job. The edit was fantastic; there's no doubt it helped me get my publishing contract, and I'm so very thankful.
The (D)Evolution of Us and Glass House author Morwenna Blackwood
Lee is meticulous with his work and quite simply the best in the business. In true professional fashion, he stepped up and guided me every step of the way. Lee was an absolute pleasure to work with. His attention to detail was remarkable. He took the time to understand my style and the work itself to provide suggestions that would best suit. That is something I greatly appreciate. I will gladly use Lee's services for my next books.
Author Lisa Cybaniak
Wow! You're a top-notch proofreader. As always, such a great job. Many thanks for the proofs; all very clear and absolutely spot on. Great job, much appreciated. All comments and corrections make absolute sense. Thank you very much for this speedy and careful work.
Dr Tatiana Argounova-low, University of Aberdeen
I am impressed with your meticulous work. This was not an easy draft to correct.
Dr Prasanna Gautam, author of Indian Philosophy and Reflections on Contemporary Values, Beliefs and Behaviours
Lee is more than just an editor; he's a lifesaver. It is evident Lee is passionate about the service he delivers. Lee is amazing to work with. He is professional, meticulous and committed. His expertise is second to none.
Author, book mentor and Conscious Dreams Publishing founder Daniella Blechner
I would like to express my deep appreciation for editing my life story. I am infinitely grateful to you. Your prompt response to questions was a testimony to your professionalism. It was a delight to work with you.
War and Greece: My Life, Against All Odds author Niki Sokolove
If you want to write a great book then you need a great editor. We are delighted to have Lee as a valued member of our editorial team.
Kim Macleod, Indie Authors World
The editors were very happy with your level of editing.
Kirstin Howgate, Director, Howgate Publishing
Lee did a great job of editing my book. His work was very detailed and precise. He also made suggestions that helped with the flow and feel of the novel.
The Zima Confession author Iain Rodgers
I am grateful for all you've done. You've been incredibly kind in the way you've written your comments, which has inspired me. I've also learnt a great deal.
You've made a huge difference and I'd highly recommend you.
I can now be sure I gave it my best shot, which is down to you.
I felt I was your top priority throughout. Your communication was clear and friendly, and you always responded very quickly.
You noticed all the details I missed and I felt you understood my work, not only as an editor, but as a writer and reader.The Gloaming author Daniel Hare
You are bloody good. First class. I am so glad I had you apply a scalpel. Thank you Lee. Value for money. Great working with you. Really great.
Rudolf Hess – Devil's Chaplain and Agincourt – Henry's Myths and Propaganda author Paul Cotton
Lee as my editor was a godsend. Many have commented on how well my book was written, and Lee played a massive part. Lee's editing is thorough and this is why I chose to work with (him). If you are looking for quality, I would highly recommend Lee as an editor. I cannot thank him enough for his hard work.
Author Nofisa Caseman
Brilliant! Thank you so much. Thanks for your thoughts too – they're most helpful and encouraging.
Your explanations of how to follow rules of punctuation etc. are really helpful – I will do my best to learn them! I found the edits, comments and alterations easy to understand and manage.
I am well satisfied with the professional work done and the lack of fuss surrounding what appears to me an extremely complex task.
This has been a much easier transaction than I anticipated. The work was done comfortably within the time limit agreed and I appreciated being kept up to date with developments. The friendly and efficient style of communications reassured me my work was in safe hands.A Quest for Musical Magic: Discovering the Healing Touch of Sound author Penny Burns
Many thanks for all your hard work on the manuscript. I've found it highly educational and beneficial.
Liberty Bound author Neil Waterman
Thank you for your patience and diligent work. Much appreciated.
Islamic scholar and author of the New Millennium Exposition of the Quran, Paigham Mustafa
Thank you for everything. So pleased to have found a great proofreader.
Vicky Vaughan, The Brand Surgery
I am so grateful for the edit. You have done such a thorough job, more than I’d hoped. You’re very constructive in the way you feedback; it’s friendly and reassuring. Your comments have given me the confidence to slash words and still get across what I want. You’ve given me the confidence to make parts like dialogue work harder. This has helped me focus. It has given me so many ideas before sending it off to agents. Thank you so much.
Author Claire Paton
Lee quickly put my mind at rest and assisted me through great communication and simple-to-read but detailed comments and advice. Highly recommended.
A Highly Unlikely Bicycle Tourist author Stephen Peel
The additional comments have been really helpful. The whole point of getting someone to edit was so I could learn and improve, and your feedback has all been very constructive and useful.
Author Thea Lyons