Mr Lee Dickinson

My website: BookEditing.co.uk
For self-publishing authors
Video: decades of experience
Video: what does a book editor do?

I can make your words sparkle by using more than 30 years’ editing experience. If you’re looking for a CIEP advanced professional editor or proofreader to care for your words as if they’re his own, rest assured my career is dedicated to that. Those years of editing have produced a wealth of subject knowledge gained from publishing in the UK and abroad, spanning newspapers and magazines from Portsmouth to Aberdeen via Fleet Street. I now offer full hand-holding self-publishing packages, taking manuscripts from unedited Word file to the finished book.

I chose to specialise in editing and proofreading in 2018, and now more than 70 per cent of my work is from return clients. Combined with journalistic experience, it gives me a wealth of knowledge to help you hone 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, angling, bodybuilding, fitness
• Cars and motoring, transport, leisure and tourism
• Travel, especially in Scotland and the North Coast 500 route, Yorkshire, Europe, Cyprus with a focus on the embargoed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
  
• 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 is not listed, I’d love to add it. Let’s work together to make your precious words even better.

• Fiction and non-fiction books for traditional and self-publishers
• Journals
• Company literature
• 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

Bloomsbury, 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)

Testimonials

As an unagented fiction author, Lee’s manuscript assessment and the cover blurb he drafted were both key to finding a publisher for my first novel, White Powder of Gold. I accepted every one of his helpful, constructive comments to make my final manuscript ready for submission. Thank you so much, Lee.
Dr Sarah Brewer, award-winning non-fiction author

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your corrections to my grammar and general sense-making were beautiful. The book is looking in great shape. Thank you again.
The Last Self-Help Book You’ll Ever Need author Georgia Holleran

Many thanks for all your hard work on the manuscript. I’ve found it highly educational and beneficial.
Liberty Bound author Neil Waterman

Thanks so much for all your hard work on this, and for getting it back to me in such good time! I really appreciate it, and all your suggestions will really help to tighten it up.
No Mountain Immovable: How to Activate Your Faith author Becky Waterman

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

• Editor
• Proofreader

• Action & adventure
• Art & culture
• Biography, autobiography & memoir
• Body, mind & spirit
• Business & finance
• Children & young adult
• Crime, mystery & thriller
• Dystopian fiction
• English literature
• Environment & nature
• History
• Humanities
• Literary fiction
• Religion & theology
• Science fiction & fantasy
• Self-help
• Sport & leisure
• Television, film & radio
• Travel & tourism
• True crime

• Copywriting
• Typesetting
• Self-publishing
• SEO
• Formatting/layout