Matthew Webster-Moore | Fantasy, sci-fi, and horror fiction
- [email protected]
- Website
- https://mooreattuned.com/
- Organisation
- Moore Attuned Editorial
- Job title
- Developmental editor and proofreader of the otherworldly and spooky (sci-fi, fantasy, and horror)
- Membership Grade
- Professional Member
About Matthew
So, you’ve written a fantasy, sci-fi, or horror novel (or something shorter).
Have you done everything you can, but you feel your story just isn’t quite there yet?
Or are you happy with your story but just need those sneaky, lingering errors gone for good?
I can help ensure readers are horrified by your monsters, not grammar mishaps, and that they dive into your plot, not dig out of plot holes.
I’ve built my editorial experience by working with indie authors and publishers, including Bonnier Books, Canelo, Crystal Lake Publishing, and Rowanvale.
I take great care to be friendly, diplomatic, and conscientious throughout the whole process (and beyond) so your story receives the care and attention it deserves.
Services I Offer
Developmental editing
Craft an unputdownable story that’ll make sleep seem a waste of time.
If you’re unsure whether the story in your head matches the one on the page or if it’s as engaging as it could be, this service is for you. Coming before any sentence-level editing, a developmental edit zooms out to review the big picture:
- character development
- world-building
- plot/story
- tension and conflict
- pacing
- theme
- show versus tell
- point of view
I’ll focus on your goals and the 3–5 areas I feel would benefit most from consideration; discussing every element, in my experience, is counterproductive and leads to a less-focused or overwhelming revision. I also identify smaller, manageable issues you may wish to tackle.
Find out more about my developmental editing service.
Proofreading
This is the final, but crucial, step in the editing process that ensures consistency and removes any snags and slip-ups that derail the reader’s immersion. You want their attention where it should be: your awe-inspiring world, your tantalising conflicts, your intriguing characters. A proofread keeps it there.
When working with me, you won’t get a red-faced judge. Your words and style will be treated with the kindness and respect they deserve. This means I won’t meddle if you break a ‘rule’ when it enhances your prose (I’m a big fan of some creative rule-breaking).
I’m experienced with UK and US English and work with Microsoft Word and PDF software.
While my favourite genres to work with are fantasy, sci-fi, and horror, I’m happy to work with any fiction genre for proofreading.
Find out more about my proofreading service.
Manuscript evaluation
I LOVED Joelle!
This scene was so slow I had to stop.
This scene's build-up was so tense I couldn't put it down!
There were so many battles it felt repetitive.
There were so many battles!
Is feedback like this leaving you stumped, unsure where to go next?
Perhaps you've tinkered with scenes, only to feel they may have been better before?
A manuscript evaluation cuts through the noise and lets you know what's working and where you need to focus your efforts.
- a 6–9-page report
- an overview of three main story issues
- highlights of what you're doing well and how you could apply those skills elsewhere in the story
Because of this, you’ll likely benefit more if you’re confident with fixing problems identified without much guidance.
Submission materials review
Craft a submission package that will hook an agent’s attention.
You could have a stellar story in your hands, but if your query letter and synopsis aren’t attention-grabbing, your agent likely won’t give it a second glance. Sad, but true.
With all the effort you’ve gone through writing it, your story doesn’t deserve to lose its chance on traditional publication because of an underwhelming submission package.
I’ll help strengthen the following:
- query letter
- synopsis
- book blurb
Find out more about my submission materials review service.
My Education and Learning
- BA (Hons) English and Philosophy (Keele University, 2022)
- Proofreading 1: Introduction (CIEP, 2019)
- Proofreading 2: Headway (CIEP, 2020)
- Proofreading 3: Progress (CIEP, 2022)
- Copyediting 2: Headway (CIEP, 2024)
- The Art of Querying (CIEP, 2022)
- Word for Practical Editing (CIEP, 2021)
- Developmental Editing: Fiction Theory (Liminal Pages, 2020)
- Developmental Editing: In Practice (Liminal Pages, 2021)
- Tea and Commas: The Foundations of Line and Copy-Editing Fiction (Liminal Pages, 2024)
- CIEP conference 2022
- CIEP conference 2023
- CIEP conference 2025
- Editing for Character Development (Club Ed)
- Editing for Plot and Structure (Club Ed)
- Editing for World-Building and Setting (Club Ed)
- Editing Science Fiction and Fantasy (Club Ed)
- Editing Mystery/Thriller/Suspense (Club Ed)
- Essentials of Conflict (Club Ed)
- Manuscript Evaluation (Club Ed)
- How to Edit Query Letters, Synopses, and More (Club Ed)
- Writing the Revision Letter (Club Ed)
- Beginning Copyediting for Fiction (Club Ed)
- Intermediate Copyediting for Fiction (Club Ed)
- Editing Sagging Middles (Club Ed)
- Payoffs: Editing for Powerful Resolutions (Club Ed)
- Call to Adventure: Editing the Opening (Club Ed)
- Developmental Editing of Fiction: Strategies for Stepping Back to See the Big Picture (EFA webinar)
Kind Words from Clients
I've worked with Matthew of Moore Attuned Editorial a number of times, and it's getting to the point where I pretty much just "Accept All Changes." He treats my words with kindness and respect but also helps me boot the unnecessary ones to the kerb! Highly recommend (again!) —Morgan Klein, crime and romance fiction author.
It's sometimes a bit of a gamble reaching out to new freelancers, but Matthew was swift and professional from the start. He is meticulous in his proofreading, and a genuine pleasure to work with. I have already recommended him to my colleagues, and I would do the same to anyone looking to broaden their freelancer contact list! —Hannah Taylor, Editorial Assistant at Canelo.
Working with Matt has been an excellent experience from start to finish. His communication was clear, friendly, and professional, and his comments throughout the manuscript were thoughtful, instructive, and genuinely helpful. I learned quite a bit about grammar and writing just from the insights he left in the margins, and his attention to detail strengthened my book in ways I truly appreciate. Going into the project, I expected a clean proofread, but Matt exceeded those expectations. He not only caught the usual punctuation and consistency issues — he also provided clarity notes, highlighted continuity concerns, and even set up heading styles properly to ensure nothing broke during formatting. The included style sheet (and the additional blank version for future books) was an unexpected and incredibly valuable bonus. I wasn’t hesitant to hire him, but this was my first full proofread on Reedsy, so I wasn’t entirely sure what level of depth or professionalism to expect. Matt’s sample and his responsiveness convinced me to move forward, and I’m very glad I did. He delivered everything early, kept me updated, and made the entire process smooth and enjoyable. To anyone considering working with him: do it. Matt is thorough, reliable, and easy to collaborate with, and he brings a level of care to the project that goes far beyond surface-level proofreading. I fully intend to work with him on the next books in my series. I highly recommend him to other authors.—Guy Stapp, horror author.
I'd say it was one of the most thorough and professional proofreads I've had so far. Matthew provides a well-valued service. —Zachary Ashford, horror author.
I hired Matt to evaluate my work-in-progress and to pinpoint any serious structural problems as well as personal/typical blind spots in my writing. He was a delight to work with, super-friendly and professional. Several pages of detailed evaluation were delivered in super-quick time (get in before the rush!) and every comment was clear. I was left with a clear roadmap for future improvements as well as a few kind comments about areas that were stronger. As a professional journalist, I'm used to my writing being hacked to pieces, but it's rare to receive encouragement of any sort! I therefore have no hesitation in recommending Matt's services to others struggling through their first, second, or seventh draft. —Fleur Doidge, journalist and author.
More about Matt
After a long stretch of working in retail, a plot twist saw me earning a degree in English literature and philosophy while training as a proofreader with the CIEP (SfEP at the time). After the first course, I thought, Hey, turns out I really enjoy this, and I haven’t looked back since. Helping immensely creative individuals craft the kind of stories I love is rewarding beyond measure. In my spare time, I’ll probably be building a book nook, watching TV shows, sinking my teeth into a good story, or adding even more books to my TBR pile.
Want to enquire about a service or ask a question? Contact me today so we can discuss your story.
Or, if you prefer, email me directly at [email protected]. I look forward to speaking with you!
Service(s)
Specialisms
Client types
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.