Victoria O'Dowd | Copyeditor and Proofreader

Offering copy-editing, line-editing, proofreading and fact-checking services, I work on a wide range of material, including autobiographies, memoirs, travel writing, travel guides, outdoor literature and self-published novels.

About

I have twelve years' experience as freelance editor and proofreader, helping people to express themselves effectively and accurately in writing. I edit both fiction and non-fiction and offer copy-editing, line editing and proofreading services. Specialising in creative non-fiction, I work on a range of different genres, including autobiographies, memoirs and travel writing. I also edit fiction and enjoy working with self-publishing authors. Being a master's graduate in English Literature, I have always had a passion for novels, which I apply to my work along with training in fiction editing.

Having a love of the great outdoors – as well as a love of editing words – I am never more in my element than when I get to combine the two. I also edit detailed guidebooks for trekkers, walkers and cyclists in locations all over the world, which involves a high level of accuracy and fact-checking; this level of meticulousness I apply to all my editing work.

I enjoy taking on a varied portfolio of work and don't consider any job too small.

Qualifications and Training

• How to Mark up PDF Page Proofs
• Essential Grammar – Publishing Training Centre
• Introduction to Fiction Editing – CIEP
• Workshops/seminars – SfEP Conferences 2018/2019
• References – SfEP
• Copy-editing – Publishing Training Centre
• Basic Proofreading – Publishing Training Centre
• MA 20th-Century Literature
• BA (Hons) English Literature & Inter-Arts

Clients

• Small independent publishers
• Self-publishing non-fiction authors
• self-publishing fiction authors
• Journal authors
• Businesses

Testimonials

'We always know that you will deliver the highest standards in terms of editing and author care, and on top of that you're lovely to work with.'

Natalie Simpson – Senior Editor, Cicerone Press

'We were on a tight deadline and the book had many different sections to it. However, Victoria met the deadline and her work was superb. Her attention to detail and high standards meant we all felt so much more relaxed when it was sent to the printers. We have not had one citicism about the content or any errors! We are all thrilled by Victoria's work and would highly recommend her.'

Sheron Boyle – Journalist/Author

'I was put in touch with Victoria by the publishers of my forthcoming book, Wild Guide – North-East England, which is one of a series of photographic field guides to the hidden parts of the UK and beyond. The book includes around a thousand places to eat, visit or stay. As such, not only did Victoria have to proof and copy-edit the huge amount of written content, she also had to meticulously check directions, map co-ordinates and fact-check every single listing. The editorial process for this book was quite intense, taking place over a few weeks. Victoria remained professional, patient and polite throughout. Although Victoria always took the lead with the editing role, her approach is very much a collaborative one and she involves the writer along the entire way, in a very subtle way. She has a natural understanding of what the writer wants to say, and if she feels this may not be clear, she always offers up a well-considered alternative – which always enhanced the copy. By the end of the editing process, I felt that we had been on a journey together to create a piece of work that I hope we can both be proud of. I would not hesitate to recommend Victoria to writers of all sorts of books and other publications. Thank you again, Victoria, for all your hard work on my book.'

Sarah Banks – Author

'I would like to recommend Victoria as a result of her invaluable help, guidance and advice she afforded me in completing my family history Loss, Renewal and Reunion, which I have recently published. Due to my unusual and interesting background, it had always been an ambition of mine to write a definitive account of my family's history, but due to a number of negative factors, several attempts at this had been mismanaged. This was unfortunate as a great deal of material, both written and photographic, had been gathered, and it would have been a great pity had the project been abandoned. However, I decided to "go it alone", and I was glad that I was eventually able to complete the work this year. That this has happened is entirely thanks to the invaluable help, guidance and advice I received from Victoria.'

Heiki Soova – Self-publishing author

'Victoria is an absolute treasure to work with. I'm so fortunate I was able to hire for my novel, and would gladly do so again. All of her suggestions were natural and she kept true to my version of the story, only improving it, not changing it. Her patience and dedication must be commended as she communicated with me throughout the process and aided me with even the most mediocre of tasks. She thoroughly read and understood the complexity of my plot, pointing out key details I had missed. I would absolutely recommend anyone who wants to polish up their story to Victoria as I would absolutely love to work with her again.'

Raya Harper – Self-publishing author

'Reading back through all the chapters it's so much tighter. You've worked magic. Thank you. It's a real art what you do. It feels more like my writing than before.'

Edwina Pitcher – Author

'I was looking for a copy editor for my first novel, The Man Who Kept Dying, so I contacted several copy editors. The edited sample that Victoria sent back convinced me that she was the right person for how I wanted this part of the edition process to be. Her copy-editing skills lifted the quality of the novel without changing its meaning or style, yet made it a lot easier to read. And when I sent the edited manuscript to proofreaders, all commented positively on its quality – a true testament to the quality of the work produced. Victoria also provided an editorial report on top of the style sheet, which was invaluable to me as a new writer and I am sure would be to more seasoned writers too. She was also extremely patient as this is not a full-time project for me (and also not in my native language) and regularly kept me updated as she progressed with the copy editing and review of comments and proposed changes. Thank you once again for your professionalism.'

Vincent Olivier – Self-publishing author

'I contacted Victoria to copy-edit my work and she has been a delight to work with on my manuscript. From the response time to updates to quality of work, I would recommend her services to anyone in the self-publishing arena. Definitely worth it.'

Keyllan Dawkins – Self-publishing author

'I worked with Victoria on a guidebook I have written. She proofread it and checked for consistency and accuracy as well as the expected grammar and spelling. She was great to work with, responded quickly and always very friendlily. Her attention to detail was brilliant. Can't recommend highly enough.'

Matt Heason - Author

'Victoria was assigned to edit my manuscript for an upcoming guide I authored for a well-respected walking holiday publisher. The book contains maps, elevation profiles, tables, photographs and text requiring many facets of detailed fact checking to assure accuracy in the field. In addition to her grammar and fact-checking work, I appreciated possible alternative wording she offered, clarifying information when needed, as well as thoughts on content and subject structure, improving readability. Through Victoria's attention to detail, knowledge and tireless efforts, the guide will be useful, accurate and a pleasure to read, exceeding the publisher's high standards. I look forward to working with Victoria on any future work and highly recommend her for any proofreading and copy-editing requirements you may have.'

John Raffaldi - Author

'I have recently used Victoria to edit my work and I found her to be extremely helpful and professional. She always responded to my queries and requirements and was true to her word on the timescale. I will be using her again in the future.'

Steve Armstrong – Self-publishing author

'I can highly recommend Victoria for the professionalism, patience and understanding she showed whilst proofing and editing my work over many months. She helped me a great deal with my book about my travels and was always there to advise and help me when I had any problems expressing my travel adventures on paper. I cannot thank Victoria enough.'

David Earley – Self-publishing author

• Editor
• Proofreader

• Biography, autobiography & memoir
• English literature
• Narrative non-fiction
• Science fiction & fantasy
• Travel & tourism