I love helping writers to develop and grow, and to share their work through publication. I particularly enjoy helping writers to build, and gain confidence in, their own unique perspective and voice. I work with writers at all levels and stages, from beginners to published authors. 

I specialise in developmental editing, or 'book doctoring'. This means giving detailed feedback, advice, and suggestions so that writers can overcome project issues, get ready to redraft, and maximise the power of their work. I also offer accurate and efficient copyediting and proofreading to prepare work for submission or publication. I'm a member of the Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders. 

Praise for Dr Kate Potts

'I highly recommend Kate Potts as an absolutely excellent editor. Her thorough and insightful comments on my novel were incredibly helpful. The feedback she provided was clear and easy to follow. She was particularly helpful in pointing out weak areas in lines of reasoning, or contradictions, and it was a great asset for me to have Kate's fresh, well-read perspective. Kate understood what I was trying to achieve in my work, and gave feedback to ensure readers would grasp my intended meaning. She also did an excellent job of marking places in the manuscript where I could sharpen characterisation and voice. Kate was efficient and encouraging throughout the process.' 
- Susanna de Chenonceau, author of Ara and the Dead Feminists. 
 

'I worked with Kate on a developmental edit of my work-in-progress manuscript. My main concern was finding someone who understood my vision, and it was clear that Kate did. She gave honest, actionable feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the work, and how it needed to develop in order to realise my vision more fully. I wouldn't hesistate to work with her again.'
- Jonathan Payne, author of Citizen Orlov.

'Kate pushed me to stretch my writing further than I was accustomed with thorough notes and detailed conversations. She has a keen editorial eye and helped me become a much stronger writer. She is particularly excellent with plot and character development. Kate is a consummate professional who understands how writing and publishing work. I highly recommend her services for any writer.' 
- Erin Niumata, writer and literary agent

'Kate Potts is a fantastically astute reader whose insightful critical eye and helpful suggestions have frequently been of great benefit to my development as a writer. Highly recommended.'
- John McCullough, author of The Frost Fairs, Spacecraft, Reckless Paper Birds and Panic Response. 

'Kate's feedback has helped me grow as a poet and prose writer. Her comments have always been incisive. I especially love the questions she asks in order to help me develop sections by bringing more sensory detail to them. Her comments have helped me see what is valuable in my poetry and prose, and what needs to be cultivated further. I have received feedback from several other poets and writers and Kate is always the one I think of first.'

- Nana Nafornita, author

'Kate's experience and expertise has enabled her to give invaluable feedback and advice to students on Middlesex University's MA Novel Writing (Distance Education).'
- Dr Adam Lively, author, Programme Leader MA Novel Writing, Middlesex University

I offer manuscript assessment, developmental editing, copy editing and proofreading.

To book a 15-minute phone or zoom call to discuss your project, please email editor@katepotts.net. 

Editing and feedback samples are available on request. For email enquiries, please send your manuscript's word count (prose) or number of poems and a short synopsis of your project to editor@katepotts.net.  

FICTION AND NONFICTION (PROSE)

Manuscript Assessment

I will read through and assess your manuscript, and write a report (500-3500 words, depending on manuscript length). Your report will provide an overview of the manuscript’s strengths, weaknesses and publishing potential, with practical, constructive suggestions for improvement and development. I can provide an assessment of an opening extract – for example, 15,000 words – or of the full manuscript. Manuscript assessment does not include line edits or comments marked on the text.

Estimated turnaround time: 3-4 weeks for manuscripts up to 70,000 words, and 4-6 weeks for manuscripts over 70,000 words. The price includes a short follow-up exchange via email. I can also provide in-person feedback via Zoom if required.

Prices
 

Prose: fiction or nonfiction
0.008p per word (£150 minimum fee).
For example: £240 for 30,000 words and £640 for 80,000 words. 

One hour Zoom feedback session: £50

Developmental Edit
I will write an analysis and assessment of the full manuscript, with evaluation of its publishing potential. My comprehensive report will provide an overview of the plot, thesis and key themes. I will point out the work’s strengths and weaknesses, and help you rewrite for improved characterisation, plot, narrative flow and point of view, clarity/ readability and voice. I will suggest structural changes to help maximise the work’s power and impact, while respecting your aims and vision. Suggested line edits will be marked on the text as appropriate.

The report (around 3500 words for a full manuscript) will help you to prepare the book for an editor or agent. As well as an overall assessment and analysis, your report will include a list highlighting specific pages that require attention. You will receive a marked-up copy of your manuscript with errors, inconsistencies, grammar issues and other details marked on the manuscript using Word’s review and track changes functions.

Estimated turnaround time: 4-6 weeks for manuscripts up to 70,000 words, and 6-8 weeks for manuscripts over 70,000 words. The price includes a short follow-up exchange via email. I can also provide in-person feedback via Zoom if required.


Prices

Prose: fiction or nonfiction
0.019p per word (£200 minimum fee).
For example: £570 for 30,000 words and £1520 for 80,000 words. 

One hour Zoom feedback session: £50

Second Look
Discounts are available for developmental editing on manuscripts I've previously worked on. Please enquire for details. 

POETRY

Portfolio, pamphlet, or full collection
I will analyse and assess your poetry manuscript, and evaluate its publishing potential. My report will provide an overview of the work’s thesis and themes, and its strengths and weaknesses, with suggestions for rewriting.  I will also propose specific edits and revisions, focusing on form and structure, voice, clarity, imagery, rhythm and phrasing. These suggested changes will be designed to work in sympathy with your aims and vision, to realise your work’s full potential.

The report (up to 3500 words depending on manuscript length) will help you to prepare the work for review by an editor. Your report will include a summary highlighting specific pages that require attention. Suggested line edits will be marked on the manuscript using Word’s review function.
 

Estimated turnaround time: 2-3 weeks for manuscripts up to 20 poems/ 900 lines, and 3-5 weeks for manuscripts up to 55 poems/ 2200 lines. I can substitute part or all of the written report with in-person feedback via Zoom if required, or provide Zoom feedback in addition to the report.

Prices

Portfolio: up to 6 poems/ 250 lines
£150.00
Poetry pamphlet: up to 20 poems/ 900 lines
£300.00
Poetry collection: up to 55 poems/ 2200 lines
£600.00

One hour Zoom feedback session: £50

For longer manuscripts, please enquire for a quote. 

Copy Editing (Poetry and Prose)
Correction of grammar issues, typos, spelling errors and other inconsistencies. Sentence reconstruction. Preparing the manuscript for a rewrite.

0.015p per word (£200 minimum fee).
For example: £450 for 30,000 words and £1200 for 80,000 words. 

Proof Reading (poetry and prose)
Correction of last-minute grammar or spelling errors or other inconsistencies. Preparing the manuscript for agent or editor review.

0.008p per word (£150 minimum fee).
For example: £240 for 30,000 words and £640 for 80,000 words. 

Please enquire for copy editing and proof reading turnaround times. 

Payments can be made via bank transfer or paypal. Current exchange rates for US dollars to British pounds can be found here.