I specialise in developmental editing to help writers maximise the power and potential of their novels, poetry collections, non-fiction works and more. I am also an award-winning poet and a creative writing lecturer. I’ve taught fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry writing in universities since 2008, for institutions including the University of Oxford, University of London and Middlesex University. 

Praise for Dr Kate Potts

'I highly recommend Kate Potts as an absolutely excellent editor. Her thorough ad 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 use my booking page.

Sample edits 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.  

Mentoring (Poetry and Prose)
For support with your writing technique and process, or feedback on synposes and short pieces, mentoring sessions are available from £60p/h. For concessions, please enquire. To find out more please see my teaching page or book a call. 

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
0.011p per word (£150 minimum fee)

One hour Zoom feedback session: £60

For manuscripts over 100,000 words, please enquire for a quote. 

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.

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 line edits, 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
0.02p per word (£200 minimum fee)

One hour Zoom feedback session: £60

For manuscripts over 100,000 words, please enquire for a quote. 

POETRY

Developmental Edit: 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. Detailed line edits will be marked on the manuscript using Word’s review and track changes functions.
 

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: £60

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. 

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

Please enquire for copy editing and proof reading prices and turnaround times. 

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

I use the Oxford Style Manual (UK) and The Chicago Manual of Style (US).