Welcome! My name is Jane, and I’m an editor and typesetter living in Cambridgeshire in the UK but working remotely for clients across the world.
As a writer, you want your work to be polished and professional. You’re looking for someone who can lift your writing to the next level and help it engage and absorb your readers, all the while respecting your voice and your style. This where I come in.
My approach is very much one of collaboration. I am on your side! I can help you craft your work into something that you – and your readers – will be delighted with.
If this is your first time working with an editor, it might feel a bit overwhelming, but there’s no need to worry. I can guide you through the process.
What about the cost? That will depend on a number of factors, such as what type of editing you require and the time the work will take. I usually like to quote a project rate, so we both know up front, and I offer payment in instalments. I also offer free sample edits so we can see if we’re a good fit before committing.
If you aren’t sure what you need, or if you have any other questions, please do feel free to contact me for an initial chat.
Manuscript Evaluation
If you’ve finished writing your book and would like professional feedback on the story, narrative arc, characterisation, dialogue and so on.
This is a high-level analysis of your book which helps you understand which bits are working well and which could benefit from further attention.
Read further details here.
Line Editing and Copyediting
When you’re happy with the structure of your story but would like professional assistance to polish the writing so that your readers will feel engaged and immersed.
Line editing looks at sentence flow, clarity and consistency, while copyediting focuses on spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Read further details here.
Proofreading
The final stage – when a book has been thoroughly edited and is almost ready to go.
Proofreading pick ups any remaining errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, layout and formatting.
Read further details here.
I also offer interior book design (typesetting) and self-publishing services.
I will shortly be offering developmental editing. Check back soon, or sign up the my newsletter The Fenland Pen and I’ll let you know!
I am so glad I discovered Jane Spencer Editorial! Jane recently undertook a manuscript evaluation of my first novel. Her detailed report and follow-up video call were invaluable. Jane’s advice is clear and constructive, with plenty of examples and links to articles and books for further help. Her assessment covered everything from plot and structure to characterisation, dialogue, setting, writing technique and more. Jane pinpointed exactly which areas of my book require attention, so I have a step-by-step action plan of what to do next. When I have rewritten and edited, I will definitely ask Jane for a final evaluation before submitting it to an agent. I highly recommend Jane Spencer Editorial to any writer.
Clare S, March 2024
In the three years I have been writing professionally, I have won an international writing award and been nominated for a second. I could not have done that with the quite honestly brilliant assistance of Jane Spencer. I would recommend her to anyone seeking to publish any work, no matter how long or short.
It’s not just the incredibly high quality of editing work that Jane does which is so good, but also the constructive and educational feedback she provides. Working with her has been an education, in English, in writing and in my own writing philosophies.
I could write volumes of praise for her and her work, but let me summarise with this fact – I refuse to publish any work, whether digital or in print, without having Jane edit it first. If you are smart, you’ll do the same.
Stephen Hart, The Grinning Frog, April 2023
