Welcome! My name is Jane, and I’m an editor and proofreader living in Cambridgeshire in the UK.
My approach is very much one of collaboration, rather than simply dictating grammar rules. I aim to work with you to produce a professional product you can be delighted with.
You want your work to be polished and professional. You’re looking for someone who can help you improve flow and readability and ensure your meaning is clear and unambiguous, all the while respecting your voice and your style. This where I can help.
If this is your first time working with an editor, it might feel a bit overwhelming, but please don’t worry! I can guide you through the process. I can also offer bespoke consultancy and project management services – as much or as little as you require.
I have worked on many genres, but in fiction I specialise in fantasy, science fiction and RPG (roleplaying game) material, and, in non-fiction, psychology, education and alternative education, and geocaching.
Please take a look at my services below and view some of the books I have worked on.
If you aren’t sure what you need, or if you have any other questions, please do feel free to contact me.
Manuscript Evaluation
A high-level analysis of your book. It helps you understand which bits are working well and which could benefit from further attention.
My manuscript evaluations look at elements such as plot, story arc, setting, characterisation, point of view, dialogue and more. You will receive a report of at least 2,000 words detailing your manuscript’s strong points and pointing out areas for improvement. I will usually make reference to particular passages or scenes throughout the report and, if appropriate, I will include suggestions for further research or reading.
The cost starts at £300 for a manuscript of up to 60,000 words.
Read further details here and contact me to discuss.
Copyediting/Line editing
My copyediting service includes line editing, so it looks at issues such as style, flow, clarity, word choice, consistency and point of view, as well as grammar, spelling and punctuation. I focus on working with you to convey your story, while maintaining your voice and style.
The time for copyediting is when your book is structurally complete, you are confident that the story and plot are sound, and you have you’ve finished your own editing.
The cost of copyediting varies depending on the amount of work required.
Read further details here and contact me to discuss.
Proofreading
Proofreading is meant to be a final quality-control check after editing and before publication. It usually takes place after typesetting, but it can be done beforehand, depending on your workflow and your plans for your book.
Proofreading picks up overlooked errors, looking at spelling, punctuation, grammar, layout and formatting.
The cost of proofreading varies depending on the amount of work required.
Read further details here and contact me to discuss.
I also offer typesetting and self-publishing services.
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
Jane has worked on a number of projects for my company now. The work is always of exceptional quality, delivered within the agreed timescale and including both a clean copy and a ‘changes shown’ version. Will keep coming back with more work.
Kel, Awfully Queer Heroes, April 2023
I thought I had a good eye for detail until I used Jane’s services! Jane has proofread a range of texts for me, including lengthy blog posts, magazine articles and even job applications. In particular, I was impressed by her ability to spot inconsistencies in style and tense that had passed me by. I wouldn’t hesitate to use her again.
Andy Wright, aka Tentmantent
Jane’s editorial services have been invaluable. As a writer and scriptwriter I have written several scripts of varying styles and lengths and one novel. Jane has professionally copy-edited and proofread each one, returning them (sometimes to very tight deadlines) annotated with corrections and suggestions, all clearly marked and explained. Jane is diligent and hard working and has a great eye for detail. She will sometimes challenge my work and offer alternative ideas which I hadn’t thought of. I will continue to use Jane’s services and skills in the future, and I have no hesitation in recommending her to anyone.
D.J., Managing Director, DMJ-Imagery Ltd.