Jane Spencer Editorial

About Me

I first trained as a proofreader in 1996 and used those skills in many subsequent roles over the years, including working in the non-profit sector and in the world of design and print. I became a fulltime freelance editor and proofreader in 2018, specialising in working with indie authors of speculative fiction – science fiction, fantasy and horror – and RPGs (roleplaying games).

In non-fiction, my specialisms are psychology (in which I hold a bachelor’s degree and a master’s), alternative education (particularly home education, since I home educated my own children) and geocaching (I am the co-owner of a UK geocaching magazine!).

I have worked with a wide range of clients on many types of written material, including novels for publishers and self-publishing authors, websites, blog posts, magazine articles and more.

I also ran an indie press for eight years, with responsibility for the day-to-day running of the company, including the editing, proofreading and interior book design. So you can be confident that I understand the ins and outs of the publishing landscape!

Take a look at a selection of the books I have worked on, along with testimonials from some of my satisfied writer clients.

I’m a professional member of the CIEP (Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading), so you can be confident that you’re working with someone with experience, qualifications and expertise who abides by the CIEP Membership Codes.

I am a member of the British Fantasy Society.


My genres

Fiction

For adult, NA (new adult) and YA (young adult) audiences:

  • Science fiction
  • Fantasy
  • Horror
  • RPG (roleplaying game) material
  • Historical fiction
  • Contemporary fiction

Non-fiction

  • Psychology
  • Alternative education
  • Home education/ homeschooling
  • Geocaching

My qualifications and courses

  • Proofreading 1 (CIEP)
  • Proofreading 2 (CIEP)
  • Copyediting 1 (CIEP)
  • Copyediting 2 (CIEP)
  • Introduction to Fiction Editing (CIEP)
  • Manuscript Evaluation (Editors’ Association of Canada)
  • Developmental Editing: Fiction Theory (Liminal Pages)
  • Developmental Editing: In Practice (Liminal Pages)

  • Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Southampton
  • Master’s in forensic psychological studies from the Open University

Other webinars/workshops attended for CPD (continuing professional development) include:

  • Investigating crime, mystery and thriller editing (CIEP)
  • Editing the Autistic voice (IPEd – the Institute of Professional Editors, based in Aus/NZ)