Jane Spencer | Editor of Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror and Roleplaying Games
- [email protected]
- Job title
- Freelance
- Membership Grade
- Professional Member
About Jane
Editing and proofreading services for publishers and independent authors
Editing fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror, RPGs, romance, women's fiction and contemporary fiction) and non-fiction (psychology, home education, alternative education and geocaching)
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My goal, always, is to help you polish your work to its best, to lift it to the next level so that it will engage and absorb your readers. My approach is very much one of collaboration – I take note of your brief, and I focus on retaining your style and voice. I also take the time to give explanations for my edits and offer alternative wording where appropriate.
I have been involved in editing, proofreading and publication design for over twenty years, working with writers, independent publishers, businesses and community organisations. For eight years I ran my own independent publishing house, with responsibility for project management, editing, book design and proofreading, so I have a thorough understanding of the entire publishing process.
If you'd like to discuss your project, or you just have further questions, feel free to contact me.
If you're not sure what you need, please do contact me for a no-obligation talk. I have much experience in working with new authors and can guide you through the process, advising as to next steps and what you can do to keep your costs down.
My services:
- developmental editing
- manuscript evaluations
- line editing and copyediting (either separately or as a combined service)
- proofreading
- layout/formatting for print and ebook
- bespoke self-publishing services – whether that's a couple of small tasks or a full package
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Fiction specialisms:
- fantasy
- science fiction
- horror
- RPGs (roleplaying games)
- romance (including dark romance and erotica)
- women's fiction
- contemporary fiction
Non-fiction specialisms:
- psychology
- education
- alternative education (especially home education/homeschooling – I am a former home educator)
- parenthood
- geocaching
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Qualifications/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)
- BSc (Soc Sci) Honours in Psychology
- MSc in Forensic Psychological Studies
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Testimonials
'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 of The Grinning Frog. Author/publisher of RPG materials
'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 of Awfully Queer Heroes, which focuses on LGBTQIA+ representation in roleplaying games
'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., independent author
'I want to thank you for a job phenomenally well done. Every insight you provided helped the clarity of my meaning.' – Guile Branford, independent author
Service
Specialisms
Associated skills
Disclaimer note
The CIEP Directory of Editorial Services should be considered a point of first contact and prospective clients must satisfy themselves that members are capable of the work on offer. The Institute cannot be held responsible for the quality of work provided by any member listed in the directory. The members themselves are responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of their entries in the Directory and the CIEP has not made any attempt to vet them. The institute cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the Directory. Inclusion in the Directory as a freelance does not necessarily mean that the member is self-employed as defined by HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions.