Leicestershire
Skype
Dr Karen Ette
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As 'The Writer's Secret Helper' my practice is to work with my clients rather than for them.
My name is Karen Ette and I live in Loughborough, Leicestershire. I am an experienced copy-editor and proofreader who also undertakes development editing work. I also sometimes act as a mentor/writing coach to help clients through the writing process.
After completing my PhD at Loughborough University I decided that editing and proofreading was the path to take and subsequently enrolled on various training courses with The Publishing Training Centre, Liminal Pages and Louise Harnby.
I work with authors and publishers, including academic and hybrid, and specialise in academic theses, fiction, general non-fiction and self-help books.
For copy-editing and proofreading I am happy to cover a wide range of subjects, both recreational and academic.
Fiction genres: literary, mystery/thrillers, historical, science fiction/fantasy, romantic, erotica, YA, general fiction, and short stories.
Non-fiction: memoir, religion, biography, horticulture, cookery, sport, and website content.
Academic – dissertations, theses, coursework, always adhering to the institution's guidelines.
I do not work with poetry, screenplays, computer technology/software/hardware (internet, IT security, or technical support).
For ten years I was a judge on the BBC's 500 Words writing competition.
I have also written both fiction and non-fiction for a number of years and am empathetic towards, and supportive of, my clients.
Media
1. Theses and dissertations.
1. Books.
1. Multi-author books.
2. Illustrated books.
2. Newsletters.
2. Websites/blogs.
3. Manuals.
3. Travel guides.
4. Online material.
4. Magazines.
4. Journals.
Experience
Freelance since 2017
Training
Clients
Authors and self-publishing clients, Goldcrest Books, Taylor and Francis Group/Florence Production, Ypres Battlefield Tours, Bike Where You Like, Ruler's Wit Group, RedKite Copywriting, The Loughborough Methodist Church Circuit.
Subjects
I offer proofreading of academic theses, sentence level line-editing, copy-editing, proofreading, development editing, manuscript critique, editorial reports and first chapter(s) polish for publishing.
Qualifications
PhD English, Modern and Contemporary; Creative Writing.
MA English and Creative Writing.
See training above.
Specialised software
PerfectIt by Intelligent Editing
Testimonials
I have worked with Karen, in her capacity as an editor, on a variety of books through my publishing company, Goldcrest Books. My clients have all be very happy with how she has guided them and made improvements that have made such a difference to the finished manuscript. She always provides style sheets and comments, which make it easier for my proofreader to do her job too. Working with Karen is a pleasure and it is so good to find someone that can be on the same wavelength as me and my clients.
Sarah Houldcroft, Goldcrest Books
Absolutely delighted to have been able to work with Karen on my latest book of historical fiction. Having worked with several copy editors, I found most of them professional and helpful, but Karen has not only been a great support, I felt that we shared the passion for writing, which makes all the difference.
I can only recommend her services and would like to thank Karen once again for the great cooperation and valuable input covering different aspects! A great experience, highly recommended.
Michael Stolle.
Thank you for everything you've done and the excellent in-depth report you have provided me with! I knew there were some aspects missing or in need of work and you've done a wonderful job of examining it and showing me what I need to look at and improve.
Robin Hutchinson.
We were very impressed with the level of your editing and thought that your queries and suggestions were especially good. We are pleased to see that you are familiar with using the styles pane, as many of our copy-edits are RAPS styler titles, which require styles to be applied and checked in this way.
Louise Jellard, Florence Production.
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.