Kim Kimber | Non-fiction editor, proofreader and developmental editor

I am an experienced editor, proofreader and writer who is passionate about the written word in all its forms. I provide structural, line and copy-editing or proofreading to improve and polish all of your writing projects, big or small.

I work across genres, editing non-fiction and fiction, but have a particular interest in memoir, self-help and autobiography. My clients are all ages and come from all walks of life. I have worked with many non-native English speakers and debut authors.

Having self-published several books myself, I understand that the process can be daunting, but I can guide you. I often work with authors from editing through to publication, and I am available to offer support and guidance at each stage.

To see a selected portfolio, click here:

If you would like to have an informal chat about your project, please get in touch.

Everyone can express themselves effectively in print – with a little help!

Experience

• Freelance Editor and Proofreader, 2010-to date
• Co-founder Light Bulb Quizzes (indie publishing imprint) 2015-date
• Copy-editor, Oxford Literary Consultancy
• Copy-editor, Apex Publishing, 2008-2020
• Proofreader, Ten Alps Media, 2007-2012
• Editor, Step Ahead (lifestyle and parenting) magazine, 2004–2010
• Freelance journalist
  

Qualifications, Training and CPD

• BA (Hons) English and History (2.i) Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)
• Copy-editing by distance learning – merit (Publishing Training Centre) 2014–15
• Writing for Publication (NOCN – Level 3)
• Getting Started in Fiction Editing (CIEP)
• London Book Fair (2019)
• Writing a Psychological Thriller (Curtis Brown Creative, 2020)
• Getting to Grips with Grammar and Punctuation (CIEP)

Areas of Expertise

• Autobiography and memoir
• Non-fiction, including self-help, family and lifestyle
  
• Fiction, including thriller, crime, science fiction and fantasy
• Writing, including blurb and synopsis
  
• Indie authors
• Self-publishing
  
• Compiling quiz content

Testimonials

'Kim did a full edit of the book, comprising a review of structure, grammar and overall narrative consistency. Kim's work was thorough, detailed and extremely helpful. She made the process much easier and less daunting for me. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her.'

Dan Bird, author Go Neuro Way

'Kim was a tremendous support to me in the editing process. She handled my manuscript with great efficiency and compassion, considering it was such a personal story. I felt I was really in the hands of a true professional.'

Sheila Brill, author Can I Speak to Josephine Please

'I was extremely fortunate to find a genius editor in Kim Kimber. For me Kim’s greatest skill was preserving my writing style, philosophy and message while delivering high-level editing. It is a joy to work with her and I couldn’t give a stronger recommendation to authors to approach Kim.'

Phil Toogood, author You Can Live a Black Belt Life

'Kim organised and corrected my memoir turning it into a much improved read. She did this with skill and patience, giving valuable advice and information when necessary. My book is now self-published. I couldn’t have done it without her.'

Diann Webb, author Simply Me

'I had been writing, editing and re-editing my first novel, Missing Time, for eleven years. I was a little apprehensive when I first approached Kim. However, her comments were helpful, especially where she pointed out issues with the plot. I am getting good reports from people who read my earlier versions and can see the benefit of her copy editing skills. Thank you, Kim.'

Terry Edwards, indie author Missing Time

'I searched online for someone to help me with my grammar and make sure that I don’t waffle. Kim is unbelievably supportive, always answering phone calls, giving updates consistently and providing general support where needed. Kim takes pride in her work and goes ‘above and beyond’. I can’t thank her enough!'

Sunny Rattu, non-fiction business client

'Kim is a literary expert and I can highly recommend her as an outstanding copy-editor. She has many professional qualities and it was a pleasure working with her.'

Dr Richard Willis BSc (Hons) MPhil PhD DLitt FCP FRHistS

'I can highly recommend Kim to anyone looking for a proofreader and copy-editor. I couldn’t have chosen better. I never dreamt my words could look so good and flow so well as they do now. What strikes you immediately with Kim is her professionalism. Readily contactable when you need her, she is a delight to work with and her attention to detail is exemplary.'

Neil Starkey, non-fiction author

'I contacted Kim regarding copyediting and proofreading my book, Milk. From the start she was helpful and quickly responded to my emails. She did an amazing job and I learnt a lot from her. Kim’s attention to detail is astonishing and the comments she made on my work were always the right balance of critical and kind. I thoroughly recommend her services.'

Emma Rosen, indie author Milk

'Kim has been associated with my literary journey from the very beginning. Indeed, alongside my wife Janice, she alone has witnessed its evolution from a collection of military Bibles under the banner of ‘With God On Our Side’, through to my travelling museum ‘Down Memory Lane and, the telling of both within my first book Bibles, Bugles, and Bloomers and now, Gospel at Sunset on the Yangtze, Gospel in the Trenches at Dawn.

Very few people understand what this collection has meant to me and, more importantly, what it has meant to those in care homes, schools and the many groups to whom I have spoken. Kim is, as I have already alluded to, one of two I would trust to tell its story.

I continue to value her expertise, advice and patience, and wish to thank her for leading me through the maze that is the life of an author. I consider her a valued friend and trustee of this remarkable journey that began with one man and his soldier’s Bible.'

Gary Baugh, author Bibles, Bugles, and Bloomers and Gospel at Sunset on the Yangtze, Gospel in the Trenches at Dawn

'Kim came highly recommended to me. She was very professional and extremely helpful in guiding me through the editing process of my debut novel. She offered me invaluable advice in improving my writing skills; she highlighted where I was using superfluous words and clichés. Just these tips alone have helped my writing to become more concise. She also pointed out any grey areas in the plot that needed tightening up.'

Jo Gabriel-Smith, indie author The Truth Healer

'Editors: As a writer one thinks 'they've got a nerve'. The trouble is, they tend to improve what we think of as masterpieces. One of the latest reviews of my book starts 'Classic is not a word to be used casually, but Festival of the Gargoyles is a classic of Essex storytelling.' That's got to be in no small measure thanks to Kim and good editing.'

Robert Hallmann, author Festival of the Gargoyles, published by Estuary Publishing

'I would like to say a big thank you to Kim, for not only editing Billy’s War, but also all of the other help she gave me. This was the first memoir that I had ever attempted and Kim was always there to give me advice. She was very professional, and very helpful in all aspects of producing a completed book.'

Anne Davies, author Billy's War

'Kim has worked for Apex Publishing as a freelance copy editor for over ten years and during that time she has worked on a number of autobiographies, memoirs and quiz books. She also writes catchy book blurbs and author biographies. Kim can always be relied on to get the job done to a high standard and deliver on time and I would have no hesitation in recommending her services.'

Chris Cowlin, Managing Director, Apex Publishing

• Editor
• Proofreader

• Non-fiction
• Fiction
• Action & adventure
• Anthologies
• Biography, autobiography & memoir
• Body, mind & spirit
• Crime, mystery & thriller
• English as a second language
• English literature
• Environment & nature
• Games & activities
• Health, fitness & wellness
• Historical fiction
• Horror
• Narrative non-fiction
• Publishing
• Science fiction & fantasy
• Speculative fiction
• Television, film & radio
• War & military

• Copywriting
• Self-publishing
• Writing
• Ebooks