Mr Robert Matthews

Web
http://betterwrite.com

Betterwrite Fiction Editing

WELCOME!

Does your manuscript need knocking into shape? Maybe it's too long, and the storyline doesn't ring true.

Or is it structurally sound, but the typos need weeding out?

Either way, you've come to the right person.

I'm Rob Matthews, an Advanced Professional CIEP editor with twenty-plus years of experience. I work with a hand-picked selection of CIEP fiction editors, and between us we can offer a range of services tailored to your needs.

If you're an indie fiction writer, we can help you produce a novel you'll be proud to call your own. And you'll develop your writing skills along the way.

I love the collaborative aspect of editing: working with other editors and with a writer who's poured their heart and soul into a thriller, romance or memoir, and helping them lift it from promising to excellent.   

You can find out more about collaborative editing from the Betterwrite website. Read what our authors say on the blog.

We'll do a free sample edit to show you how a full edit can improve your writing.   

If you want the full edit we'll make payment as painless as possible, in easy instalments if that helps you. 

When everything's done and dusted, we'll advertise your novel on the Betterwrite website.

And you'll have more confidence to start writing your next one.

BACKGROUND

I found my calling at the University of East Anglia where I was taught by two distinguished novelists, Angus WIlson and Malcolm Bradbury. They started the original Creative Writing Course.

I taught English in Africa, wrote an English textbook, became a proofreader and did all kinds of editing.

Joining CIEP (when it was SfEP) was a breakthrough. I learnt so much from working with other editors. I found that a collaborative approach is more satisfying for the editor, and better value for the author. 

I contacted other CIEP editors and started Betterwrite to help indie fiction writers by means of collaborative editing. We found a three-stage approach got great results:

• first we do a develomental edit focusing on structure, storyline and characters
• then the author does a rewrite, applying the editor's advice but staying in control of their own text
• finally we do a total copyedit, correcting errors and improving language flow. 

The testimonials below highlight:

* the quality of Betterwrite editing:

• invaluable
• breathtaking
• encouraging

 * how Betterwrite raises the self-confidence and self-esteem of our writers:

• I feel much more confident.
• Your kind comments have sent me into the stratosphere.                     
• In my head I'm doing somersaults! I feel so happy!

SERVICES

• Developmental/structural editing
• Critiqueing
• Copyediting
• Onscreen Editing
• Line editing
• Proof-editing
• Proofreading
• Anglicising
• Americanising
• Editing non-native English
• Non-fiction copyediting and proofreading
• Rewriting
• Script editing
• Screenplay editing
• Sensitivity reading

MATERIAL

• Fiction, all genres
• Scripts, all types
• Novels
• Short stories
• Commercial fiction
• Literary fiction
• Historical fiction
• Romantic fiction
• Women's fiction
• Men’s fiction
• Young adult fiction
• Science fiction
• Crime fiction
• Fantasy fiction
• Thriller fiction

CLIENTS

1. Self-publishing authors
2. Indie authors
3. Commercial publishers including:

• Penguin
• Bloomsbury
• Hodder
• Atlantic
• Orion
• HarperCollins
• Routledge
• Palgrave Macmillan
• Wiley-Blackwell
• Tindal Street Press
• Cambridge University Press
• Yale University Press

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

Introduction to Proofreading (CIEP course)
Proofreading Problems (CIEP course)
On-screen Editing (CIEP course)
Copy-editing (PTC self-study course)
Basic Editing (PTC self-study course)
Editing Onscreen (Self-study course)
BA English and Philosophy 
MA Linguistics and English Language Teaching 
PGCE Drama and English

testimonials

What has Betterwrite done for me? Endless praise and gentle, wry, often funny, nudges (not criticism). Sometimes the little comments made me laugh out loud. It’s really nice. The editor can say, for the 50th time, ‘this word should be contracted; people don’t talk like that’ and still be kind. Breathtaking.

‘Rose’, indie fiction writer

You cannot imagine how excited I am! When I went on the SFEP (CIEP) website directory, yours was the first contact I opened. Although I looked at over twenty other prospects, yours just spoke to me in my heart. Once again, may I express my deepest appreciation to you (and) your team. You went beyond the call of duty at every turn. Everyone who has read the book comments on the excellence of the editorial content which is largely attributable to your very professional editing. 

I will not hesitate to recommend you to friends & family and indeed anyone who has a writing project of importance to them. 

I look forward to working with you on my future projects. 

Omawumi Efueye, pastor and author

This is so awesome of you. I’m truly grateful (and) loving the improvements. Thank you so much for the encouraging comments too. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. ... So now I know I need to come to you earlier with the next book.

Jennie Lee, narrative non-fiction author

Thank you ... for editing my work. ... really helpful ... your comments are encouraging.

Fiona Malby, indie fiction writer

Thank you very much for your kind comments, they have given me a real boost! Your suggested changes are of great help to me.

Paula Bier, indie fiction writer

You did a great and very thorough job. It looks so much better now. I feel much more confident.

Julia Wurz, indie comic novelist

Thanks so much for making me look better!!! 

Elizabeth Winkler, non-fiction author

A masterly edit: sustained concentration (and) attention to detail … a skilled and generous editor ...

Louise Raw, narrative non-fiction author

Thanks so much for all the hard work you have put into my book. Your kind comments have sent me into the stratosphere. Writing is very hard work, but you have made it worthwhile for me.

Mollie Lord, indie fiction writer

Oh my God, your comments mean so much. In my head I'm doing somersaults! Cartwheels! I feel so happy! I will check out Betterwrite and share it with other writers.

Ravinder Basra, indie fiction writer

Very much appreciate your work on this. Great stuff.                             

Really terrific working with you. Beautiful job.

JB Turner, thriller writer

Thank you so much. We are absolutely delighted with the finished draft!

Really enjoyed working with you ... found the whole experience incredibly fulfilling. We are most grateful.

Paul Murphy, indie fiction writer, and family

(The editor) understands my flow (and) asked the right questions, and the flow was maintained. I was pointed in (the) directions I needed to go. Exceptional work: to say I was impressed would be an understatement.

You have ... made my book a joy to read. I took careful consideration when picking the editor to work with, and I do believe I made the right choice.

Winston James, indie fantasy writer

Amazing. Thank you very much for all your effort. It’s been great working with you... Hopefully get the chance to do it again in the future.

Christian Smith, indie fiction writer

Thanks for all your hard work, dedication and encouragement.

It is good to get such a human touch from the editor.

Callum Henderson, narrative non-fiction author