Nick James S.

My name's Nick, an editor by day and an author by night. I generally prowl the darker side of fiction, specialising in supernatural horror and dark fantasy. Werewolves and other shapeshifters are my favourite subject matter, but I'm game for any speculative fiction, from dystopian sci-fi to high fantasy. I'm an editor for Twisted Fate Publishing, a spec fic indie publisher based in the UK, and I've also been freelancing for a number of years now, with over fifteen years' experience as a professional proofreader and five years as a professional editor. My passion is to take a piece of writing and help the author forge it into the very best it can be, working together to take any weaker elements and strengthen them into a masterpiece. Whether it's a basic proofread you're looking for or something more in depth, I can help. Services: Proofreading - The final quality check before a manuscript goes to print, fixing any typos, punctuation errors and grammatical errors. I will also check for consistency in elements such as indentation, spacing, headings, etc. and am happy to work with both American English and British English. Line Edits - A more in depth check than proofreading, I will look at the structure of your sentences for any areas that could be tightened up, better word choices, telling where you could be showing, word repetition, etc. Developmental Editing - The most in depth level of editing, where I will work with you to enhance the structure of your manuscript, focusing on plot, characterisation (or characterization in the US!) and pacing. Testimonials: 'Nick Stead's editing and proofreading skills are meticulous. His eye for detail has improved my prose regardless of genre, and his work ethic is the very definition of professional. If I had any queries, Nick was prompt in his reply as well as clear and accommodating. I would say he is one of the best in the business that I have worked with so far.' - Owen Townend, author of The Ambler's Landing Trilogy. 'Nick did a great job on proofreading and editing my book, would highly recommend!' - Francine Woodward, Author of The Circus Wolfman. 'Nick has a great feel for dramatic tension and atmosphere, and a knack for making small but telling comments that improve a text without getting in the way of the author’s voice. He provided very helpful comments on a story of mine – now published. Nick’s suggestions helped me improve the ending and tighten up the pacing and description throughout.' - Tim Taylor, author of Zeus of Ithome and Revolution Day. 'As an aspiring writer, it is a privilege to have the benefit of a published author’s advice. Nick has kindly given me lots of helpful feedback on my historical novel with a supernatural theme. This has enabled my own writing to be sharper and more purposeful, achieving the effect I desire – to provide entertainment for my readers, and scare them as if they were there. Nick is excellent at getting to the nub of the action. He knows what works and how to organise a scene for maximum effect. He has shared some of his experience and knowledge to support my growing manuscript leaving me more confident that I can present it, when completed, in a much better shape than it was, to a potential publisher. Thanks, Nick!' - Sara Burgess, author of The House on Hall Road. 'Nick provided invaluable help when I was trying to turn an idea into a novel - his encouragement and guidance helped make this a reality. As a first time author, it was fantastic to not only get an honest proofread of my then WIP but to have this done by a seasoned author in his own right. Some people talk the talk, but I can honestly say Nick also walks the walk. His proofreading showed that he’s been there and done that, however, Nick is happy to bring these skills to the fore while remaining down to earth and supportive. The great thing about Nick is that he critiques without being critical and regularly sees through the fog of a first draft to offer invaluable advice. I have since worked with Nick on a number of projects and intend to continue working with Nick in the future. Nick is definitely the A-team and certainly the real deal.' - CM Angus - Author of Overstrike (published by Elsewhen Press)