Developmental editing, copyediting and proofreading for non-fiction text
Meticulous non-fiction editing services that ensure your precise, credible work is ready exactly when you need it.
‘Hazel has worked on some of our biggest and most difficult manuscripts. I feel complete confidence in putting projects of this nature into her capable hands, and I know that she will bring clarity and precision to even the most challenging situations.’
Emily Lees
Senior Editor, Paul Mellon Centre
You’re responsible for a high-quality publication
The draft is strong, yet persistent issues slow you down – inconsistent terminology, citations that don’t quite match or sections that read well alone but feel disjointed together.
You want a developmental editor, copyeditor or proofreader who protects your voice, enhances clarity and removes doubt. You also want someone who notices what others skim past.
My approach
I approach developmental editing, copyediting and proofreading in the same way I do all my services: with precision and perspective.
I look after the commas, the sense and the flow, while keeping an eye on formatting, timelines and author needs.
You get rigorous checks and thoughtful judgement, not just tracked changes.
I scope each project to your goals and the reader
Core work may include sentence-level editing for clarity and consistency, alignment of style and terminology, comprehensive structural enhancements, layout-aware headings and breaks, and cross-checks of figures and tables. My service is carefully calibrated to the level of edit your project requires – whether that’s deep developmental editing, nuanced copyediting or a careful final proofread.
If referencing is in scope, I recommend a suitable system and make sure citations and bibliographies are accurate and consistent.
If you have a house style, I will apply it. If not, I will create a style sheet that your team can keep using in the long term.
‘There were specific parts of the manuscript where I was in doubt of whether I had explained myself properly – and parts where I surely knew I hadn’t. Hazel helped sort those parts out so I could rephrase and rework them. Those were very crucial parts of the manuscript, so I feel it became so much better and more congruent. I’d recommend (and have done so already) Hazel to anyone seeking an editor for their book project!’
Rasmus Houlind
Author of Hello, $FirstName (Omnichannel Institute, 2023)
How we work together
We start with your brief, sample pages (if available) and timeline. We agree on the level of editing needed and build a plan that fits the people involved.
You receive regular check-ins, clear emails and thoughtful recommendations. I flag choices that affect design, permissions or suitability for your intended readers, and keep decisions aligned.
At the end, you get clean files, tracked changes and a style sheet that supports future work.
‘Hazel is extremely skilful and very easy to work with. Her proactivity in coming up with solutions to create clearer text makes her an ally of any writer.’
Professor Beth Breeze OBE
Co-author of Rich Expectations: Why rich people give (Directory of Social Change, 2025)
Where my skills fit best
My non-fiction editing services are a strong fit for multi-author reports, research outputs, policy papers, books of any length, museum or art-history publications, and significant reference works such as encyclopaedias or catalogues raisonnés. My expertise spans five topic areas: art and art history, history and genealogy, UK charities, climate and ethical business, and peace and security.
If your work is highly illustrated or has multiple contributors, I align words, formatting, references and style, so the whole publication holds together.
Ready to move from ‘complex document’ to ‘ready to publish’?
Tell me what you’re publishing, who it’s for and when it needs to go live. I’ll review a sample and we’ll agree on a scoped plan with a clear timeline.
