• EDITORIAL SERVICES

    Coaching and editorial support to help your words remember their magic with reverence for your unique voice and wisdom.

  • Not every writer needs (or wants) an ongoing creative partnership. Sometimes you simply need a skilled, discerning eye on the page: someone who can catch what you can't see anymore, sharpen what's already strong, and hand your manuscript back ready for its next step.

    That's what Editorial Services offers — the same care and craft that shapes Word Alchemy, in a more traditional, defined-scope package.

  • How we can work together

    A blue circle with a flowing pattern of gold lines across it, together with the words Developmental Editingin white.

    Developmental editing is a thorough assessment of your manuscript's structure, argument, voice and pacing — the kind of editing that doesn't just polish a manuscript but shapes it.

    This is perfect for those who have a complete or almost-complete draft but aren't 100% sure it works just yet.

    A blue circle with a flowing pattern of gold lines across it, together with the words Copy Editing in white.

    When it feels like your manuscript is as polished as you can make it, copy editing is what helps give it that final shine.

    I will give your work line-by-line attention, flagging not only spelling, punctuation and consistency, but also clarity, flow and those final details that might just make your work jump, all while retaining your voice and overall structure.

    A blue circle with a flowing pattern of gold lines across it, together with the word Proofreadingin white.

    Proofreading is the final close eye before something goes to publication or submission.

    If your document is almost ready to go, I'll give it one last once-over to catch typos, and issues with spelling, punctuation and grammar, as well as any problems with consistency or formatting.

    If you're unsure which type of editing is right for you and your project, get in touch using the button above. It would be great to chat with you about your next steps.

  • Why work with me?

    Two decades of working with words have taught me exactly what a piece of writing needs at each stage of its journey and, just as importantly, what really doesn't help!

    When you hand me your manuscript, I will tend it with the same care and reverence I'd use on my own books and projects. The difference? I'll be looking specifically for your voice.

    After all, I'm not here to support books that are carbon copies of someone else's. I'm here to see your voice and brilliance more clearly than you might see it for yourself right now.

    And though I know the vulnerability of handing your words to someone else, that's not something I take lightly. So whether you need a final proofread before submission or a full developmental edit to see if your structure holds, I can promise to support you and your work with the most careful hands.

    A photograph of Ceryn Rowntree, a white red-headed woman in her 40s, stood beside the King Arthur statue at Tintagel, Cornwall. The state is a large and green metallic figure of a hooded man in a crown who rests both hands on the hilt of a sword. Ceryn stands before the statue, her hands on the sword and her head level with the statue's eyes. She wears a green raincoat and a blue and pink backpack. Behind her is a rocky surface and the sea meeting a blue grey sky.

  • The Details

    Every project is different, so please complete the form below with the specific details of your manuscript to confirm a full cost and timescales for our work.

    How it works

    After you reach out, I'll be in touch to arrange an initial meeting (in addition to the meetings described below) to discuss the scope of your project. From there, I will share with you the necessary paperwork to make sure we're both aligned, and then you can set about sending me your document.

    I'll have it back to you as quickly as possible in the form of a Google Doc with tracked changes, while any additional questions or comments will be shared within the document and/or in an email.

    Please note that all timescales below are based on a standard 80,000-word document. Depending on the length of your book, it may take more or less time than this, although we will discuss deadlines at the start of our work together.

    Developmental Editing

    Cost: £25 (approx. $34USD at time of writing)/1,000 words.

    Timescale: 4—6 weeks.

    Within your Developmental Editing package, you'll receive:

    • Two one-hour meetings with me, one each at the start and end of the editing process.
    • Up to two full reads of your manuscript, including suggested changes and comments, with ongoing support offered between edits.
    • Written developmental feedback on your book at the end of your first edit.

    Copy Editing

    Cost: £15 (approx. $20USD at time of writing)/1,000 words.

    Timescale: 2—4 weeks.

    Within your Copy Editing package, you'll receive:

    • A thirty-minute meeting at the outset of our work together followed by a one-hour meeting once your second edit is complete.
    • Up to two full reads of your manuscript, including suggested changes and comments, with ongoing support offered between edits.

    Proofreading

    Cost: £10 (approx. $14USD at time of writing)/1,000 words.

    Timescale: 7—10 days.

    Within your Proofreading package, you'll receive:

    • A one-hour meeting with me once your edit is complete.
    • One full read-through of your manuscript, including suggested changes and comments.

    * Please note that additional manuscript reads are available at an additional fee as required.

  • Insights from some of the authors I've supported

    The book cover for Delahrose Robbie Myer's book, Fatima's Alchemy. The book cover is white with a punk floral border on either side and gold swirls at the top and bottom. At the very centre is a gold, six-pointed star on an aged golden background. Above that are the words "Fatima's Alchemy, a treasure to behold".

    "Working with Ceryn has been one of the most aligned and easeful creative collaborations I’ve ever experienced. As an editor, she brings not only exceptional clarity, discernment, and professionalism, but a deep, energetic sensitivity that honours the frequency of the work itself. She held my manuscript with both reverence and refinement, never overstepping, never diluting, just gently polishing and guiding with such grace and respect for the original tone and rhythm of my voice.

    Her feedback was intelligent, intuitive, and incredibly supportive. I felt seen, understood, and creatively trusted throughout the process.

    Ceryn didn’t just edit my book; she helped midwife it into its next phase with care, sovereignty, and soul.

    I cannot recommend her more highly to anyone stewarding work of depth, subtlety, or spiritual resonance. She is a rare and radiant presence in the publishing world."

    — Delahrose Roobie Myer, Fatima's Alchemy (2025)

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    "Every moment my manuscript was in your hands, I knew she was safe, understood, and championed. Your ability to see beyond, to feel deeply, and to call forth the shape within the shape is unparalleled, Ceryn. My book is MORE of herself now that she’s been read, known, and edited by your hand. I’ll be forever grateful for the ways you’ve helped Blackbird become. "

    — Sarah Carter, author of Blackbird (coming soon!)

  • Ready to get the next stage of your book writing journey underway?

    Whichever editorial service you are seeking, complete the form below. I'll get back to you as soon as I can to say hello and arrange an initial meeting.

    And if you're not sure which service you need, don't panic — there's an option for that on the form too and I'm happy to talk it through with you.

  • The Style Guide

    Every editor works from a particular style and formatting guide to ensure that work remains consistent and correct throughout. And, though your voice will always take priority over all else, this editor is no different!

    When we start working together in an editorial relationship, I'll share with you a copy of my style and formatting guide, together with an agreement in which you can share your own editorial preferences.

    If you'd like a copy of my style guide now, simply complete the form below, and the document will be delivered direct to your inbox.

    Please note that completing this form will also add you to the list for my monthly newsletter. Rest assured though, that you can unsubscribe at any time.

    The front cover of a style and formatting guide offered by Ceryn Rowntree, Word Alchemist and Editor. The cover is black, with cursive text on a white background at the bottom right corner, and an open, printed book lying against the grass in the top left corner. In the centre of the cover are the words "Style and formatting. A guide to plain English writing, formatting and editing for writers and authors." In the top left corner is Ceryn's web address, while the bottom right features her logo, a white line drawn image including a circle, triangle, moon and arrows.
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