CONTENT EDITING
Content editing – also known as developmental editing – focuses on the big-picture issues in a manuscript, including plot, structure, setting, characterisation, historical authenticity, and overall writing quality. We offer two options: the structural report and the editor’s report. See below for more details on our reports, pricing, editors, and more.
Content editing options
Structural report
The structural report provides all the detail you need to ensure your novel reaches its full potential. Typically around 12-14 pages long, it includes a comprehensive assessment of your manuscript and an evaluation of each individual chapter, drilling down into the text to identify problems at a granular level. In addition to assessing strengths and weaknesses, it includes recommendations for remedying any problems.
Editor’s report
The editor’s report is an invaluable tool for identifying and remedying all the core issues with a manuscript. Usually around 5-6 pages long, it includes an assessment of your novel covering all the core big-picture issues, plus recommendations for tackling any problems. However, it doesn’t include analysis of individual chapters.
Pricing
Pricing is based on word count. Use the calculators below to see the cost for your manuscript. Please enquire for bespoke pricing if your word count is more than 200,000 words.
Pricing: structural report
Pricing: editor’s report
How does it work?
How to book
If you’re interested in booking or you’d like to know more, send us a booking enquiry via one of the buttons on this page. Alternatively, email us at enquiries@thehistoryquill.com. Tell us a little about yourself and your story, as well as which report you’re interested in.
Choosing an editor
Once you’ve decided to book, the first step is to choose an editor (see our list of content editors here). The choice is up to you, though we’re happy to make suggestions or allocate an editor if you wish. We’ll agree an editing slot based on your editor’s availability and when you think your manuscript will be ready.
Payment and submission
We’ll ask you to complete a booking form to secure your editing slot. You won’t pay anything until you submit your manuscript, which will be due three days before your slot begins, via our secure manuscript submission form. You’re welcome to submit your manuscript sooner if it’s finalised and you’re ready to pay. Once you’ve submitted your manuscript, we’ll ask you to pay in full.
The edit
When it’s time to complete the edit, your editor will read and assess your manuscript. They’ll send you their report before the end of your slot. You’ll then be able to ask them questions and bounce ideas off them as you think about your next steps.
Do review the FAQ section at the bottom of this page for more details.
Editors
Edward Ferrari-Willis
Content editor
Kahina Necaise
Content editor
Barbara Henderson
Content editor
Pippa Brush Chappell
Content editor
Louise Hare
Content editor
Craig Hillsley
Content editor
Fija Callaghan
Content editor
Kelly Urgan
Content editor
Hannah Shami
Content editor
Testimonials
Johanna Wittenberg
Author of The Queen in the Mound
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with The History Quill on several books in my series, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. Their passion for history and knowledge of the genre shine through in every content edit they provide. They have a fantastic ability to pinpoint both the strengths and opportunities in my manuscripts, always offering insightful feedback and suggestions that boost my confidence in delivering a polished, captivating story. If you’re looking for editors who understand historical fiction inside and out, this is the team to trust.”
Elizabeth R. Andersen
Author of The Alewives
“Since The History Quill has always been such a great partner to work with for all my proofreading and copyediting needs, I knew that I could expect the same level of excellence with content editing. The whole process was so smooth, from finding an editor who was a perfect match for my genre, to the clear communication from the project manager at THQ. The detailed summary and analysis, along with chapter-by-chapter recommendations, turned my mess of a plot into a well-paced and compelling book. Since then, I’ve hired a content editor for every subsequent book, and each of them has gone on to win awards!”
Rebecca Rosenberg
Author of Madame Pommery
“I can’t thank The History Quill enough for their content edit. Their structural report was a game-changer for my manuscript, offering 14 pages of detailed analysis that helped me recognize strengths I hadn’t noticed and identify issues I missed. The recommendations were invaluable in refining my plot, deepening characterisation, and enhancing historical authenticity. Whether you need in-depth chapter-by-chapter feedback or a high-level overview, I highly recommend The History Quill’s content editing service. Their thorough edits helped elevate my work and bring my vision to life.”
FAQ
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Which countries do you accept bookings from?
We welcome clients who are resident in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and any EU country. If you are not resident in one of these countries, unfortunately we won’t be able to accept your business at this time.
How long will the editing process take?
The exact timescale will depend on the length of your manuscript. Three weeks is typical for a structural report, while an editor’s report will usually take around two weeks.
Do you edit longer manuscripts?
Historical fiction manuscripts can often be a little longer than in other genres, and we’re happy to accommodate this. Our standard pricing accommodates manuscripts up to 200,000 words. If your manuscript is longer than this, get in touch and we will quote you a bespoke price.
Should I book in advance?
Yes, we advise booking one or two months in advance if possible.
Which sub-genres do you edit? Is there anything you don't edit?
We edit a wide range of takes on the historical fiction genre, including (but not limited to) time-slip, dual timelines, thrillers, romance, drama, action/adventure, mystery, children’s, YA, alternate history, and historical fantasy. We do reserve the right to turn down any project if our schedule doesn’t allow it or if we don’t feel it’s a good fit for us. If you’re not sure, just get in touch and ask.
What kind of support will I receive after my edit?
We provide email support to all clients following completion of an edit. We will answer up to three substantive emails of a reasonable length, which may contain questions about the edit, ideas you would like to bounce off your editor, or requests for advice on your next steps. They should be sent within two months of completion.
What if I want you to look at my manuscript a second time?
If you edit your manuscript to address the feedback in our report and you want us to take another look at it, we’ll re-read it and prepare a report focusing on the changes you’ve made. The cost for this is usually the cost of an editor’s report, minus 20 percent.
What if I'm not satisfied with the work?
Our terms and conditions clearly outline expectations for our projects. If these haven’t been met by the deadline, we’ll offer you a full refund, claimable for 30 days following completion of the work.
What are your full terms and conditions?
You can view our full terms and conditions here.
How do I arrange payment?
You’ll pay in full on submission of your manuscript, which will be due three days before your editing slot begins. We accept payment by credit or debit card.
Which payment currencies do you accept?
We accept three payment currencies: USD, GBP, and EUR. The currency you pay in will depend on your country of residence. People resident in the UK will pay in GBP, people resident in the EU will pay in EUR, and people resident in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa will pay in USD.
How can I send you my manuscript, and how should it be formatted?
Alliance of Independent Authors
We’re pleased to be a trusted partner member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and to adhere to their code of standards. Their Watchdog Desk, which vets author services for their ethics and professionalism, has given The History Quill the highest possible rating of ‘excellent’.
