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 less than 30,000 words or more than 200,000 words.

Select your country for the correct pricing and currency (USD, GBP, or EUR)

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

Edward Ferrari-Willis

Lead content editor

Kahina Necaise

Kahina Necaise

Content editor

Barbara Henderson

Barbara Henderson

Content editor

Pippa Brush Chappell

Pippa Brush Chappell

Content editor

Louise Hare

Louise Hare

Content editor

Craig Hillsley

Craig Hillsley

Content editor

Eleanor Leese

Eleanor Leese

Content editor

Kelly Urgan

Kelly Urgan

Content editor

Fija Callaghan

Fija Callaghan

Content editor

Testimonials

“The structural report I received from The History Quill was constructive, illuminating, insightful, and thought-provoking on the areas that needed development. The analysis of individual chapters was particularly useful, raising important issues, from minor to major, that needed attention. Overall, the report’s conclusions and recommendations were instrumental in producing a much-improved final draft.”

Jeff Kaye

“I was delighted with the structural report I received from The History Quill – so much so that I have gone on to book a copy-edit and the advance reader service. I know that my manuscript is in very safe hands; the team are friendly and accommodating, and their knowledge and passion for historical fiction shines through in the quality of their work. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending The History Quill to other historical fiction writers.”

Emma Lombard

“I could not be more pleased with my experience with The History Quill. Having taken my story as far as I could on my own, I came to The History Quill for a structural report. The feedback I received was fair, specific, and actionable. The process left me so excited about my novel’s expanded potential that I decided to sign up for The History Quill’s work-in-progress group coaching programme to help keep me on track with the next book in the series.”

Rebecca Aubrey

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, Canada (excluding Saskatchewan), 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?

Via our secure manuscript submission form. Manuscripts should normally be uploaded as Microsoft Word documents.

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’.

ALLi Partner Member