Welcome

 

I’m a copyeditor and proofreader based in Northumberland. Before moving into editing, I worked as an English teacher and freelance writer, so words have provided the pulse of my practice for many years. These days, I use that experience to help small publishers and individuals showcase their writing at its finest.

 

Off the clock, I gravitate towards Russian literature and Nordic noir, fuelled by strong black coffee (and the occasional Guinness), with fond memories of Murphy, my much-missed Labradoodle, never far away.

 

—Amanda Ellison

A few of my 2025 edits ...

Helping you write with confidence

Words are important, especially when they represent your ideas and creativity. I work closely with authors to ensure their writing is clear, accurate and compelling.

As a certified proofreader and editor (qualified with distinction from the College of Media and Publishing and a member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading), I take pride in offering a thoughtful and meticulous service.

My manuscript evaluation, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading services are tailored to elevate your work, whether you’re submitting to agents, self-publishing, or refining your craft. 

If you'd like to see how I work, I offer a no-obligation sample edit – so you can judge for yourself.

"Amanda has an attention to detail that assured me that her professionalism is authentic. I'm lucky to have worked with her."

Jim Sheehan - Author

I'm a writer too ...

As well as working with other writers, I’m one myself — so I understand how much time, care and thought go into every sentence. Having formatted and published three books of my own through Kindle Direct Publishing, I understand firsthand the practical challenges and decisions indie authors face.

You can explore some of my written content in my curated portfolio — including my contributions to North East Bylines — and browse my free resources for authors, designed to support and encourage you at every stage of the process.

Services

  • Manuscript Evaluation: Get big-picture feedback on plot, characters, pacing, and style to strengthen your story’s foundation.
  • Line Editing: Refine your prose for flow, tone, and clarity, ensuring every sentence captivates readers.
  • Copyediting: Polish grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency for a professional, polished manuscript.
  • Proofreading: Catch lingering typos and formatting issues for a flawless final draft.
  • Combined Line Editing & Copyediting: Elevate style and flow while ensuring technical accuracy in one efficient service.

 

Proofreading

 

£8–£12 per 1,000 words

 

 

Copyediting

 

£10–£14 per 1,000 words

 

 

Line Editing

 

£13–£16 per 1,000 words

 

 

MS Evaluation

 

£250 up to 80,000 words

 

Not sure which service you need?

I’m confident in my story’s structure but want to ensure no errors in grammar or punctuation. What do I need?

Proofreading catches typos and formatting issues for a publication-ready finish.

 

I’ve finished my draft but need feedback on plot and pacing. What’s best? 

  • A manuscript evaluation provides detailed insights to strengthen your story.

I want to refine my writing style and fix grammar issues. What should I choose?

My combined line editing & copyediting polishes style and ensures accuracy.

My manuscript is nearly ready, but I want it polished for agents. What’s right?

Copyediting ensures clarity and professionalism, followed by proofreading for perfection.

"For anyone who has the ambition to get published and would like genuine feedback and guidance, then I thoroughly recommend Ellison Editorial. The service was quick, concise, and extremely helpful – and certainly spotted things I had missed."

Colven Gibson - Author

About Ellison Editorial

A Little About Me

 

My career spans diverse roles where precision and passion for the written word intersect. For twenty-five years, I led an English department in secondary education, cultivating the next generation of writers while honing my own editorial eye.

As a full-time proofreader and copyeditor, I've partnered with authors across multiple genres to elevate their manuscripts from promising to polished. 

Beyond editing, I’m a writer myself – I know firsthand how personal and labour-intensive writing can be, and how easily the small things slip by. That same experience underpins the thoughtful approach I use with every project.

 

Qualifications

 

  • BA (Hons) English with History
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (English)
  • Diploma in Proofreading and Editing (Level 4, Distinction)
  • Diploma in Freelance Journalism
  • Member of Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP)

Being a certified proofreader and copyeditor doesn't end with core training: I keep my skills sharp, and learn new ones, by undergoing further training with respected providers, such as the Publishing Training Centre (PTC).

Here are just some of the courses I've recently completed:

  • Copyright for Publishers
  • Editing Illustrations
  • Editing References
  • Working with Typesetters
  • Author Queries
  • Editing Fiction

My Approach

 

Every project is different. So is every writer. That’s why I tailor my editing and proofreading to suit your aims.

I take a collaborative approach, aiming to improve clarity, flow and consistency while respecting your unique voice. I won’t impose rigid rules or strip out your style; instead, I apply good judgement, language expertise and careful attention to the detail that matters.

I work respectfully and reliably, keeping communication clear and deadlines realistic. If something isn’t working, I’ll let you know — kindly, and with suggestions. If something works especially well, I’ll let you know that too.

 

My Values

 

At the heart of Ellison Editorial is a belief that good editing is quiet, careful and collaborative. I approach every project with the following values in mind:

  • Clarity – Editing should make your meaning shine, not muddy it.

  • Respect – Your voice matters. I work to enhance, not overwrite.

  • Accuracy – Detail matters. I take time to get things right.

  • Judgement – Not all rules are helpful. I weigh choices in context.

  • Professionalism – You can expect clear communication and dependable delivery.

Whatever you're working on, you can trust that your work is in thoughtful, capable hands.