Winskill Editorial

Fiction editing. Coaching/training for authors and editors. Non-fiction.

Does your text stand out for the right reasons? I’m Gale Winskill, a highly qualified editor, who can provide your book with all the professional TLC it needs to shine.

Collaboration is key

Writing is your passion. Editing is mine. I specialize in fiction (adult, children’s and young adult). I also work on general and narrative non-fiction, as well as illustrated children’s fiction and picture books. In addition, I provide training and consultancy to both authors and editors. Whatever your needs, let’s combine forces and create something truly outstanding.

Services

I offer a range of editorial services (structural/developmental editing, copy-/line-editing, proofreading), as well as manuscript assessment/critiques, consultancy and training.

Clients

I work with traditional publishers, self-publishing authors and private individuals, as well as training organizations and businesses.

Why trust me?

As an Advanced Professional member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), I have demonstrated a high level of skills and expertise, which is backed up by 30 years of experience. I have worked on 800+ books (fiction and non-fiction), and now teach both authors and editors about different aspects of fiction.

My promise

For all work, my level of input is entirely up to you and based on what you feel your text requires. I aim to provide a high-quality, professional service at a competitive rate and within an agreed timescale.

Take a look at my website (www.winskilleditorial.co.uk) for more details, or drop me an email. All questions and projects considered.

TESTIMONIALS

‘Gale is such a joy to work with, and I always look forward to giving her one of our manuscripts. When I give Gale one of our books I know it’s in good hands and together we have had a couple of chart-hitters at HarperCollins! What I most appreciate about Gale’s approach to editing is her ability to ask the questions on a manuscript that most editors and proofreaders will not ask. She has an incredible eye for detail when it comes to the context and presentation of a written piece of work, but most importantly she has the audience in mind and can cross over well from a fiction work and then tackle a non-fiction one just as easily. I really value Gale’s insight when it comes to the nuances of language and style, and her incredible and joyful sense of humour.’ (Rose Sandy, Publishing Director, HarperNonFiction)

‘Gale is a pleasure to work with. Her expertise ensures that everything we write is held to the highest possible standard. From grammatical accuracy to consistent character portrayal, her keen eye has caught even the smallest errors and inconsistencies, resulting in a polished and professional final product. Her thoroughness has been invaluable, ensuring that each book is a joy to read and a delight for young minds.’ (Philip Bowne, award-winning author & Head of Books, The Wombles)

‘Thank you so much for this attentive, detailed work, which was exactly what this book needed.’ (Lily Cooper, Commissioning Editor, Hodder & Stoughton)

 ‘Gale revised two of our most popular Publishing Training Centre (PTC) e-learning modules, Editing Fiction and Editorial Style. She did an excellent job. Gale is thorough, reliable, thoughtful and quick to respond. It was a pleasure working with her.’ (Petra Green, Head of the Publishing Training Centre)

‘I am grateful to Gale in ways I could never adequately express, not simply for her care and thoroughness with my manuscript, but also for her wisdom, keen eye, attention to detail and obvious brilliance as an editor. She is that rare brand of person who is gifted at constructive criticism and compliment, formatting and content, the minutiae and the big picture. Her professionalism and insight are matched by her humour and warmth, all of which is to say that if you’re thinking of hiring Gale, you should have done it yesterday. Thank you, Gale Winskill, for making me believe in myself, for your loveliness as a human, and for your recommendations that will make Esre’s Bones the book I want so much for it to be.’ (Sarah Dickinson Little, author)

‘Gale’s focus and accuracy are outstanding. Her contribution to our publication provided the professional polish we sought and more. Her patient and painstaking proofread helped us to publish a complex, fully illustrated, high-quality book with complete confidence. The result speaks for itself.’ (Alan Boyle, Leannta Associates)

‘For prospective fiction writers, Gale combines an unerring eye for grammatical detail with the ability to offer perceptive critiques covering plot, structure, characters, pacing and all the other vital elements. She is also quick to respond, clear in the way she communicates and very tolerant of follow-up questions.’ (Stephen Gardner, author)

‘She is very personable, putting you at your ease: an important point in building a working relationship between author and editor.’ (Jenny Hogan, Writers’ Neuk)

‘Gale worked on two of my books, The Storytelling Entrepreneur and Merchandise for Authors, while I was Writer in Residence for the British Library. I had very tight deadlines which Gale was great about meeting and I really valued her feedback and professional eye on my work. Her insight allowed me to think more clearly about how the books were structured and improved my writing overall. I always recommend Gale when I run creative writing workshops for other writers.’ (Melissa Addey, author, writing coach, ALLi Campaigns Manager)

‘Gale’s excellent advice goes far beyond the bare necessities of editing. With her extensive literary background, knowledge of the publishing world, and inherent love of good books she offers invaluable assistance. And vitally, she proffers honest opinions, which help me as an author to step back from my writing to critically appraise my efforts.’ (Arnie Arnstein, author)

‘Punctual, inciteful, honest. Her advice transformed my manuscript into a novel.’ (Debbie Robertson-Bond, author)

‘Gale Winskill is a highly professional and massively experienced editor. Her criticisms can be challenging but are accurate. If we are wise we will listen to them and act upon them. She is always helpful and encouraging. In the mystifying world of the new writer she is an excellent guide.’ (Lesley Paton Cox, author)

‘For prospective fiction writers, Gale combines an unerring eye for grammatical detail with the ability to offer perceptive critiques covering plot, structure, characters, pacing and all the other vital elements. She is also quick to respond, clear in the way she communicates and very tolerant of follow-up questions.’ (Stephen Gardner, author)

‘Reading through your comments I realized what a skill critiquing is. You pointed out a few things others have suggested in the past, but the way you expressed it was so different, I was inclined to listen and not get defensive.’ (Ulka Karandikar, award-winning author)

‘I’ve read your critique. It is what I wanted and needed … I much appreciate the time and serious attention and thought you’ve given to my draft, the well-structured way you’ve done it and your tone – that your advice (wise words borne from your intelligence and experience) isn’t the last word, but for me to consider. Whether or not, in the end, my book is a commercial proposition, your involvement will have made it better. Most helpfully, where you have pointed up problems, you have offered solutions. And the contextualization of your thoughts, within your meta-analyses of fiction and including reviewing criteria, is appreciated. I feel I have received great value for money from you.’ (Jeff Probst, author)

‘The help and advice provided by Gale Winskill, of Winskill Editorial, were invaluable. In many places the changes she suggested were small but they improved my book dramatically and in ways I could never have done on my own.’ (Colin M. Drysdale, award-winning author)

‘I was immediately impressed with her warm and positive disposition, which she combines with complete pragmatism about the publishing industry and obviously long experience as an editor and project manager … And I find myself quoting what she said about the editorial process still.’ (Dr Alison Baverstock, Course Leader, MA Publishing, Kingston University, and author)

‘Gale is an excellent editor who has proven that she can spot a potential best-seller. She has a good eye for detail and offers sound advice to her authors.’ (Lucy Juckes, literary agent, Jenny Brown Associates)

Please see my website (www.winskilleditorial.co.uk) for more detailed information.