Gale Winskill, Winskill Editorial

PROFESSIONAL BOOK-EDITING AND COACHING FOR AUTHORS

Editing and coaching are a collaboration, not a dictatorship. Based on my extensive and eclectic experience, I bring expertise, constructive feedback and a teamwork approach to every book-editing and coaching project.

A professional editor for over thirty years, I’ve worked both in-house and freelance for traditional publishers, self-publishing authors and private individuals. I also provide coaching and training to authors, editors, publishing organisations and businesses.

Whether you’re a first-time or published author, I can provide support from the germ of a good idea to its final incarnation, and everything in between, empowering you to turn your dream into a well-written, flowing narrative.

All work tailored to the client’s needs. A quick and clear response is guaranteed.

So why not get in touch to find out how I can help you with editing, proofreading, plotting, drafting, revisions, querying, publishing, accountability and more.

Preferred subject areas

Fiction (adult, YA and children’s), children’s picture books and general non-fiction.

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 more than 30 years of experience. I have worked on 800+ books (fiction and non-fiction). I coach authors and editors on the various problem areas they might encounter, and also tutor for the HarperCollins Author Academy (fiction stream), as well as the CIEP, on different aspects of fiction.

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

TESTIMONIALS

‘Several years ago when I began looking for an editor, I made a list of what I thought were essential qualities – a kindred spirit who approached her work with high standards and warmth of soul. Gale is one of the most skilled people I have worked with in any industry, and I feel privileged to have her on my team. As an editor, she is astute, supportive and precise. Her ability to offer a perspective on so much material, overlapping narratives and timelines is just astounding. My technical failings were gently flagged, and as the drafts went back and forth, I felt my confidence as a writer grow. Gale has the rare qualities of being a supreme professional, exacting in her work, and at the same time creates a generous environment for the writer to flourish.’ (Helen Miller, author and photographer)

‘Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It has been a total pleasure for me to work with you on this. Communication was always clear, precise and professional. Impeccable work.’  (Manni Coe, Sunday Times best-selling author)

‘I came to Gale on a recommendation and was blown away by the amount of work and thought she put into editing and commenting on my suspense novel. She clearly knows the business and her suggestions, always thoughtful and kind, were invaluable in helping me clarify exactly what kind of novel I was writing and what I needed to do to make it appeal to readers. I came away much more confident with the book I am writing. Gale has the clear eye of a reader and the objectivity that every writer needs. But she always emphasized the important thing was that I was happy with what appeared on the page. I am much more so now.’ (Shirley Skeel, author)

‘Gale was the first professional editor I’d worked with and she set the bar very high indeed. Her knowledge of the publishing industry, her ability to whittle away until my novel had a punchy opening, her brilliant solution to signalling the time shifts in my book and her forensic approach to the smallest detail were all amazing. On top of this, she was lightning-fast and always responsive. Every message of mine came back answered within hours if not minutes. I can’t recommend her enough, and I’m so looking forward to working with her again.’ (Kathy Hopewell, author)

‘Gale Winskill is a kind, clear, gifted editor who took me from a so-called “vomit draft” to a nomination for a major Australian unpublished-manuscript prize in one challenging, but precise, hop. I’m very grateful for her input and would access her guidance again in a heartbeat.’ (Verity Laughton, playwright and author)

‘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, Silver Gravity Entertainment Ltd & previous 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)

‘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)

‘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)

‘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.