Phil Kellingley

I offer a complete set of services to help writers become authors. These are available as a total package or individual elements. Because your book is personal to you, so my services are tailored to suit your individual requirements. I can help with editing, proof-reading, formatting for print and ebook, setting up an author blog, procuring the best cover and assist in choosing the best way for you to publish. You can examine some aspects of the service on the page below. If you have a manuscript - or just an idea - get in touch and we can discuss it.

Some authors have a book already written - but have no idea about how to get it published, what their options are or even if it's 'good enough'. Some only have an idea that they would like to write about. Some people aren't sure whether to publish a book or an ebook. If you are one of these people, I can help. To start with, send me a message telling me what stage you have reached and what you think you might need help with. I'll get back to you as soon as I can and tell you what I can do to help. There's no obligation on you to go any further and our initial contacts will simply determine if we would like to work together. It's very important to me that you are happy in whatever arrangements we make and that we have confidence in each other. My aim is to get your manuscript turned into a book that you can be proud of.

Editing falls into three distinct types: The first is broadly known as 'content' editing. This is not about grammar and spelling (although they won't be ignored). It's about style, consistency, plot flow, dialogue and generally, making sure that everything makes sense. Then there's 'line' or 'copy' editing. This is mainly about grammar, spelling and punctuation. In non-fiction it's also usually about fact checking as well. These first two are normally applied to the manuscript before formatting for publishing. Finally there's 'proof-reading' which is essentially looking at the final copy for any errors. That usually occurs when a book has been typeset (or for ebooks, correctly formatted) and it's about looking for any little errors that may have been missed or, indeed, introduced by the process of finalizing the manuscript. I offer all three services and, if you are a Full Service customer, all three are applied.

When your manuscript is complete you will need to turn it into a book or an ebook (or both) in order to sell it. There are some important decisions to be made - size of book, number of pages, typefaces, design of cover and so on. I can help you through the process and help you to minimise your costs. I can also introduce you to the markets for your book and suggest some ways that may help you with sales. Not everyone will have the success of J.K.Rowling or E.L.James but some self-publishers do make considerable amounts of money from their books. Working together perhaps we can make you one of them.

It's almost a foregone conclusion that a self-published author needs a website. It gives you a vehicle which allows you to promote your book(s) and engage with your readership. By building relationships with your readers you increase sales and that is what being an author is all about. Some authors want a simple 'brochure' website (like mine!) Some want to have a blog, where they can keep their readers' interest, perhaps by writing short stories about characters in their books or keep non-fiction readers up to date with the latest developments. I can help you with website production, hosting and maintenance.

I started my editing career at University, editing both a student newspaper and the Student Union Handbook. When I left I went on to edit an 'underground' newspaper - The Catonsville Roadrunner. Well, it was the early 1970s! Since then I've been through a variety of positions but lately I've been editing books mainly for authors who want to 'self-publish'. I have been published myself and I was a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists for many years. I don't specialise, so I'm happy working with both fiction and non-fiction. Some of the covers for books I've worked on are displayed here. I offer a friendly, timely and, where required, comprehensive service that helps you make your manuscript the best it can be.

Probably the biggest question you have is "How much will all this cost?" The simple answer is "I don't yet know", because I don't know which services you might need. However, I can tell you that unlike many people who offer services in self-publishing I don't charge by the word or the page. I charge for my time. I charge an hourly rate broken down into 6 minute intervals. I'll give you an estimate, in advance, for any set piece of work I do for you. I've also got a simple non-disclosure agreement that protects you which I'll provide when we decide to work together. The best way to start is to use the contact form to give me some idea of your requirements. I guarantee not to chase you for business or send you marketing emails. I'll simply get back to you with some initial ideas and, perhaps, arrange a phone call to discuss them, all at no cost and no obligation.