Editing for authors of genre fiction and narrative non-fiction

Editing and Proofreading with Athena Copy

Sending your manuscript to a virtual stranger, laying your hard work open to critique, can seem a daunting prospect. After all, you have sweated over your creation, poured your soul onto the pages, agonised over each turn of phrase, fallen in love with the characters. It's personal.

I know it's personal. That's why I make the process as uncomplicated as possible and seek to reassure you that I am on your side. All comments are constructive, all changes aim to make your voice clearer, not drown it out.

So, when you decide to take the plunge and seek my support this is what happens:

You complete the Get a Quote or Contact form, or send me an email. We will work out what your needs are and see if you feel comfortable with what you're hearing.
If we decide to go forward, we will discuss the quote, start date and deadline. In order to confirm your place in my calendar, I may ask for a small deposit.
When your start date approaches, I will send you the initial invoice and you will send me your manuscript in Word document format. A few days early is fine, if I'm able to start before the agreed date, I will.
Now the fun really begins. I will get started on your manuscript assessment/line edit/copy-edit. It is fine to contact me if you have any queries, though I cannot give you my feedback until I have completed my work. If I have any queries, I will get in touch by email.
Either before your deadline or on the agreed day, I will send you the completed manuscript assessment/line edit/copy-edit and the accompanying documents. All line edits and copy-edits include a style sheet.
At the same time, you will receive your invoice which needs to be paid within 30 days or before the next stage of work begins (for a Double-Pass Edit), whichever is sooner.
I will be available to answer any queries that you may have to assist with your revision process.
Let me know when you publish and I can promote your book on my social media accounts.

It really is very straightforward and I am available to answer queries every step of the way.

Kat Harvey is one of our strongest editorial team members. She is thorough and efficient in her method.

Luna Press Publishing, award-winning small press

I have been nothing but impressed with Kat Harvey's editorial prowess. She helped make my story the best it could be; let her do the same for you!

Anthony Laken, The Infinity Machine trilogy

Kat takes great care to ensure that she completes her work to deadlines and undertakes the initial ground work with necessary diligence ensuring that she fully understands an author’s intentions. Her suggestions are insightful but are only ever made with the weight of experience and she maintains a great respect for an author’s style and work.

Alistair Hall, Bears in the North

The edit was brilliant and picked up on all those things that slip past you when you become totally embroiled in your own work. The formatting skills and consistency you brought to the process will make for a sharper, punchier novel. Oh and thanks for the advice on genre and pace.

Brian Ledsom, Back of Beyond

Kat’s editing was attentive to even minor details. She picked up on inconsistencies and repetitions and added recommendations for change based on her own extensive knowledge and insight.

I am eternally grateful to her for the transformation of the manuscript. Her efficiency in delivering on time, and in advance, was remarkable.

Anna Koenig, ESL author

I cannot thank you enough for the work you have put in, in making my dream of completing and publishing this book come true. Without your professional eye for spotting my, all too frequent, errors, your advice and your questioning of the parts, which if they had been left, would have confused the reader, this book may never have been ready to face my discerning readership.

Hiram Dunn, Borderers in Uniform from 1689

I employed the wonderful services of a professional editor, Kat Harvey of Athena Copy, who I cannot recommend highly enough and who has been amazing throughout this final process, a font of knowledge for a literary Neanderthal like myself.

Lee-Michael Keegan, Dr Magnesium Mg2+