ESL Authors
I have found myself working with an increasing number of authors who are writing in English where English is their Second Language (ESL). I find this aspect of my work particularly interesting and really enjoy working collaboratively with the author to bring the flow of their writing into natural English without losing their unique voice, creativity and storytelling rhythm.
To assist in communicating the nuances and intricacies of the English language, that are sometimes not apparent to non-native speakers, I have taken a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course. As well as the ESL authors who I work with directly, I also work on anthologies of World Science Fiction short stories, written in English by authors from all over the world.
The Double-Pass Edit is the best option I offer for ESL authors, because it provides the option for me to query the intended meaning of individual sentences and cultural references on the first editorial pass rather than making arbitrary changes that could smother the author's voice. I often combine this with The Manuscript Assessment as this allows me to query areas like Characterisation, Setting, Theme and Flow, which can differ between cultures.
When editing a manuscript so that it reads like natural English, the most common changes I make are to:
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sentence structure,
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phrasing,
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cultural references,
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dialogue,
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punctuation.
If you are an ESL author, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss your project. Every author's needs are unique, and I will happily discuss your individual needs with you, so we can come up with an editorial plan that is right for you.
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+
