No part of the writing process is more important than editing. Few publishers now employ full-time editors and many potentially good books are rejected because of minor errors in editing, typing, grammar, construction, even presentation. Every piece of work has to be near perfect before it will be accepted and no manuscript should be sent to an agent, magazine or publishing house without first being edited by a professional. To do so is to risk all that hard work going to waste. An editor - a good editor - will not merely make corrections, or write a bare cold report, but will make suggestions, add colour, atmosphere, continuity – and will explain exactly why such suggestions are being made. It is a painful but satisfying experience, for some a masterclass in how to write and present your work. In the end, what we are trying to achieve is to make your book the best it can be. How much does it cost? Before I begin editing, I read the entire manuscript to get the full sweep of the plot. I edit about 3,000 – 4,000 words a day (10 – 15 pages). I go through every line to see if and how the narrative can be improved. I will show the writer how to build up character, all good stories are character driven; I will delete repetitions, point out clichés and give the occasional tick if I find something particularly moving or interesting. Where I make suggestions, I write a PTO on the page and over-page explain exactly why I am making these suggestions. For this service I charge £12 per 1,000 words and like a return envelope sent to me with the hard copy. I send the book back by recorded delivery; after all the hard work, I don't want it to get lost! I will make special arrangements for manuscripts coming to me from the US or Europe. Please write first to info@cliffordthurlow.com You will see on this page some books I have edited with acknowledgements from the writers. Words Of Love Terence Doyle Alma House 2004 "...extraordinary attention to detail and an immediate grasp of the concept and aims of my book, you'd have to go a long way to find a better editor." “The most important feat of code-breaking since the cracking of Enigma.” Stephen Fry, Actor, Author, Director, Wit Anywhere But Here Akpomiemie Erujaroh Dreamstar Books 2003 "Special thanks also to Clifford Thurlow for providing the best 'French polish.'" All books available from amazon.co.uk A Pain In The Neck Grace Chow Publish&Perish 2004 "This book has made it into your hands due to the inspiration, encouragement and support I have received from Ton de Vries, Prof. Julius Moravcsik and Clifford Thurlow...Dearest Clifford, thank you for everything." www.booksurge.com www.gracechow.info Shifted Illusions Akpomiemie Erujaroh Dreamstar Books 2005 "Special thanks to my editor, Clifford Thurlow, from a very happy student."		FATWA - Living With A Death Threat Jacky Trevane Hodder and Stoughton 2004 House of Books, Holland 2004 "...I am also indebted to my editor, Clifford Thurlow, who has taught me so much. His patience, support and gentle guidance have given me the confidence to let my pen literally fly across the pages, culminating in my book, of which I am very proud." More than 60,000 copies sold in the UK. Rights sold to Holland, France, Germany, Portugal, Denmark, Greece, Poland, Slovakia and Estonia. Day Mover Richard Martin Dreamstar Books 2003 "My gratitude to Clifford Thurlow, who painstakingly helped to produce the finished story. For all his help and encouragement and for his professional editing..."

info@cliffordthurlow.com