Manuscript Editing

Make your book submission-ready with expert feedback

So you’ve finished a draft (or you’re close). You've revised it countless times, fixed the typos, checked the pacing and timeline and read it aloud to your cat.

But before you send it out into the world, you need something more:

a professional editor whose keen eye can help you strengthen what’s working—and fix what isn’t.

This is where we come in.

Strong stories deserve sharp edits.

Why editing matters

You only get one shot with most agents and publishers. If you’re self-publishing, you need to earn your reader’s trust in the first few pages.

Whether you’re writing a literary novel, a memoir, a genre thriller, or something in between, the standards are high for agents, publishers and readers.

Professional editing brings in trained eyes to spot:

Repetition or pacing issues you’ve read past
Characters who don’t quite land on the page
Weaknesses in structure or logic that undermine the story
Overused phrases, clunky transitions or flat dialogue
Errors that pull readers out of the story

Editing will help you write the best story you can.

Ready to edit?

What you'll get

A developmental report on structure, character and pacing
A professional copyedit and proofread (clarity, grammar, flow)
A 1-page editorial summary of key strengths and opportunities
All changes marked using Track Changes in Microsoft Word
The support of an editor who’s rooting for your story

Each edit report contains concrete suggestions and margin notes to help you improve pacing, character, and structure—so you can confidently revise and move forward.

Claim your spot

Manuscript editing is right for you if you've:

Completed a draft and want to polish it before submitting to agents or self-publishing
Revised once or twice but know the manuscript still needs professional eyes
Been feeling stuck or unsure about structure, pacing or what to do next

How it works

1. Get in touch

2. Choose your package

We’ll suggest the best editing package based on your needs.

3. We'll send a service outline and quote

You’ll receive a clear quote and summary of what’s included, with a timeline and payment details—no surprises.

4. Send your manuscript

Once everything’s confirmed and paid, you’ll send your manuscript as a Word document. We’ll take it from there.

5. Receive your edits and report

You’ll get your manuscript back with margin comments, tracked changes, and an editorial summary to guide your revision.

Our editors

Alex Donald

Alex Donald is a freelance editor specialising in literary and commercial fiction, women’s fiction, memoir and biography. With over ten years’ experience across many forms of writing and editing, she has worked with individual writers in fiction and memoir. Books she has edited include: Swift Blaze of Fire: The Life of Robert Hilliard: Olympian, Cleric, Brigadista, Music and Mayhem: One Man's Journey Through the Golden Era of Irish Music and Walking Ghosts: Short Stories.

Maggie Holman

Maggie Holman has more than forty years of teaching experience and teaches our popular fantasy writing workshop. She writes speculative fiction, and has published five books including The Wishing Sisters, The Knocking and Save the White Stag.

Stephen Reid, Publishing Manager, Lilliput Press

Working with Alex Donald has been a pleasure – professional, intuitive, adaptable and a great communicator, we’d be happy to recommend her to anyone looking for an engaged editor and proofreader.

Happiness policy

Our students love our courses. But if you aren’t satisfied with the experience, we’ll work with you to ensure a satisfactory resolution.

How much writing experience do I need?

None! Just a love of reading and storytelling. Our students range from aspiring writers to experienced authors. Everyone is welcome.
Can I bring my kids/partner?

Sorry, but no. This retreat is just for those who want to focus on their writing without distractions.
Are there shared rooms?

The palazzo you'll stay at only has single-occupancy rooms.
Where do I fly into?

Nardò is an just an hour's flight from Rome. There are 2 airports you can fly into. Brindisi Airport: 1 hour drive from Nardò Bari Airport: About 2 hour drive from Nardò You can also take a train to the beautiful city of Lecce from anywhere in Italy. Lecce is about a 25-minute drive from Nardò. The trains in Italy are wonderful - clean, safe and modern. It's also a great way to see the country. We can arrange a transfer from either of the two airports or the train station. If you would also like recommendations for booking travel, don't hesitate to contact me at Lloyd@writinggrove.com.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes! Don't hesitate to contact me at Lloyd@writinggrove.com with your needs or requirements.
How can I offset the impact of my travelling by plane?

For every participant, I donate to a local biofarming regeneration project that sequesters 600kg (.7 tons) of carbon per year. If you'd like to make an additional donation, let me know!
What to expect on a writing retreat

In short: rest, inspiration, relaxation and focus! You can read more about what to expect on writing retreats here: https://www.writinggrove.com/post/why-you-should-go-on-a-writing-retreat

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