I offer the following services for individuals:

Editing and reading – including manuscript appraisal, development editing, copy editing and proof-reading.

Tuition and mentoring – from a couple of meetings or conversations to a longer-term programme involving regular submission of work.

If you are looking for an objective, professional assessment of your writing, I provide a customised, client-focused approach to editorial work. We develop a schedule that reflects a client’s needs and is appropriate to the nature of their project. I work on poetry, fiction and non-fiction. My role can involve checking for clarity, flow, structure and readability; considering the fine details and the bigger picture. Feedback by mark-up on electronic or hard copy can be supplemented by written report, or given by telephone, video call  or online as approipriate.

Mentoring offers a supportive space for you to think about your plans and ambitions as a writer, and the steps you can take towards achieving them. It takes place by video call, on the phone, or in a mutually agreeable venue in the Edinburgh area, where we each buy our own refreshments.

My guideline rates are £38-50ph, but this varies according to the nature of the project and what the client wants to get from the service – it’s not an exact science. I ask to do an hour and a quarter’s sample work for £50, to determine how to proceed. Sometimes that’s all that’s required. A flat rate can be quoted for a full-length typescript; or new writers can proceed in instalments, enabling them to develop their own editorial and critical skills.

I worked one-to-one with Helen on some of my short stories, and it was extremely helpful.  She has a great deal of knowledge and experience, which she wears very lightly.  Her input was open, warm and respectful (as is her facilitation of writing groups I have attended), and definitely made a difference to my writing. R A Martens

Thank you so much for your fine reading of the poems. I have taken up almost all of your suggestions and worked long and hard on a couple of the poems. I’m so pleased I asked for your help. I think it has made all the difference to the collection and I’m very grateful. Pauline Prior-Pitt

For more information, please contact me: helen@helenbodenliteraryarts.com