Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres, both to read and to edit. I’m a UK-based freelance copyeditor and proofreader with experience on more than 30 historical novels, from Viking adventures and medieval mysteries to Jacobean intrigue and twentieth-century thrillers.
Whether you’re writing an action-packed historical adventure or a carefully researched historical mystery, I’ll help make your manuscript the best it can be without losing your individual voice.
What I look for when editing historical fiction
Historical fiction presents some interesting challenges for writers and editors alike. It’s not just about telling a good story – there’s also the question of historical accuracy, period-appropriate language and making sure everything fits together convincingly.
Here are some of the things I pay particular attention to:
- Historical accuracy and anachronisms
I’ll look out for words, expressions, objects, technology and historical references that might be out of place, checking details where appropriate and flagging anything that needs further investigation. - Period language and dialogue
Getting the balance right can be tricky. Dialogue needs to feel appropriate to the setting without becoming so archaic that it’s difficult to read. I’ll suggest changes where something feels out of place while respecting your chosen style.
- Continuity and consistency
Names, dates, locations, titles, ranks, timelines and even the time it takes to travel between places can all cause problems. I’ll keep an eye out for inconsistencies that might pull readers out of the story. - Clarity, flow and readability
Historical detail is important, but it shouldn’t get in the way of the storytelling. I’ll look for awkward phrasing, unnecessary repetition and anything else that might interrupt the reader’s enjoyment.
How I can help with your manuscript
Copyediting
Copyediting goes beyond correcting spelling, grammar and punctuation. I’ll work through your manuscript to improve clarity, flow and consistency, checking historical references, continuity and terminology along the way.
Proofreading
If your manuscript has already been edited and is approaching publication, proofreading provides that final quality check. I’ll look for spelling, punctuation, grammar and formatting errors, inconsistencies and anything else that might have slipped through.
Not sure which service you need? I’m happy to advise after an initial manuscript review. Get in touch here.
Historical fiction I’ve worked on
I’ve been fortunate to work with some excellent historical-fiction authors, including Nicola Cornick, John Pilkington, JC Duncan, Michael Ridpath, Keith Moray and Richard Cullen.
My experience covers historical adventure, crime and mystery, dual-timeline fiction and military thrillers, spanning a wide range of periods and settings.
Blood Oath
JC Duncan
Viking adventure
Copyediting
Mayhem
Keith Moray
Medieval mystery
Proofreading
The Other Gwyn Girl
Nicola Cornick
Timeslip historical fiction
Copyediting
Operation Vienna
Michael Ridpath
Interwar adventure
Copyediting
You can find more historical fiction titles on the Books page.
What historical-fiction authors say
Gary… checked for anachronisms and other errors that had inadvertently slipped into my historical crime novels. A true professional.
Keith Moray, Author of the Ralph De Mandeville Mysteries
Meticulous and intelligent work… Not only do you approach the work with care and great thought, you actually make the editing process fun!
Nicola Cornick, Award-winning Historical Fiction/Timeslip Author
Frequently asked questions
Will you change my writing style or make the language sound more old-fashioned?
No. My role is to help you tell your story as effectively as possible, not to rewrite it in my own style. If I think a word or phrase sounds too modern for your setting, I’ll suggest an alternative or explain my concern. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
Can you check the historical accuracy of my novel?
Yes, to an extent. Historical and factual checks are part of my copyediting service, and I’ll investigate possible anachronisms, inconsistencies and questionable references where appropriate. However, highly specialised historical research may need an expert in the relevant period or subject.
Do you work with independently published authors?
Absolutely. I work with established publishers and bestselling authors, but I’m equally happy working directly with independent writers. Whether you’re preparing your first historical novel for publication or working on the next instalment in a series, I’d be glad to discuss your project.
Let’s talk about your historical novel
If you’re looking for a historical-fiction copyeditor or proofreader, I’d love to hear about your book.
I offer a free, no-obligation sample copyedit or proofread of up to 2,000 words, so you can see how I work before deciding whether to go ahead. I’ll also review your sample and provide a fixed quote based on the level of editing required.
Get in touch with a little information about your manuscript, including its word count and your preferred timescale, and we can take it from there.
