I’m Gary Jukes, a freelance copyeditor and proofreader based in the West Midlands. I’ve worked on science fiction, fantasy and horror titles for both established publishers and independent authors, and I’m also a long-time reader and fan of these genres.
Whether your story takes place on a distant planet, in a world shaped by magic or somewhere unsettlingly close to home, I’ll help make your manuscript the best it can be – without losing the distinctive voice, imagination or atmosphere that makes it yours.
What I look for when editing science fiction, fantasy and horror
Speculative fiction offers authors enormous creative freedom, but creating convincing imaginary worlds brings its own editorial challenges. Whether it’s an established set of magical rules, unfamiliar terminology or advanced technology, the details need to remain consistent and clear enough for readers to follow.
Here are some of the things I pay particular attention to:
- World-building, continuity and internal logic
Every fictional world has its own rules, whether they concern magic, technology, geography or supernatural abilities. I’ll look out for inconsistencies in those rules, character histories, locations and timelines, flagging details that might undermine the world you’ve created.
- Atmosphere, flow and readability
From the sense of wonder in science fiction and fantasy to the creeping unease of horror, atmosphere is an important part of the reading experience. I’ll look for awkward phrasing, unnecessary repetition, confusing sentences and anything that might interrupt the flow or weaken the impact of a scene.
- Names, terminology and invented language
Imaginary worlds often come with unfamiliar names, places, creatures and concepts. I’ll check these for consistency, keeping track of unusual spellings, capitalisation and terminology while respecting the language you’ve deliberately created.
- Scientific, technical and factual details
Science fiction and horror stories can involve complex technology, scientific concepts, medicine or other specialist subjects. I’ll investigate questionable details where appropriate and flag anything that appears inaccurate, contradictory or in need of further research.
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 timelines, character knowledge, continuity and technical details 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.
For a full breakdown of what’s included, see my copyediting and proofreading services and prices.
Science fiction, fantasy and horror I’ve worked on
I’ve had the pleasure of working on a variety of speculative fiction titles, from imaginative science fiction and epic fantasy to dark, unsettling horror. My experience includes books published by Fairlight and Caffeine Nights, alongside work with independently published authors.
Red Dust, White Snow
Pan Huiting
Science fiction
Proofreading
Well of Souls
Martin Dukes
Fantasy
Copyediting
Incisions: Cut One
Shaun Hutson
Horror
Copyediting
Creatos: Echoes of the Spirit
Ross Culy
Fantasy
Copyediting
You can find more titles I’ve worked on in the Other genres section of my Books page.
What authors I’ve worked with say
Gary did a great job copyediting and proofreading my manuscript. He has an eye for detail with the ability to catch inconsistencies. He is approachable and straightforward.
Brandi Danielle, Fantasy Author
I was most impressed by Gary’s efficiency, his communication and the quality of his work. He was admirably easy to deal with and great value for money. Would definitely recommend!
Martin Dukes, Author of Well of Souls
Frequently asked questions
Will you change my writing style or invented language?
No. My aim is to improve the clarity and consistency of your writing while preserving your individual voice and creative vision. I won’t rewrite your manuscript in my own style or replace unusual words simply because they’re unfamiliar.
In fact, unusual language can be an important part of speculative fiction. One of the things I particularly appreciated about Pan Huiting’s Red Dust, White Snow was its use of uncommon vocabulary to create a sense of otherworldliness. The challenge isn’t to remove that strangeness, but to make sure it’s intentional and that readers can follow the story without having to reach for a dictionary every few pages.
If I think an unfamiliar term is confusing, inconsistent or insufficiently explained, I’ll raise a query rather than automatically change it.
Can you spot inconsistencies in my world-building?
Yes, to an extent. Continuity checking is part of my copyediting service, and I’ll look out for contradictions involving characters, locations, technology, magical abilities and the established rules of your fictional world.
For example, if a character suddenly uses an ability that was previously described as impossible, I would query it. However, a copyedit isn’t a substitute for a full developmental edit or structural assessment, so more fundamental world-building issues may require a different level of editorial support.
Do you check scientific or technical accuracy?
Yes, where appropriate. I’ll research questionable details and flag potential inaccuracies, particularly where they might affect the credibility of a scene.
Science fiction doesn’t have to follow the laws of present-day science, of course, and fantasy and horror often deliberately depart from reality. What matters is whether the details are convincing within the world you’ve established.
A copyedit isn’t a comprehensive scientific or technical review, however, and highly specialised subjects may require an expert in the relevant field.
Do you work with independently published science fiction, horror and fantasy authors?
Absolutely. I’ve worked with both traditional publishers and independent authors, and I’m equally happy helping writers prepare their manuscripts for self-publication.
Whether you’re working on your first fantasy novel, a science fiction series or a collection of horror stories, I’d be glad to discuss your project.
Let’s talk about your manuscript
If you’re looking for a science fiction, fantasy or horror 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.
Image credits: Mikhail Nilov; Adis Resic; Luna Joie; Fernando Paleta (via Pexels).