Editor, proofreader and writer
specialising in history and the arts
Professional editing and writing services for people
who have a story to tell
You’re a small/medium independent business in the UK struggling with your written content and branding consistency. You need writing or editing services, but don’t know where to start. Your business has an interesting history that you’re keen to tell, but you don’t know how.
Or are you an author who needs professional editing services to help polish your writing?
You don’t need to leave it until you’re overwhelmed before you seek professional help – it’s really not as complicated or scary as you think.
I specialise in history, heritage and the arts, and help independent businesses, and authors, like you communicate effectively with a practical approach to your writing and branding.
Hi, I’m Sara
As an academic librarian and genealogist I loved life, until one day I tried to use a reference book that had a rubbish index. I couldn’t find anything. It pissed me off. So I trained and became an indexer. When I moved to the north of Scotland I almost cried over a history book I was using for research that hadn’t been edited or proofread. So I trained and started helping authors and publishers. Then I started to write for publications and businesses and gained my word nerd badge.
All my life I’ve been fascinated with history, art and literature, so it makes sense that my specialism is art, history and heritage. I’ve taken university level courses in everything from house histories to aerial archaeology, as well as gathered a couple of degrees along the way.
I’m so passionate about what I do that my spare time is even taken up with collecting antique photograph albums and researching them, when I’m not helping in our local theatre.
I’m an Advanced Professional member of, and tutor for, CIEP (the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading), with a background in information management and genealogy, and trained in copywriting and creative writing.
Through my writing and editing services I help businesses and authors get their story out there. Without stressing about the commas.
I’ve worked with the multiple-award-winning Dunnet Bay Distillers (Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka) and high profile companies, such as Cunard, P&O, Irish Ferries, Brittany Ferries and NorthLink, through my work with Lily and Ferry Publications. I’m proud to have written for, compiled and edited Lily Publication’s best-selling All Round Guide to the Isle of Man and their Island Kitchen cookery books. I have also worked with publishers, agencies, self-publishing authors and businesses, to help them be their best.
I know just how to help
As a business owner sometimes you’ll need to outsource. You can’t do it all yourself or you’d never get your work done. My services, tailored around your needs, include professional editing services (copyediting, developmental editing, document assessments and website assessments), proofreading, writing, historical research and maintaining consistency in your brand through editorial style guides and brand books. Basically I’m your go-to consistency consultant.
As an author you know that to look your best you sometimes need help. Pop on over to my author services page to see how I can help you. My editing services for authors include copyediting, proofreading and manuscript assessments. I specialise in historical fiction and non-fiction.
Author services
Editing and proofreading make your writing the best it can be.
Business services
Don’t struggle with your written content. My editing and writing services are just what you need.
Brand guides
Don’t rely on post-it notes. I’ll get you organised so you stay consistent.
Historical services
Got an interesting story to tell? I can research your building’s history or write your business story for you.
What people say …
“Sara has been a great resource for our business.”
– Martin Murray, Dunnet Bay Distillers
“Sara Donaldson’s edit was thorough, professional, and illuminating. … Honestly, I couldn’t be happier.”
– Mysti Berry, technical writer and award-winning author
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LET’S CONNECT
If you’re anything like me you’ll be having an internal battle – “Should I email or not? Am I going to look silly? What if they want a phone call?”
Don’t worry, words and history are my business. That question you have – it won’t be silly.
That phone call or video call? Well, I do prefer email so that’s not a problem.