Thoughtful developmental editing and writing coaching for independent authors — with particular experience in horror, speculative fiction and stories that venture into darker places.
I studied English & Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University before completing a Master’s in Publishing at UCLAN. In 2019, I founded the independent horror press Otranto House and ran it until 2025, working directly with writers to shape manuscripts from early developmental questions through to publication.
Running an independent press meant working across story structure, character development, pacing, continuity, copy, production and the practical realities faced by independent authors.
I have also worked professionally in marketing content and copywriting, strengthening my ability to adapt tone, clarify ideas and write for a defined audience.
My job is not to rewrite your story in my voice. It is to ask the right questions, identify what is holding the manuscript back, strengthen what already works, and help you develop the story you actually want to tell.
Whether you have a complete manuscript, a stubborn plot problem or an idea you can’t quite make work, we can start with where you are now.
Big-picture editorial feedback that helps the story work as a whole while preserving your voice.
A practical space to talk through ideas, solve problems and keep momentum without handing ownership of the story to someone else.
Careful line-level work when the story is already in place and the manuscript needs polish, consistency and clarity.
Send a short description of your project, where you are in the process and what you want help with.
I’ll recommend the right level of support based on the manuscript, your goals and your budget.
You receive clear, constructive feedback designed to help you make confident decisions about your own story.
You leave with a stronger manuscript, a clearer plan, or both — without losing ownership of the work.
Elizabeth’s background combines formal publishing education with hands-on editorial, commercial writing and teaching experience.
Founded and independently ran a horror fiction press, working with authors across novels, short fiction and collaborative projects. Developmental work included plot holes, character motivation, structure, pacing and refining narrative style.
Researched and wrote commercial content for varied audiences, while proofreading and copyediting print and digital materials for clarity, consistency, grammar and tone.
Produced and revised content for UK businesses, adapting voice across subjects and working to demanding deadlines.
Teaching experience adds another useful dimension to writing coaching: explaining difficult concepts clearly, diagnosing problems and helping people become more confident independent writers.
Tell me what you’re working on and where you feel stuck. We can work out what kind of editorial support would actually help.
Get in touch with Elizabeth