Are you writing a book? Has your manuscript been read by someone who’s not your partner/mum/best friend? If your answers are ‘Yes’ and ‘No’, who’s going to read it next? I’d say it should be someone who doesn’t know you and your writing.

That’s because readers of your published book will be strangers like me. Your success will depend on whether you can engage, convince and entertain people who know nothing of you or your writing. The only way to find out how you are doing is to get a stranger to read and comment on your manuscript.

That’s why I’m available to read your book and comment on both its strengths and how to improve it. It would be a privilege to see your manuscript, which I know from personal experience was difficult to create and now difficult to share with others.

I have a master’s degree in creative writing (University of Aberdeen, 2021, with Distinction), so I know what I’m looking for. And I have long professional experience of giving feedback, so I will be honest, kind and useful.

I’m happy to work with most genres of fiction and non-fiction. My favourite genres are memoir, biography, exploration/adventure, and general fiction.

My name is Richard, by the way, and I’m a Developmental Editor. When I’m not editing or writing, I’m out in the mountains near my home or building and sailing boats.