The Blue Pencil

Visit Deborah Taylor at The Blue Pencil on
table number 39
at the summer
Oxford Indie Book Fair
on 13-July 2025

See home page for details, map and more.

Deborah Taylor – Copy editor and proof-reader:

Like many people, I made a career change later in life. I retrained as a copy editor and proofreader, and now I work with independent authors and publishers and their fiction manuscripts. Lately, I’ve had the pleasure of editing crime thrillers, romance, and even a young adult fantasy novel.

I love being part of the creative process. Collaborating with an author to help them publish the best version of their novel feels like a real privilege.

If you’re searching for—or working with—an editor, here’s one tip I always like to share. It might be a little controversial, but I recommend asking for a free sample edit of your manuscript. A small extract—around 1,000 to 2,000 words—is usually enough for both you and the editor to get a feel for whether you’re a good fit.

And when I’m not editing? I’m probably reading! But when I need a proper mental reset, you’ll find me on the yoga mat or dancing away in a Zumba class. There’s also nothing better than turning up the music and dancing in the kitchen while dinner’s cooking.