Making good writing great.

Authors. Publishers. First-timers.

I work with all three. I’m Colin Cooper, a nonfiction editor determined to bring out the best in your writing.

Your writing should sound like you.

Sometimes new authors need a little help to find their voices; other times established writers want to refine theirs. My tactful, tailored commentary is designed to improve flow and consistency so your unique style can shine through.

Write books that get published. Publish books people love.

I work on texts at all stages of the publishing process – from first drafts to final proofs – helping me to appreciate the needs of authors and publishers alike.

How can I help?

Every writer needs an editor.

Contact

Services

Developmental editing

Developmental editing can help you to structure (or restructure) your work to make it clearer and more accessible for your target readership.

Copyediting

Copyediting ensures readers won’t be distracted by errors and inconsistencies – building trust and confidence in the things you have to say.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the last line of defence between your project and its publication.

My name is Colin Cooper and I’m a freelance nonfiction editor.

With a background in international journalism and marketing, I help authors, publishers and third sector organisations to develop and finesse all kinds of factual writing. I specialise in copyediting and proofreading academic trade titles as well as textbooks and reports for NGOs and UN agencies.

Established in 2016, I started Grand Apostrophe to help writers from all backgrounds to publish with pride. I often work with first-time authors, non-native English speakers and people with learning difficulties like dyslexia.

I have a particular interest in the fields of current affairs, heritage, international development, music and social sciences.

Download my CV

Alongside a range of reports, journal articles and non-publishing material, I’ve worked on a range of books, including:

The Century of Deception: The Birth of the Hoax in Eighteenth Century England by Ian Keable
Charting Space: The Cartographies of Conceptual Art edited by Elize Mazadiego
Dangerous Ideas: A Brief History of Censorship in the West, from the Ancients to Fake News by Eric Berkowitz
Diplomacy and Reform in Iran: Foreign Policy Under Khatami by Edward Wastnidge
Mohamed Makiya: A Modern Architect Renewing Islamic Tradition by Karen Dabrowska
Paris Isn’t Dead Yet: Surviving Gentrification in the City of Light by Cole Stangler
Rise: Extraordinary Women of Colour who Changed the World by Maliha Abidi
Supervision for Occupational Therapy: Practical Guidance for Supervisors and Supervisees edited by Karina Dancza, Anita Volkert and Stephanie Tempest
Understanding Libya Since Gaddafi by Ulf Laessing
Vermin, Victims and Disease: British Debates over Bovine Tuberculosis and Badgers by Angela Cassidy
Vintage Addis Ababa: Recollections of Everyday People by Philip Schütz, Wongel Abebe and Nafkot Gebeyehu

“Colin helped me to improve and edit the manuscript for my first book. As a non-native English speaker I appreciated his help making my writing clear and precise.”

– Ulf Laessing, author
“Diligent, thorough, thoughtful and good humoured. An absolute pleasure to work with and one of our best critical friends.”

– Nick Southall, university marketer
“Colin applied his skills to a research paper, which resulted in publication. He was recommended to me by another academic because his work adds significant value.”

– Michelle Barrow, academic
“I needed a professional eye to look over my manuscript before submitting to a literary agent. Colin offered constructive, creative input and was timely throughout the process.”

– James Bloomfield, author
“Colin proofread several high-profile confidential documents and was consistently accurate with his work. His expertise meant we produced first class, sector-wide legislation which we could be very proud of.”

– Tanya Tribbell, higher education professional

No-nonsense nonfiction.

Making good writing great.

Authors. Publishers. First-timers.

Your writing should sound like you.

Write books that get published. Publish books people love.

Every writer needs an editor.

Services

Developmental editing

Copyediting

Proofreading

My name is Colin Cooper and I’m a freelance nonfiction editor.

Alongside a range of reports, journal articles and non-publishing material, I’ve worked on a range of books, including:

“Colin helped me to improve and edit the manuscript for my first book. As a non-native English speaker I appreciated his help making my writing clear and precise.”

“Diligent, thorough, thoughtful and good humoured. An absolute pleasure to work with and one of our best critical friends.”

“Colin applied his skills to a research paper, which resulted in publication. He was recommended to me by another academic because his work adds significant value.”

“I needed a professional eye to look over my manuscript before submitting to a literary agent. Colin offered constructive, creative input and was timely throughout the process.”

“Colin proofread several high-profile confidential documents and was consistently accurate with his work. His expertise meant we produced first class, sector-wide legislation which we could be very proud of.”

Request a free, no-obligation quote.