I read and edit fiction and non-fiction manuscripts. I've been writing and editing for more than thirty years – newspapers, Lonely Planet guidebooks, other authors' books and a novel of my own – and I now work from Tewantin, on the Sunshine Coast. If you have a draft you'd like an experienced reader to look at, I'd be glad to hear about it.
What I can help with
Manuscript assessment
I read the whole manuscript and write you a report on what's working and what isn't, covering structure, pacing, characters, voice, and where the book might sit in the market. I also mark up your first chapter in detail, so you can see the kind of changes I'd suggest. It's a good first step if you've finished a draft and aren't sure what to do next.
Structural editing
For a draft that has the makings of a book but needs reshaping. I look at the order of things, what could go, what's missing, and whether the story or argument holds together from beginning to end. Then I work through the changes with you.
Line editing and copyediting
Close work on the sentences, for clarity, rhythm, consistency, grammar and punctuation. This is for a manuscript that's in good shape overall and now needs to read well on every page before it goes to an agent, a publisher or the printer.
A free first read
Send me the first 2,000 words of your manuscript and I'll read them free of charge and tell you honestly what I think. There's no obligation.
How we start
Get in touch and tell me a little about your book: what it is, roughly how long, and what you're hoping to do with it. Once I've read your sample, I'll suggest the kind of help that would make the most difference and give you a fixed quote before any work begins. We can talk about budget openly, and there's usually a way to make it work.
About me
I've spent most of my working life in Asia, mainly in Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Cambodia. I was on the start-up teams for the Taipei Times and the Brunei Times. I'm the author of more than 30 Lonely Planet guides, and I've edited everything from newspaper features to policy papers for the Asian Development Bank. I've also worked closely with other writers to turn their ideas into books, and into opinion pieces for Time, the Wall Street Journal and other publications. My own novel, Harvest Season, was published by Earnshaw Books. Now that I've settled in Tewantin, I'm enjoying getting to know the writers here.
Get in touch
Email me at chris@sunnyeditorial.com. I usually reply within a day or two.
Send me a message