Official Website of The Opal Grove Editing
Fiction Editor living on Dartmoor
About Me
Hi, I'm Becky, a freelance editor with a passion for stories and a love of words. I help authors shape their manuscripts, polishing the language, clarifying the structure, and making sure every story shines while keeping the author’s unique voice at the heart of the work.
Education & Expertise:
With a BA in English Literature and years of hands-on editing experience, I bring both academic insight and practical know-how to every manuscript. This combination allows me to provide thoughtful, nuanced feedback and support authors in bringing their stories fully to life.
Diverse Manuscript Experience:
I’ve worked on everything from romance and fantasy to thrillers, memoirs, children’s books, non-fiction, and academic writing. I love diving into different genres and discovering the heart of each story, helping authors shape their words and bring out the best in their work.
Passion for Stories & Collaboration:
As a reader and writer myself, I know how words can weave magic, emotion, and connection. I especially enjoy collaborating with authors, exploring their ideas, and helping them craft manuscripts that truly capture their vision. There’s nothing more rewarding than guiding a story from first draft to polished form, together.
​
Why Work with Me:
-
Comprehensive Approach: I don’t just correct typos, I help your story reach its full potential. From structural clarity and narrative flow to sentence-level polish and stylistic refinement, I focus on every layer of your manuscript to ensure it reads smoothly, resonates with readers, and truly reflects your voice.
-
Genre Insight: Having worked across a wide range of genres, I understand the expectations, conventions, and unique joys of each. This allows me to tailor my editing to the specific needs of your story, whether it’s highlighting emotional depth, maintaining suspense, or keeping world-building consistent.
-
Collaborative Spirit: Editing is a partnership, and I love working closely with authors to nurture their vision. I provide constructive, thoughtful feedback while respecting your voice, exploring ideas with you, and helping shape your manuscript into a story that’s polished, cohesive, and captivating. Together, we make your words shine.
Review
I can’t express how amazing it has been working with The Opal Grove Editing. I sent her the first chapter of my very first book nearly a year before the book was complete. Life got in the way and despite the fact that I had set everything aside for a while, Becky kept in touch. Not to keep a potential client, but to chat with a new friend. That’s why I reached out to her immediately the moment my book was finished. She’s genuinely motivated by kindness and interest, not money. It’s so refreshing. Even though we’re in different countries we were still able to talk about everything through messages and video. She was with me every step of the way through the editing process. She makes notes that are concise and helpful. I tend to write the way I speak. Becky takes that writing and manages to make it proper English without losing the essence of what I’m saying. She can make minor tweaks that make major differences. Differences - not changes - she simply adds to what’s there in the very best way. She did a comprehensive edit for me that included some wonderful advice on the story. Things she believes could make it more consistent and entertaining. She was absolutely right. In this time of self publishing and self editing I know for a fact there are new authors trying to go at it alone. Don’t do it. Contact The Opal Grove. You won’t regret it for a second. - Romance Author
Services
Three tiers of editing, tailored to your manuscript and your vision.
Proofreading:
When proofreading, I focus on identifying and correcting typos, spelling mistakes, punctuation issues, and basic grammar errors. I also ensure consistency in formatting, typography, and style, so your manuscript looks polished and professional. Beyond the basics, I carefully read for clarity and flow, flagging awkward phrasing or minor inconsistencies that could distract the reader. The goal is a clean, error-free text that allows your story or message to shine, leaving a strong impression on your audience.
Copy Edit/Line Edit:
This involves a more comprehensive review of your manuscript than basic proofreading. I examine sentence structure, clarity, style, and overall readability, while also addressing grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Beyond corrections, I fine-tune the language, improve flow, and ensure consistency in tone and style throughout the text. I’ll flag awkward phrasing, clarify confusing passages, and make sure the writing adheres to the appropriate style guide, helping your manuscript read smoothly and professionally while staying true to your voice.
Developmental Edit:
Developmental editing is the most in-depth level of manuscript support, focusing on the big picture of your story. I review the overall structure, content, and organization, assessing elements such as concept, plot, character development, pacing, logic, and thematic consistency. I provide detailed feedback and practical suggestions to strengthen your manuscript, highlighting areas for large-scale revisions and improvements. This collaborative process helps refine your story from the ground up, ensuring that it is cohesive, engaging, and fully realized while preserving your unique voice.
Contact Me
Not sure if we’re the right fit? I provide a free 1,000-word sample edit to give you a taste of my work before submitting your full manuscript.