From non-fiction authors
Rachel Cullen – author
​
What was the biggest concern about your writing or manuscript that led you to contact me? Or how were you hoping I could help?
I felt to have taken my manuscript as far as I could and wanted a professional appraisal of the book and an idea of those areas that needed some more work. I needed a completely fresh pair of eyes to read my MS - and for that person to know what they are looking for, have the skills to help me improve the MS and to give me honest feedback.
What did you find most useful or enjoy the most about working with me?
Oh my god this could be a long answer! I love the fact that you are so committed to helping me make this book the best it can possibly be; I love that you are so passionate about non-fiction books which are written from a female perspective with an emphasis on mental health recovery and the power of sharing stories and relating to one another and I felt this during our handover call and in the feedback you provided. I love your absolute professionalism - from setting clear boundaries and being so detailed in precisely what service you are providing and the costing for that, to the level of detail and scrutiny within the manuscript appraisal.
What would you say to someone who is unsure about hiring me as their editor?
DO IT! HIRE SIAN AS YOUR EDITOR!
Do you have any other comments you'd like to share?
Yes. I want to work with you on every stage necessary to getting this book published, and if I write any more books in the future, I want to work with you again then, too.
Lisa Towers – author
​
What was the biggest concern about your writing or manuscript that led you to contact me? Or how were you hoping I could help?
I have dyslexia and I know the first editor didn't do a grand job. I saw you on Instagram and something drew me to you - I am so glad it did.
What did you find most useful or enjoy the most about working with me?
Your professionalism in how you communicated clearly and promptly, kept me up to date and of course your delivery and work which is just a blessing to me. I am so grateful
What would you say to someone who is unsure about hiring me as their editor?
Do it! You won't get to work with someone who cares as much about your work as you do. [She] takes pride in what she does.
Do you have any other comments you'd like to share?
Just 'Thank You!' it was a pleasure and I can't wait to get it uploaded for print. Oh and I will be back with my next book x
Tulshi Varsani – author
​
Sian blew me away when it came to her openness about editing. Looking for an editor certainly wasn't an easy thing to do! Much like a marriage, you do need to find a good partner because you are birthing this new project into life. When it came to editing my manuscript, I am extremely glad to have met Sian at the perfect time.
My search for editors initially left me hesitant because many chose to change the meaning or sentences entirely, but Sian did not do this. She took time to understand the philosophy and meaning behind my book and her input has made my 'Happiness Within' book all the better. I could not be more thrilled with the changes we have made together. The way Sian translates, questions and suggests alternatives gives the writer the autonomy and degree of freedom they need. This was something I was looking for right from the beginning but her work exceeded all my expectations.
Sian is such an incredible editor and there is no doubt I will be releasing more books with her valuable input.
What was the biggest concern about your writing or manuscript that led you to contact me? Or how were you hoping I could help?
I felt that I had done everything I could do with my own knowledge and I knew I needed help, but I just wasn't sure in what form I needed it. I saw your post by chance and went from there.
​
What did you find most useful or enjoy the most about working with me?
I connected with you right away, and through the process, I felt that I am working with very professional friend.
​
What would you say to someone who is unsure about hiring me as their editor?
I would say, hire Sian! The manuscript appraisal that you did for me made my book so much better, increasing it from 52,000 words to 65,000. With the copyedit you not only made everything look perfect but you also made sure that language wouldn't trigger anyone. In wellness non-fiction writing we often discuss sensitive subjects, and you made sure that the language was appropriate and my writing would work.
​
Do you have any other comments you'd like to share?
I am going to write another book, and I wouldn't use any other editor. I will miss working with you. I'll have to write another book to work with you again.
Thank you for being so kind. Whenever I felt a bit overwhelmed with the book, the ability to message you and ask for advice really helps.
​
Julia Lebentritt – writer
​
What was the biggest concern about your writing or manuscript that led you to contact me? Or how were you hoping I could help?
I researched your profiles on social media and thought we had similar interests. I was hoping you would help me get clearer about what I wanted the book to be, and why I am choosing diary style memoir. I wanted to find the purpose of my project.
What did you find most useful or enjoy the most about working with me?
Your personal compassionate touch and respect for my "voice" in this project. Your generous offer of the first read through and the detailed editorial report. Your numerous tips about structure, themes, and fact checking that are bringing my writing to the next level.
What would you say to someone who is unsure about hiring me as their editor?
If you are looking for professional user-friendly editorial services, Sian Smith is the closest thing to in-person 1:1. Her comments acknowledged feelings, encouraged choices, and validated my writing projects.
From business owners
SN Financial Services Limited
​
Sian has provided SN with proofreading on our advertising and most recently on our terms of business which desperately needed some TLC, we are extremely happy that we now have an accurate and precise document to provide our clients. The communication throughout has been a pleasure and we look forward to continuing our working relationship.
Droitwich Direct
​
Sian comes across as extremely approachable as well as incredibly professional. She clearly has a passion for her work and nothing seems to be too much trouble. Having never used an editing service before, I didn't know what to expect. Sian talked me through everything and my experience has been fantastic. I will definitely be hiring Sian in the future! Thank you so much.
NBR (National Business Register)
​
Would happily recommend Sian to others. She turned around some website proofreading to us really quickly and not only has an eye for detail from the questions and queries she raised, I could tell she really understood our products and services.
Looking forward to working with you again in the future!