Get in touch
Woman with thick, light coloured hair smiling while holding a book titled 'New Hart's Rules' in a room with bright pink walls.

What kind of writing do I edit?

I edit and proofread a range of writing, including:

  • relationship fiction

  • romance

  • content for charities and businesses

  • magazines, newsletters, leaflets and brochures

  • web content

  • educational resources

  • children’s fiction and non-fiction

Social media post praising Lizzie Gowans for her editing skills, mentioning her attention to detail and positive influence on the author's book.

Skills, training and life experience

Years ago, I had a go at my own business, selling books at Book Parties. I soon discovered I wasn’t a natural at selling! Now I’m delighted to be involved with words in a far more fulfilling way.

Before editing life I was a teacher in Inner London, then in Spain and finally back home in Scotland. My specialisms included supporting children and young people with autism, ADHD, and social, emotional and behavioural issues.

Fiction Editing - women indie authors and romance authors

I support indie authors, especially women who have found writing later in life. Having discovered my own passion for writing I understand the feelings you might have about your words being considered.

I am a member of my local writers’ club. We have weekly workshops and competitions, which are judged by published authors. Waiting for feedback is quite a feeling. This has helped me understand the importance of giving kind but honest feedback to an author.

Editing of education-related content and children’s books

My teaching experience lends itself to working with education-related projects and children’s books, including:

Children’s picture books and early readers | Children’s fiction and non-fiction | Educational materials

Training

As a CIEP member (Intermediate Member) I comply with the Institute’s Professional Practice Code as an editorial professional.

My training includes:

  • Proofreading: Introduction, CIEP (2024)

  • Proofreading: Headway, CIEP (2024)

  • Proofreading: Progress, CIEP (2025)

  • Copyediting: Introduction, CIEP (2024)

  • CIEP Conference (2024, 2025)

  • Louise Harnby Style Sheets for Fiction Editing (2024)

  • Publishing Training Centre, E-Learning bite-sized courses in: Publishing - Copyediting - Editing Fiction - Proofreading PDFs - An editor’s guide to working with typesetters - A copyeditor’s guide to working with authors.

  • Publishing Training Centre, Essential Grammar (2025)

  • Introduction to Fiction Developmental Editing, CIEP (2025)

  • Editing Romance Fiction, CIEP (2025)

I was once a teacher.

I have retrained as an editor and proofreader and am proud to have built up my freelance editorial business.

The numerous transferable skills I have brought from my teaching days include:

  • attention to detail

  • audience awareness

  • project management

  • empathetic communication

  • ability to give constructive feedback

  • research skills

  • flexibility

  • conscious language approach

I am a member of the Glasgow Editors’ Network.

We are a group of independent professional editors and proofreaders.

Our editors are all members of the CIEP and we offer a wide range of freelance editing services.

Take a look at our website for more information which includes useful blogs about editing and proofreading.

Find out more about the CIEP Professional Practice Code.
My Services