“I was impressed by the sheer level of detail.”
I offer an editing service to writers at any stage of their careers. Levels of service range from a basic proofread to a thorough line edit with accompanying reader’s report.
Fees are dependent on length of manuscript and flexible payment options are available. I am happy to edit an excerpt (approx. 1500 words) free of charge, with no obligation to proceed. Contact me at dickson@dicksontelfer.co.uk for further details, or fill in the form on the contact page. Please note that I don’t edit academic work or business documentation.
What clients have said:
“Dickson is a perceptive, hardworking editor. He helped me improve my book in various ways, most substantially in drumming into my brain that long swaths of dialogue must be broken up in a novel. A writer would have a hard time finding a more acute, reliable and precise editor than Dickson Telfer.” – R.J. Stewart (Southern California, USA) showrunner / lead writer, Xena, Warrior Princess.
“Dickson is meticulous in his editing and has provided me with advice I can now put into practice.
His professionalism and dedication would be difficult to find elsewhere.”
Dan Ross, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach and author of Toolkit for the Mind (Volumes 1 & 2).
“Dickson Telfer was prompt, professional, and went out of his way to go above and beyond what I was expecting.
He has a true eye for clarity, reader’s flow, and his proofreading is superb.”
M.P. Fitzgerald (Seattle, USA), author of A Happy Bureaucracy, Fear and Loathing in the Wasteland, and the Existential Terror and Breakfast series.
“I encourage you as an author to do two things: 1) Do not rely on yourself to do your final editing. Even if editing is a strength, you will make mistakes editing your own work. 2) Consider Dickson Telfer as your solution. You won’t regret it.”
Kerry C. O’Hallaron (Tampa, Florida, USA), author of Beyond the First Impression: How to Lead Well, Communicate Better, and Build Exceptional Relationships.
“Dickson highlighted the importance of ‘showing not telling’ and stripping out unnecessary words, considering both the reader’s enjoyment and my development as a writer. His edits are essential if you want to ensure your work is in the right place before being considered by any publication house. Honestly, he can spot a comma in a different font during a power cut! Highly recommended.”
Joe England (London, England), author of Hudson Lamb is Innocent.
“His keen eye for detail and natural writing ability helped hone my project into a much slicker story. I was impressed by the sheer level of detail he put into his work and I am incredibly grateful for every comment he made and comma he corrected. I would absolutely recommend Dickson Telfer as a sharp, professional, and talented editor.”
Samuel Best (Glasgow, Scotland), author of Shop Front.
“Dickson can look at a story from the perspective of not just the reader but also the writer. Being a writer and editor makes him a natural in noticing the good and the bad in the manuscript.
Most line/proof editors just look and edit what has been written, but he provides additional feedback that gives you some food for thought to improve the manuscript.”
DS Kumar (Bengaluru, India), author of Romantic Guerrilla.
“Dickson identified strengths and weaknesses in my writing that, being so close to the piece, I couldn’t see for myself. Whether it was pointing out writer’s ticks, common tropes of a first manuscript, or even effective aspects unique to my story, I always felt safe to trust his detailed input. I particularly enjoyed his moments of witty commentary, which is a refreshing approach to the process of critiquing and scrutinizing. The journey has been a long and painstaking rinse of my work, but I know it has not only improved my manuscript to the point that I feel confident to send it onward into the market place, but I also feel that, through working with Dickson, I have grown more competent as a writer.” – Vincent Andriano (London, England) actor, and author of the work in progress The Legends of Thorea.
“Dickson Telfer has a great eye for detail. All writing submitted to him has returned in better shape and left me feeling a better writer following his recommendations in the feedback provided.” – Martin Geraghty (Bishopbriggs, Scotland), author of the work in progress George Bunce Rides the Wave of Fear.
“Dickson acted as my Third Eye, spotting errors and flaws that had escaped my two eyes. He attended to the minute details of language, plot and presentation with remarkable precision. His editing added new lustre to my work, making the style racy and crisp, which has inspired me and boosted my confidence.” – Hussain Ahmad (Qatar, Western Asia), author of the work in progress Exit Permit.
“Dickson Telfer’s writing ability and eye for detail, combined with his enthusiasm for the written word, allows his editing style to compliment that of the author’s, ensuring their intention is never ignored. His professionalism and knowledge of the Scottish writing scene were instrumental to the success of [Untitled] 6 and 7.” – Craig Allan (Dunbar, Scotland), founder and editor of [Untitled].
“Dickson provided me with an opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on my writing. I received detailed, constructive and unique feedback that has been of great benefit to my development as a writer.” – Jane Cook (Glasgow, Scotland).
“Masterful editing and proof reading with a style and effervescence that never disappoints.” – Derek Steel (Falkirk, Scotland), founder and editor of Razur Cuts magazine.
“Dickson Telfer proofread two anthologies of PUSH, published by East London Press in 2014 and 2015 respectively. He was thoroughly professional and diligent on both counts, providing important suggestions as well as being first class at spotting typos that only a trained eye could locate. There is no question that the books would have been all the poorer without his important time and contribution to the final edit. Not only was his feedback positively clinical but he also provided a warm sense of humour when making crucial recommendations for various changes to text and format. It was a rewarding experience working with him.” – Joe England (London, England), founder and editor of PUSH magazine and editor of subsequent PUSH anthologies.
Dickson Telfer 
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