Meticulous editorial and manuscript services for writers and researchers
I am a freelance professional editor, with more than fifteen years’ experience working in academic and trade book publishing.
From early-phase manuscript assessment and developmental editing to allow your ideas to take shape, through to punctilious copy editing of advanced manuscripts, and final-stage proofreading and indexing, my services ensure that you express yourself as clearly, accurately, and effectively as possible, without losing your authorial voice.
Researchers and writers with whom I have worked have published their manuscripts with highly respected international presses, including Cambridge University Press, Manchester University Press, Princeton University Press, University of Massachusetts Press, Bloomsbury, Routledge, and UNSW Press.
Whatever stage your writing is at – whether you’re struggling with structure, trying to find ways to push through on a stalled project, seeking to refine an unwieldy manuscript, or close to the finish line and needing print-ready pages – I can help produce the very best version of your work, allowing your ideas, arguments, and your own unique voice to shine through.
Services Offered
Manuscript assessment
Comprehensive manuscript assessment to highlight strengths, diagnose structural issues, and suggest practical revisions.
This service gives you a clear roadmap to get your writing project on track to meet your goals and deadlines.
Developmental editing
Detailed editorial guidance to transform your work-in-progress into a publishable article, chapter or monograph.
This service helps move your project along the path to publication.
Copy editing
Assiduous reviewing of your manuscript, from macro-level structural editing through to fine-grained corrections to grammar, spelling, and expression.
Whatever the genre of writing, this service gets your manuscript ready for publication.
Proofreading
Meticulous proofreading to catch lingering errors in grammar, punctuation, and referencing.
This service provides end-stage review for blemish-free, publication-ready copy.
Indexing
Expert indexing of non-fiction books.
A good index does more than list keywords; it helps guide the reader to what’s important.
This service provides a back-of-the-book index that enables your readers to navigate your work expeditiously and effectively.
About Briony
I am a freelance professional editor, working in academic and trade book publishing for more than fifteen years.
I work with both experienced and first-time authors, helping create writing that is accurate, compelling, and stylish.
From early-stage editorial advice that helps writers plot out their projects and find the best structure for their ideas and core arguments, through to copy editing of a mature manuscript, proofreading, and indexing of final page proofs, I can support your research and writing through every phase of the process.
Testimonials
Prof. Hilary M. Carey
University of Bristol
Author of Empire of Hell: Religion and the Campaign to End Convict Transportation in the British Empire, 1788–1875 (Cambridge University Press, 2019)
“Briony Neilson was an outstanding copy editor for Empire of Hell. She worked meticulously through the complex text, identifying typographical, grammatical and stylistic errors and creating a professional and readable text.
“I have recommended her enthusiastically to other colleagues and would work with her again.”
Dr Susanne Thurow
UNSW Sydney
Author of Picturing the Climate Emergency (NewSouth Press, 2026)
“Working with Briony Neilson as the copy editor for our edited volume with UNSW Press on Picturing the Climate Emergency and the art of Dennis Del Favero was an absolute pleasure.
“Over the two months we collaborated, Briony consistently delivered work on time, made thoughtful and incisive edits and provided feedback that was both clear and constructive. Her prompt communication and effortless coordination with our wider team ensured the workflow progressed smoothly, without delays or confusion.
“Briony’s professionalism, attention to detail and generous editorial insight have greatly strengthened the manuscript, and I couldn’t recommend her more highly.”
Prof. Michael McDonnell
University of Sydney
Author of Remembering the Revolution : Memory, History, and Nation Making from Independence to the Civil War (University of Massachusetts Press, 2014); and Masters of Empire: Great Lakes Indians and the Making of America (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2015)
“I can’t recommend Dr Briony Neilson enough. Her work is superb. Dr Neilson has done research, translation, and editing work for me and has been so impressive we have ended up collaborating and publishing together.
“Dr Neilson is thoughtful, highly articulate, and works well in whatever context she finds herself in, adapting to the evolving needs of her clients. You won’t find a better editor.”
Inquiries
Get in touch to discuss your editorial and manuscript needs, detailing the word count, field of research, deadlines, and goals.
Email: BrionyNeilsonEditor@gmail.com
A Final Word on Editors and AI…
Some people believe – wrongly – that Artificial Intelligence can readily replace editors. But while AI might appear to improve efficiency and accuracy, what AI does isn’t a patch on what a human editor offers. For example, unlike a human editor, AI has difficulty understanding the purpose of a piece of writing or its intended audience. It struggles to match an appropriate tone and style to an intended audience. Unlike a human editor, AI does not exercise judgment and makes decisions based on algorithmic patterns. It cannot tell the difference between accurate information and fine-grained, context-dependent content. Unlike AI, human editors know how and when to adjust writing so that the author’s unique voice is preserved. AI produces generic writing. Unlike AI, human editors are situated beings with lived experience and real-world insights that help identify subtle, culturally sensitive, or inappropriate content. Human editors exercise strategic decision-making and nurture originality, creativity, and subjectivity. Human editors are also just much nicer to be around.