Claire Wingfield Editorial and Literary Consultancy

I want to thank you again for your kind and sensitive editing, as well as your helpful, constructive and encouraging comments. It’s been a joy being edited by you.

Faye Sharpe

Working with Claire Wingfield for my last round of editing my narrative non-fiction book was just what I needed to get my book in shape for a second submission of agent queries. Working together was a seamless process. She 'got' my book straight-away and had a no-nonsense approach that completely resonated with me. I agreed with Claire’s suggestions and she made me regain my confidence in a book that I had, frankly, fallen out of love with, as I was spiralling out of control into more and more editing. Good editor–writer relationships are hard to find and I was lucky to find mine. 

Iulia Calota

Many thanks for your excellent editorial work. I am delighted – you have substantially reduced the word-count, tightening the prose without losing any of the story. The query letter you have composed is outstanding.

Allan Duggin

You may remember editing my novel (then called Dance of the Water but now re-titled Marietta’s Gift). I’m delighted to tell you I have today received an offer of publication which follows on from my having acquired an agent a few months before the Covid outbreak. I am forever grateful to those who helped me get to this stage and do not forget them! I have just put your name into the acknowledgements and will send you a copy of the book when I get some.

Phil Platts

I have found your contribution invaluable. Your observations, both about strategic issues, about tone and character, and about details of structure have been spot on, and I know I have a better book now, thanks to your efforts.

Francis J Glynn

Claire Wingfield was incredibly helpful when I came to publish my first book.  Her editing suggestions were simple and clear, and always made a lot of sense.  I immediately accepted 95% of her suggestions.  I was very nervous about sharing my manuscript with a professional, but Claire was kind and supportive throughout the whole process.  I can't recommend her highly enough.

Alexander Butler

I found Claire Wingfield to be exceptionally helpful, professional and quite simply invaluable. I can not recommend her highly enough and certainly would not be sat with my book in hand without her help. This was my first book and in truth I was a little lost with the process. I was also concerned about maintaining the integrity of the message and the way it was written. Claire spent time listening and understanding everything which gave me such confidence.

CJ. Thompson

I worked with Claire Wingfield from first draft to published manuscript. Claire guided me with gentle sensitivity, showing but never telling in a way that allowed my creativity to flourish. A truly beautiful skill in an editor.

Claire took me to my limits and beyond them. I know I wouldn’t have been nearly as good a writer and I know Elephant @ the Party would have been nowhere near as good a story without her.  Thank you so much, Claire!

Julie D’Amour

Claire's manuscript review was just what I needed one year in to my non-fiction book project. Her constructive comments and encouragement provided a much needed boost — particularly valuable since I was working in isolation. Claire's literary eye is not her only strength as she is also very approachable and a delight to work with.

Edmund Morrison

Claire is a pleasure to work with, extremely efficient and friendly. Her editorial work has been invaluable for the Polygon titles she has worked on.

Alison Rae, Managing Editor, Polygon

Tommy Ellis Goes to Sea' is my first novel. The advice and guidance I received from Claire Wingfield from her report and the annotations on each page were professional and clear, and allowed me to move forward, seeing my work under a different light. I will certainly ask Claire to edit my future novels and I fully recommend her services.

Jes Parkin, Writer

Many thanks Claire for your brilliant editing of my novel. Your thorough and insightful dissection was matched by constructive and encouraging advice on how to improve my manuscript. The result is that far from being discouraged by the work ahead I can’t wait to get re-writing. I just wish I had consulted you earlier.

Jenny Robson, Writer
 
I was looking for someone to draw my attention to the bits that need slicing away to make my poetry collection neater and sharper and you really have done a fantastic job of that. Plus, you've helped me to think about what technical details are needed in cover letters and synopses. I have some great areas to work on now which will help my manuscript but also help me mature as a writer in general.

J Hall, Writer

Cultural Enterprise Office commissioned Claire to review the materials and the language that we use throughout our service. The resulting editorial and house-style guides were immediately welcomed by staff involved in creating advisory, training and marketing copy. It is proving to be a fantastic resource as it helps to ensure that we use a cohesive, meaningful language that resonates with our clients. Claire's work was delivered in such a way that made it effortless to adopt any changes.

Ailsa Watson, Information & IT Manager, Cultural Enterprise Office

Claire's editorial and book-production work is consistent, precise and professionally produced and she always returns jobs within deadlines... or before. She is always a pleasure to deal with and extremely hard-working.

Gavin Peebles, Hewer Text