Bothersome Words offers a range of editing and writing services to a diverse selection of clients, and works with just about anything that takes the form of the written word. But there are some areas of editing and writing that require particular skills, interests or passions that not all editorial services can offer. Matching the right editor to a particular publication can make the world of difference to you and your work.
Bothersome Words specialises in:
- Fantasy and science fiction (speculative fiction)
- Romance and erotica
- Crime and thrillers
- Children’s and YA
- Academic and education texts/Social and critical theory
Fantasy and Science Fiction
If you’re looking for someone to edit your science fiction novel, fantasy tome, paranormal romance or horror manuscript, you’ve come to the right place.
Bothersome Words specialises in anything that falls under the speculative fiction banner. If you’re just getting started, Bothersome Words can provide you with a manuscript assessment, separate to, or in conjunction with, an edit of your manuscript.
We have worked closely with a number of authors beginning their writing journey, and their works have included science fiction serials spanning time and space, as well as epic fantasy novels depicting medieval realms. We also work with a number of publishers, including Random House and HarperCollins, and in this genre in particular we have worked with fantasy/sci-fi imprints including Gollancz, Orbit and HarperVoyager for authors such as Karen Miller, Fiona McIntosh, Traci Harding, Duncan Lay, Gavin G. Smith and Ian Irvine.
Romance and erotica
From subtle, sweet romances that fade to black to erotically raunchy romps that keep all the action bang on the page, Bothersome Words edits all heat levels, all pairings, and whatever sub-genres you can think of.
If you need help getting your manuscript to its own happily ever after, or even just happy for now, Bothersome Words can offer developmental advice and editing, having worked for romance publishers including Harlequin and Destiny Romance and authors such as Serenity Woods, Lily Malone and Louise Reynolds.
Crime and thriller
Gritty murder mysteries, super-spies or down-at-heel detectives; if you need a hand perfecting your characters’ Bond-style moves or ensuring your readers don’t unravel the puzzle too quickly, Bothersome Words can help you craft the perfect crime.
When it comes to mysteries, thrillers and action stories, it’s all about suspense and pacing. We can help you plot and check that all the facts add up where and when they should. Bothersome Words has worked with independent authors as well as trade publishers on crime and thriller fiction. See the portfolio for some examples.
Children’s and YA
Bothersome Words edits across genre within this category, including fiction and non-fiction, keeping a keen eye on who your work is intended for, as well as which readers are most likely to actually pick it up. We have experience working on children’s books for middle grade readers and young adult, for publishers such as Random House and HarperCollins, including authors such as HJ Harper, KJ Taylor and Rhiannon Hart.
Non fiction: Academic and Education; Social and Critical Theory; Memoir and Lifestyle
With a study background in philosophy and critical and cultural studies, Bothersome Words has particular interests in philosophy, psychology and critical theory, and has edited texts for university-level courses on subjects including developmental psychology and policy analysis for Pearson Australia as well as life and relationship guides for Finch Publishing. Some of these titles can be found on the portfolio pages.
Please note that academic and education editing does not include thesis editing.
