Back to Services
Blue rounded rectangle with black text that reads "Proposal Review/Development"

Get feedback from an experienced acquisitions/commissioning editor

Your book proposal is more than a formality: it’s your chance to articulate your book’s value, audience, and structure in a way that gets publishers (or agents) to pay attention.

Starting price: £200+, depending on level of support needed

A notebook open to a page with handwritten notes on book proposal ideas, including sections for sample chapter, competition, marketing plan, author bio, target market, keynote, overview, length and special features, chapter abstracts, and TOC.

Why work with me?

As a former commissioning editor at Bloomsbury Publishing, I’ve read hundreds of book proposals and commissioned hundreds of books. I know what makes a proposal land and how to help you get there without second-guessing every word. Whether you’re pitching to academic or trade publishers, I’ll bring an honest and supportive eye to your work. You can check out my portfolio here.

A woman sitting at a desk reading a book, with a smartphone and stacks of books nearby, and a window with blurred outdoor scenery in the background.
Hire me!

Does this sound like you?

  • You know your book is strong, but you’re unsure how to “sell” it in a proposal

  • You’re stuck on the chapter summaries or market section

  • You’ve received vague rejections or conflicting advice

  • You’re switching fields or audiences and don’t know how to position the book

  • You struggle to summarize what your book does in one sentence

Here’s how I can help:

  • Ask strategic questions to clarify your book’s argument, structure, and audience

  • Offer publishing-informed feedback that strengthens your positioning

  • Help you write clearly, with authority and purpose

  • Give you confidence in the quality and clarity of your submission

Close-up of a fountain pen writing on a sheet of paper that says 'This book argues...' in black ink.

What’s included:

Choose the level of support that fits:

Blue slideshow slide with rounded edges displaying the text 'Proposal Development' in black uppercase letters.

For authors starting from notes or scratch. Includes:

  • Proposal outline session (via email or call)

  • Annotated feedback on two drafts

  • Help crafting key sections (e.g. Overview, Chapter Summaries, Market)

  • Line edits for tone, flow, and alignment with publishing norms

A digital graphic with a light blue background and black text that reads "PROPOSAL REVIEW".

For authors with a draft in hand. Includes:

  • In-depth feedback on your full proposal (editorial report + in-text comments)

  • Suggestions for clarifying scope, audience, and positioning

  • Line edits for tone, clarity, and structure

  • A second review after revisions (optional)