Please note: This article contains affiliate links to Reedsy. That means Writing Tips Oasis receive a small % of the sale if you hire the services of any of the following editors, or another professional on Reedsy, but at no extra cost to you.

Are you an author from New Zealand?

Are you looking for a book publisher for your first or latest book? Here is list of 21 New Zealand publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts.

If you need a literary agent to help you land a publishing contract with a decent publisher, take a look at these 4 literary agencies.

However, before you send out your book to a publishing house, or an agent, make sure it has been professionally edited by an individual such as one of the following 17 top book editors in New Zealand.

Note: Before choosing an editor including any of the following to edit your book, always do adequate due diligence.

 

1. Kirsten Rawlings

Kirsten Rawlings has the education and professional experience to impress new and veteran writers alike. Her diploma in publishing and editing is complemented by her editing accreditation from the Institute of Professional Editors Limited.

Moreover, Kirsten took on three roles at Lonely Planet: editor, managing editor, and associate product director. As an editor since 2007, this freelancer from Auckland, New Zealand, is more than ready to take on new projects.

Developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, and editorial assessments are her primary services for nonfiction authors. Kirsten is specifically interested in travel, cooking, business, and social sciences. This is no surprise once you check her work on Peter Ling’s Be the Innovators: How to Accelerate Team Creativity and The Silver Spoon Kitchen’s Chop, Sizzle, Wow.

So, take your manuscript to the next level and inquire about Kirsten’s service rates today.

 

2. Katie Bosher

Katie Bosher is an editor from Christchurch, New Zealand, who specializes in nonfiction. After all, she has a bachelor’s degree in English and a postgraduate diploma in journalism. Likewise, she already held high editorial positions at Jamie Oliver Limited and Murdoch Books before she became independent in 2017.

From copy editing to developmental editing and editorial assessments, Katie always exerts 101% of her time and effort to ensure that authors get what they’re paying for.

She likes working on projects about health, cooking, parenting, and gardening, to name a few. A couple of books in her editing collection are Tiffiny Hall’s Snack Power and Jordanna Levin’s motivational Make it Happen.

For more details about her editing rates, send Katie a message.

 

3. Paul Mayhew

Paul Mayhew is a godsend for authors of scholarly and socially relevant work. Hailing from Wellington, New Zealand, he spent fruitful years as a developmental editor for JP Medical Limited before switching to freelance editing. During his time there, he worked on two books that the British Medical Association awarded as the student book of the year in 2013 and 2016, respectively.

He’s the go-to editor for nonfiction writing on medical education, but he’s also highly interested in social science, politics, and books about global justice. Similarly, nonfiction comics and history are welcome for copy editing, developmental editing, and editorial assessments.

Paul has many insightful works on his editing portfolio. These include James Simon’s Pocket Tutor: ECG Interpretation and Asoka Bandarage’s Colonialism in Sri Lanka.

Request a quote from Paul if you’re looking for a top-notch nonfiction book editor.

 

4. Sue Copsey

Living in Auckland, New Zealand, Sue Copsey has worked as an editor for both Dorling Kindersley and Pearson. And with over two decades of experience in the publishing industry, this acclaimed author of adult and children’s books alike knows exactly how great storytelling works.

Sue’s copy editing and developmental services cover fiction and nonfiction. She’s particularly excellent in children’s books and YA projects, but she’s no slouch in fiction genres like crime, sci-fi, and fantasy either.

In her portfolio, you’ll find fascinating reads such as Maria Artho’s Jin’s Great Escape and Sarah Johnson’s The Bold Ship Phenomenal.

Lots of writers want her excellent editing, so you should contact her immediately for her rates and availability.

 

5. Marja Stack

If you’re on the lookout for an amazing book editor in South Canterbury, New Zealand, you’re in luck! Marja Stack manages Clearlingo, an editing and proofreading business — and she’s no newbie in the industry.

For one, Marja earned her diploma in editing and proofreading at the New Zealand Institute of Business Studies. Second, she’s part of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading. Third, Martha took up many editing courses that delved into fiction editing, copyediting, and cookbook editing, to name a few.

Marja primarily offers copyediting and proofreading services. You don’t have to doubt her skills because she earned her accreditation as an editor from the Institute of Professional Editors Limited.

To receive a quote, simply email Marja.

 

6. Madison Hamill

Writers in Wellington, New Zealand, can always go to Madison Hamill for their book editing needs. Her essay collection titled Specimen was hailed at the 2021 Ockham NZ Book Awards as the best first book in the general non-fiction category.

Given her success as a writer, she clearly understands the intricacies and fundamentals of storytelling. Previous clients have showered Madison with praise. In particular, they appreciate her capacity to spot the smallest flaws while providing constructive and comprehensive feedback.

Madison edits both fiction and nonfiction. She’s comfortable with scholarly materials and poetry alike. And while she’s not too enthusiastic and highly experienced with horror fiction, she’ll welcome many other genres like romance and sci-fi.

Authors can check the FAQs section for more information about her proofreading and editing services. The same page also includes a contact link at the bottom.

 

7. Barbara Unkovic

You can never go wrong with Barbara Unkovic. Based in Northland New Zealand, she’s an internationally beloved author of thirteen books and at least 40 awards. Barbara has not just one but three certifications in editing. She earned them from NZ Writers College, the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, and the Publishing Training Center.

Barbara conducts copy editing, proofreading, and manuscript assessments. Plus, she’s experienced in using the Chicago Manual of Style and the New Oxford Style Manual, among others.

She works on different types of fiction, such as fantasy, commercial fiction, literary fiction, short fiction and YA novels, along with non-fiction and dissertations and theses.

Scroll down her services page for her email address.

 

8. Adrienne Charlton

Located in Palmerston North, New Zealand, Adrienne Charlton is the founder of AM Publishing New Zealand. Apart from her bachelor’s degree in music, Latin, French, and linguistics (earned from the University of Auckland), she has a diploma in book editing, proofreading, and publishing.

Her proofreading and copy-editing services apply to all types of books. Adrienne’s book editing service is particularly renowned for its evaluation of language, style, and structure.

As for rates, she charges fees depending on the project. She may ask for an hourly rate of at least NZ$60 or ask for a project fee, especially for examining big manuscripts in their entirety.

Interested writers can call or email Adrienne for her editing services.

 

9. Lorna Croft

One of the best book editors in Nelson, New Zealand, is Elsie Editing Services’ Lorna Croft. Due to her teaching career overseas (and her experience as a fiction writer), her skill in correcting both grammar and English writing, in general, is quite unmatched.

The Institute of Professional Authors wouldn’t be the same without her — and she was also once in the editorial division of the Romance Writers of New Zealand. Consequently, Lorna got her diploma in book editing, proofreading, and publishing at the New Zealand Institute of Business Studies.

Elsie Editing Services provides proofreading, copy editing, and substantive editing services. Writers who feel their manuscripts might have plot holes, syntax errors, or a lot of jargon should approach Lorna for assistance.

Lorna has included a convenient online form on her contact page if you want a free estimate of any of her services.

 

10. Caroline Barron

Caroline Barron is a member of the New Zealand Society of Authors who has degrees in creative writing and journalism. Situated in Auckland, New Zealand, she made a big splash in 2020 with Ripiro Beach: A Memoir of Life After Near Death, winner of the best non-fiction book award at the New Zealand Heritage Literary Awards.

As an accomplished author, Caroline understands the troubles and anxieties of other writers. With her developmental editing and manuscript assessments, she can help them spot aspects that require more refining. These could be the character development, structure, or the author’s style.

Caroline performs edits on both fiction and nonfiction. However, she shines the most when it comes to creative nonfiction, literary fiction, and memoirs, among others.

You can email or call Caroline for more details. Similarly, you can send a form to request a job quote.

 

11. Belinda O’Keefe

Belinda O’Keefe is a phenomenal copy editor (and proofreader) who lives in Christchurch, New Zealand. She has a diploma in book editing, proofreading, and publishing — and she’s a well-reviewed children’s book author herself.

Her copy editing is highly sought for its efficiency and quality. Thus, she’s the ideal editor if you need to meet a fast-approaching deadline. Belinda has edited novels and children’s stories alike, but she’s ready for any other genre.

Her rates will depend on the type and length of your manuscript. In other words, you may be charged for each word, given an hourly rate, or asked to wholly pay for one project.

To know more about Belinda’s copy editing services and set an appointment, visit her contact page.

 

12. Matthew Fulton

Auckland, New Zealand, is home to The Book Editor’s Matthew Fulton. He’s passionate about books and wants to help fellow writers to find success in their creative journey through his superb editing services.

Matthew offers four packages that start at $40/hr and go as high as $80/hr. The most affordable option is The Proofreader, which checks sentence structure, spelling, and grammar. For an evaluation of your plot, characters, and core story elements as well, you can avail of the Comprehensive Edit Package.

His editing services apply to novels, short stories, and children’s books. However, Matthew isn’t open to editing picture books as of writing.

You can email him or fill out the form on his contact page for more information.

 

13. Mary Egan

Mary Egan is no stranger to the publishing industry, so much so that Mary Egan Publishing is a family business with a history dating back to the 1990s. Since the start of her career, she has worked on over 1,000 books.

Today, Mary resides in Mangawhai Heads, New Zealand. Together with Anna Egan-Reid and Sophia Egan-Reid, she conducts copy editing and proofreading services. Fiction and nonfiction are welcome, with copy-editing typically costing clients $60 to $80/hr.

If you have any questions about Mary’s services, you can send a message online.

 

14. Donna Blaber

As a former journalist and the author of over 40 fiction and nonfiction books, Donna Blaber wields the pen like no other. And with a master’s degree in creative writing and a graduate diploma in journalism, she’s now set her sights on helping other writers achieve their storytelling goals.

Located in Northland, New Zealand, Donna is a meticulous proofreader and book editor. Apart from assessing elements such as flow, continuity, and grammar, she’ll also determine if certain parts hinder the reader’s immersion. If deemed necessary, Donna can even craft phrases and sentences to replace existing sections.

Interested writers can submit a message for quotation requests and other inquiries.

 

15. Renell Judais

Serving clients based in different cities like Wellington and Dunedin, the Auckland-based Renell Judais has built a solid reputation in New Zealand. She boasts at least 37 years of relevant experience — and Renell has a diploma in editing aside from several certifications.

Her services for authors include proofreading, editing, and copy editing. Renell is technically proficient and can quickly spot syntax errors and repetitive writing. Similarly, her eye for language and structure in each chapter and section always impresses clients.

In particular, writers of fiction and nonfiction alike are free to request her services. It’s up to you to seek just line editing or ask for substantive editing and developmental editing.

Renell will send you a free quotation upon request once you send a sample of your manuscript. Contact her with ease to set a schedule.

 

16. Val Gyde

Writers in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, have always sought Val Gyde’s impeccable editing services. Aside from a diploma in editing and a master’s degree in education, she also sets herself apart from the rest with a prestigious membership at the Institute of Professional Editors Limited.

Val serves many types of clients such as scholars, business organizations, and students. For authors, they can request proofreading and copy-editing services. She has worked on both hardcopy and digital books, so editing e-books or novels is no problem.

Val will send you a quote at no cost if you send her a message.

 

17. Judy L. Mohr

Black Wolf is the chosen business name of editor Judy L. Mohr. Located in Christchurch, New Zealand, she’s an author of fiction and nonfiction titles. Plus, Judy has memberships in reputable organizations like the Institute of Professional Editors and the New Zealand Society of Authors.

Judy edits both fiction and nonfiction. She doesn’t accept genres like Christian fiction and literary fiction, but she’s open to many others like horror, sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, and crime. Space operas and gruesome crime stories alike are welcome.

If you have any questions about Judy and her services, fill out the contact form. Similarly, you can go to the inquiry page.

 

Some More Top Book Editors in New Zealand

18. Madeleine Collinge

Based in Wellington, New Zealand, Madeleine Collinge began her career in the publishing industry at the Auckland University Press. During her stay in London, Madeleine also worked for Penguin Books, crafting copy for hundreds of fiction and nonfiction titles.

Madeleine can work on fiction and nonfiction titles to gauge consistency and fluidity in storytelling. Her research skills and copy editing alike are top-tier — and she’s a fantastic editor of scholarly writing.

Two books she edited are Andrew Erueti’s International Indigenous Rights in Aotearoa New Zealand and Gordon Anderson’s Transforming Workplace Relations in New Zealand 1976–2016.

To read more about Madeleine’s works and her service rates, go to her website and scroll down for her email address.

 

19. Nikki Crutchley

Nikkie Crutchley owns Crucial Corrections, which serves clients around the world. Based in Cambridge, New Zealand, she went to the New Zealand Institute of Business Studies to earn a diploma in publishing, editing, and proofreading.

Crucial Corrections provides proofreading and copy-editing services for fiction and nonfiction projects. Aside from her peerless editing, clients also praise her fast output. The cost for either service depends on the project itself, but the standard hourly rate for proofreading and copy editing is $50.

Do you need a quote? Nikki can provide one for free while responding to any other query about her services if you submit a form.

Are you aware of any other book editors in New Zealand? Tell us about them in the comments section below!

 

K. Z. Kwan is a freelance writer based out of Halifax, Canada.