do you need …

editing

Copy editing and proofreading to improve the clarity and quality of manuscripts, reports, marketing materials and online communications; learn more

design

Words (and images) turned into beautiful books, professional reports, effective marketing materials and user-friendly websites; look at some examples …

websites

Support to start, or to develop, a website based on WordPress (and a Divi theme). Simple, cheap — and fun …

writing

Existing material or original research transformed into compelling copy that delivers an individual, targeted message …

congratulations, you've written your book. now what?

Shakspeare Editorial can help you unlock the mysteries of publishing and avoid the pitfalls. You pay for what you need, all royalties are yours … Read about self-publishing or get in touch for a chat

the independent author income survey

Conducted for ALLi, the Alliance of Independent Authors in early 2023. Download this summary PDF of the results – it is worth reading if you are thinking of publishing.

Preparing for Publication

Avoid publishing pitfalls and produce a professional book after only 3 sessions. Available for groups or one-to-one

 

do you need …

editing

Copy editing and proofreading to improve the clarity and quality of manuscripts, reports, marketing materials and online communications; learn more

design

Words (and images) turned into beautiful books, professional reports, effective marketing materials and user-friendly websites; look at some examples …

websites

Support to start, or to develop, a website based on WordPress (and a Divi theme). Simple, cheap — and fun …

writing

Existing material or original research transformed into compelling copy that delivers an individual, targeted message …

congratulations, you've written your book. now what?

Whether your manuscript is fiction or fact, a personal biography or a business revelation; whether you are thinking of self-publishing or want to approach publishing agents, there are certain stages you need to go through – and Shakspeare Editorial can help you unlock the mysteries and avoid the pitfalls. You pay for what you need, all royalties are yours … Read about self-publishing or get in touch for a chat

falcon oast graphic art

My customer seemed very happy with your work so if I get any more I will be straight back in touch to see if you’re free.

Copyedit of fantasy novel

r.b. cameron, author of moonrunner

I’m told it’s difficult to find a real gem. I’ve got one! Thank you once again …

Edited, typeset, helped with POD upload and setting up associated website

National Flash Fiction 2023

Thank you so much for all your hard work and speed – it was a joy to work with you and the whole team are thrilled. I think you can safely assume we will use you next year.

Anthology layout and re-formatting for ebook

nahida mahmood, designer

‘I am impressed by what you said about the contribution to Western medicine, architecture, mathematics and astronomy its what i came across in my research and was amazed and it made me want to explore more. It really encouraged me and I was amazed that you kind of picked up on that.’

Copywriting article for Flair, issue 26, after telephone interview

self-publishing course attendee

It inspired me to self-publish, but use professionals for the more in-depth activities

john f. mcdonald

‘The new site looks great … Love the Reviews and Awards page … Love the slider.’

Setting up WordPress website

self-publishing course attendee

I think at the moment I need readers and comments on what I’m writing. Then I might be able to move on to the next stage. That’s my own personal predicament and something that became clearer to me by considering publication routes at all. At least I know the possibilities now.

dorling kindersley

‘Many thanks for all your editorial efforts and for juggling jobs around so that you could prioritise Incredible Edibles – very much appreciated!’

Copy editing on PDF

mootideas

Thank you for all your hard work this year, and for being so flexible and amenable. We really appreciate it and are very grateful to have you on the team.

Copy editing in InDesign of business reports for Mootideas

black dog eggs

‘Oh wow! Just what the doctor ordered.’

Setting up WordPress website Black Dog Eggs

kurt hübner, author and volume editor

First of all let me thank you for your very thoughtful and thorough editing.

Copy editing multi-author volume, National Pathways to Low Carbon Emission Economies

richard glass, author

‘Dear Alison, It has been a pleasure working with you. I am overwhelmed by the book, so a big Scottish thank you.’

Copy editing autobiography; book and cover design, The Long Journey

laura conyngham

Thank you, Alison for your dedicated, skilful, professional work and for the confidence I felt throughout that my treasures were in safe hands.

Editing and layout of Chronicles 1950–2020 for family and friends

deborah alobah, singer and teacher

Anyone who needs a Design and Typesetter if you are writing a book, article etc you HAVE TO USE Alison Shakspeare, she is amazing, … it would have been impossible without Alison’s Skill and professionalism, she also does websites!!! An absolute Godsend that I found her because I was panicking bigtime, her attention to detail is phenomenal.

Editing and layout of Teaching Dyslexics How to Read and Write Music

erik thorstensen, academic

Very, very reassuring having you lifting the text.…Everything very good – and I am in the process of submitting. You’re excellent.

Copy editing multi-author article for Orbit

briton ferry rugby club anniversary

A big thanks for pulling the mass of information together and making a dream a reality!

Edited, designed and typeset a celebration of 125 years of Briton Ferry Rugby Club, authored by Martyn Bate

self-publishing course attendee

I feel I possess far more knowledge about the different routes to publication and the advantages and possible pitfalls of each particular route. Alison’s obvious subject knowledge has been acquired over many years of professional experience in the editing field and she was generous in sharing that knowledge. I really enjoyed the sessions and was disappointed when the course ended.

oakshott fabrics

‘Oooh, you did get in the zone, Alison! It fits the bill perfectly – it’s exactly what we need.  Thank you so much.’ ‘I’ll take a gallon of that creative juice too please! Well done.’

Writing product descriptions, Oakshott Fabrics

simon coath, lawyer and trainer

 I have been very impressed with your professionalism and your ability to get on with things. I feel I can rely on you and am very happy to recommend you to others. The whole process has given me a number of ideas to pursue … Thanks again Alison and I’m looking forward to working together again in the future.

Edit, layout and publish –  Argue Like Lawyer: How to Inform, Influence and Persuade (A Lawyer’s Perspective)

pam barnard

What a wonderful piece of work – I love the cover (so evocative) and it’s beautifully laid out.

Proofreading and design of And Some of Them Are True, a collection of short stories

who booklets on tb

‘I am happy to recommend Alison. She did an excellent job of managing a challenging project involving a suite of documents that needed to be turned around quickly.’

Formatting set of booklets for WHO on TB assessment; logo development

andrew walker, self-publishing author

‘I would like to say thank you for the book and cover. I do not mind admitting that I was a little bit emotional when I saw what you had done; after all the hard work to finally see it looking like a book was fantastic … I would like to say how much I value all the help and support you have given me.’

Development editing, copy editing, book and cover design

 

bespoak furniture and joinery

‘Can you please supply a short introduction for Instagram? I’ll let you decide what best to write.’

Copywriting for business

kay hawkins, editor

‘Thank you so much for trekking all the way up here to show me how to make changes to my website. It was much appreciated and meant that I could start to put some real meat on the bones.’

Setting up WordPress website for Monument Editorial Services

peppercorn properties

‘I do like what you did for the cover. That’s a good template I can see myself using.’ ‘Perfect! Thank you so much for your help (and patience)!’

Branding package for real estate business in US: logo, colour scheme, stationery and website items

joseph polacco, poet

Working with Alison has been a delight.  She is punctual, competent and does not decry my serial revelations of mistakes in copy.  In fact, she finds those I missed, and she fixes them, no grumbling

Design and layout of English/Spanish poetry book A Life’s Rambles/Ramblas de una Vida

smithers.com

Thanks, have approved and passed for processing.

Business report copy editing Smithers Information

4word

‘You are at the top of our editors list.’ ‘Many  thanks for these files for Edward Elgar Research Handbook (and well ahead of  schedule).’ 

Copy editing for academic publishers

crediton town team website

Brilliant, thanks so much. I wish everyone was as efficient as you!

Website design and updates

self-publishing course attendee

Alison delivers a course full of expert knowledge for the aspiring writer.

self-publishing course attendee

An absolutely invaluable course for any aspiring author/writer scribbling away whose objective is ‘to be published’. For those with some knowledge of the process, the course neatly collates all topics. For the novice, Alison’s commonsense explanations and logical approach are readily understandable.

know the rules – then break them with style

MINUTIAE: pick up self-publishing hints, tips and tricks for writing, editing, designing and publishing (these are the latest, see more on the Minutiae page)

working for businesses and authors wherever english is used

Alliance of Independent Authors

Join ALLi via this link, I recommend membership for all independent authors

NHS Staff Benefits
Military Personnel Discounts