A Crucible of Souls by Mitchell Hogan

I'm pleased to announce the start of a very promising new fantasy trilogy, A Crucible of Souls, by Mitchell Hogan. For a debut novel this is more than a little impressive. Mitchell has redrafted multiple times and the effort really shows. Characters are vividly drawn, multi-layered, and in one or two cases, compelling.

Crucible is recognizably epic fantasy, with an orphaned protagonist who is apprenticed and discovers exceptional skills whilst also uncovering an intriguing family history that may have serious implications for his future. But in additional to the standard epic tropes, Hogan joins with the new wave of fantasy authors in his use of morally ambivalent characters, distinct and tight points of view, believable world building, an intelligible magic system, and some edgy, gritty content.

Mitchell engaged fantasy legend John Jarrold for the first round of story editing and after that passed the book to me for copy editing, plus some additional content notes. After some judicious cutting and sharpening of the prose, he let me have it back for proofreading.

It's been a great project to work on for me, particularly given the author's work ethic and willingness to do whatever it takes to make the book as good as possible.

A Crucible of Souls should be available as an ebook within the next few weeks, and will be released as a paperback shortly afterwards.

If any of you reviewers out there would like an ARC, please send me an email and I'll forward it to the author.

Editing News

I'm nearly halfway through a mammoth edit for new author Mitch Hogan. This is a colossal first novel that holds a great deal of promise. 

Next up is Witch's Curse by Debra Martin and then Earth Angel: The Third Book of Fallen Angels by Valmore Daniels.

I'm taking bookings from September, but if you need an earlier date, still enquire as there are sometimes cancellations.

The Man Who Watched the World End

Please check out this exciting new book by Chris Dietzel. I copy edited the book some time ago. It recounts a very plausible end to humanity. Some great ideas from a really interesting author.

The Man Who Watched the World End

Current editing commissions - M.R. Mathias and William Bakke

I'm currently working on The Emerald Rider for M.R. Mathias (a literary edit of the fourth Dragoneers book) as well as beta reading Landfall for William Bakke (science fiction).

Taking Editing Bookings Again

Having now moved home and set up childcare arrangements, I am now in a position to start accepting new commissions once more. My apologies to those people who queried me during the break; I hope you managed to find an editor to suit your needs.

Please see the right hand side bar for my portfolio. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. For those of you who need an outside opinion but are a little struck for cash, please check out the new beta reading service, which should help point you in the right direction.