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Hello, I'm Richard Arcus.
A UK-based freelance editor.
I have a decade's experience in London publishing: editing Booker-nominated authors and Sunday Times bestsellers; having worked at the UK's two largest corporate publishers, award-winning independents and a boutique literary agency.
Now a full-time freelancer, I would love to work with you and your writing. Welcome to my website.
MY STORY
My background is as a Commissioning Editor specialising in non-fiction/memoir, crime/thriller and literary fiction at Quercus Books: an award-winning division of Hachette UK, Britain’s second-largest corporate trade publisher.
Prior to that role I worked for the literary agent Janklow & Nesbit, following editorial internships at Penguin Random House's heritage imprint Viking and the prestigious independent Profile Books.
Across my career I have edited Booker-longlisted and Booker-shortlisted authors, Richard & Judy Book Club crime writers, and have commissioned Waterstones Thriller of the Month selections, BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week and Radio 2 Book Club picks, and Sunday Times bestsellers.
Since launching Arcus Editorial in spring 2020 my clients have included established and aspiring authors, Big Five and independent publishers, literary agents and estates, Audio Original and digital-first creators, translators and illustrators, influencers and environmentalists, coaches and journalists, small-business owners and entrepreneurs.
The sheer breadth is my favourite part of the job, and the thrill of a new enquiry notification is one that never seems to fade. As such, if you think you can make use of my editorial services, I’d love for yours to be the next one I receive.
MY SERVICES
(click for full descriptions)
So, whether you wish to capture an agent’s imagination, scale an editor's to-read pile, polish up or trim down your manuscript ahead of submission or self-publication – or if you’re simply hankering for an honest opinion from an objective viewpoint – my door is very much open.
MY STYLE
When I edit I do so with my sleeves rolled up and my ears attuned to your needs.
Although I value professional integrity above all else, I favour a personable approach over a formal or fusty one, and pride myself on bringing a sense of purpose and a sense of humour to everything I do.
While I consider myself a fun and empathetic editor to work with, I am not afraid to grasp a nettle should imparting an honest truth benefit your story or your style. Though rest assured that I will do so appropriately and constructively!
On top of all this, I am in the fortunate position of having every project I work on monitored by a round-the-clock supervisor: my perpetually curious and increasingly rotund British Blue, Colin.
My story
My services
My style
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