elevating your writing, respecting your voice

let's Work Together

Welcome Authors!

I’m excited to provide tailor-made editing and support as you craft your novel. Does your novel have plot problems? Do you need feedback on character arcs? Do you feel you have done a quality first or second draft and want a detailed developmental edit? Please get in touch so we can discuss the ways in which I can best meet your editing needs.   

As you will see from my “About Me” page, when I’m not revelling in the beauty of Yorkshire, writing poetry, or being Boho Jo Creative, crime/mystery novels are my passion and I love using my editing expertise and knowledge of the genre to help writers. 

Alpha Reader

My purpose as an alpha reader is to keep you excited about your work, while offering insights about reader experience and engagement.

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Developmental Editing

Developmental Editing provides detailed comments on your manuscript beginning with comments on plot point, plot confusion, character development, narrative, pace, tension, setting, sequencing etc.

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Creative Support

Warning: I’m not above using a heart emoji if something you’ve written really impacts me!

specialising in crime & mystery fiction

About Me

I am Jo, and I have over three decades of experience in teaching the skills needed to write fiction, and the skills of deconstructing texts to understand how they impact a reader.  I love language and the way in which it can be manipulated to create exciting characters and worlds which engage readers.

I am passionate about sharing my expertise with you in a positive, supportive interaction as you develop your crime/mystery novel. I know the genre expectations well, but I am excited to read manuscripts which experiment with the genre style too, if you want to work within those parameters. I specialise in alpha reading and developmental editing. I tailor my editing to your needs. Whether you need some “big picture” feedback on the first draft or chapters of your novel, or detailed developmental editing of your whole novel, I’m here to help. 

Learn more about Jo

Develop your novel from draft to page-turner. I’m here to help!

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Testimonials & Featured Clients

Jo has done a fantastic job editing my 80,000-word crime novel. As a prolific reader, Jo has an incredible understanding of the genre and has helped me think about my novel and develop it in ways that have really elevated my writing. Jo offers advice on character development, dialogue and narrative style (to affect pace and tension), themes and various other techniques. She is great at spotting plot holes, character inconsistencies and other issues, as well as being a spelling, punctuation, and grammar pro. Overall, Jo has improved my novel beyond my expectations. I would recommend her to crime writers of all levels and experience.

Alex W.

Throughout the last five years Jo has been kind enough to help me with a multitude of my writing projects. Over time, she has helped me find my voice in writing and has always encouraged me to channel my creativity into every piece of work. She has been a fantastic mentor and her hands-on approach to editing my work has made a long lasting impact on my style of writing to date. She has especially helped me with my use of passive / active voice, and explained to me how to use it effectively depending on the audience. Jo always provides incredible feedback; she works closely with you to make sure she understands your ideas and the purpose you want to convey within your work. Therefore the original voice is never lost, only enhanced once Jo has introduced alternative writing techniques to leave more impact. Her command of language is incredible and it is thanks to her support that I have been able to continue enjoying writing.

Jessica B.

Jo was able to help me through the most stressful stage of my projects: realisation. Her continuous feedback and constructive criticism always gave room for new ideas to flourish. Her consistency in assistance over an extended period of time, gave me the ability to bring my thoughts onto paper and into the world.

Derek T.