Skip to Main Content
  • Sign up for freebies, discounts and ridiculously helpful info
Debbie Emmitt – editor, proofreader, author Debbie Emmitt – Editor, proofreader, author | UK fiction editor, non-fiction editor and website proofreader

Because your words deserve the human touch

  • Editing and proofreading services
    • Book line editing
    • Book copyediting
    • Combo line and copyediting
    • Book proofreading
    • Web text editing
    • Website proofreading
    • Edit of your first 10,000 words
    • Sample edits
    • Editing books set in France
    • Portfolio
    • Fees for all book editing services
  • Website mentoring
    • Website mentoring for editors
    • Website mentoring for authors
  • My writing
    • Return to the Auberge
  • Books and resources
    • Free resources for editors and writers
    • Tricky Quickies – the series
    • Improve Your Author Website
    • Improve Your Editor Website
  • Blog
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Offers and discounts
  • Editing and proofreading services
    • Book line editing
    • Book copyediting
    • Combo line and copyediting
    • Book proofreading
    • Web text editing
    • Website proofreading
    • Edit of your first 10,000 words
    • Sample edits
    • Editing books set in France
    • Portfolio
    • Fees for all book editing services
  • Website mentoring
    • Website mentoring for editors
    • Website mentoring for authors
  • My writing
    • Return to the Auberge
  • Books and resources
    • Free resources for editors and writers
    • Tricky Quickies – the series
    • Improve Your Author Website
    • Improve Your Editor Website
  • Blog
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Offers and discounts

punctuation

How to punctuate dialogue (and common errors YOU might be making)
13 Feb 2025

How to punctuate dialogue (and common errors YOU might be making)

by Debbie Emmitt | posted in: Author tips, Editor tips, Grammar, spelling, punctuation | 6

You may have a solid understanding of punctuation, but punctuating dialogue is a whole other skill set! Follow my in-depth guide on how to punctuate dialogue, including common errors.

action tags, commas, dialogue, dialogue tags, full stops, periods, punctuation, speech marks, speech tags
How to use ellipses (… a complete guide)
25 Apr 2024

How to use ellipses (… a complete guide)

by Debbie Emmitt | posted in: Author tips, Editor tips, Grammar, spelling, punctuation | 2

Knowing how to use an ellipsis can be confusing. A space before the ellipsis or not? Spaces in between the three dots or not? Fear not. This guide will tell you all you need to know.

chicago, ellipses, ellipsis, oxford style, punctuation, quotes
The 12 Days of Christmas Editor Edit
22 Dec 2023

The 12 Days of Christmas Editor Edit

by Debbie Emmitt | posted in: Grammar, spelling, punctuation | 4

Enjoy this cheesy festive treat – The 12 Days of Christmas rewritten for editors and writers everywhere. Apologies in advance for the singing.

christmas, grammar, punctuation, video
Hyphenation of colours (with quiz)
13 Apr 2023

Hyphenation of colours (with quiz)

by Debbie Emmitt | posted in: Grammar, spelling, punctuation | 0

When do you use a hyphen when writing about colours? Discover all you need to know about the hyphenation of colours.

ap style, chicago style, cmos, colours, hyphenation, hyphens, punctuation, quiz
23 reasons to hire an editor or proofreader
17 Mar 2023

23 reasons to hire an editor or proofreader

by Debbie Emmitt | posted in: Author tips, Grammar, spelling, punctuation | 2

Are you in two minds about hiring an editor for your book? Here are 23 reasons why hiring a professional editor makes sense.

consistency, copyediting, developmental editing, editing, editor, grammar, line editing, plot, proofreader, proofreading, punctuation, spelling, story structure
Line editing, copyediting and proofreading – which level of editing do you need?
30 Jun 2021

Line editing, copyediting and proofreading – which level of editing do you need?

by Debbie Emmitt | posted in: Author tips, Grammar, spelling, punctuation, Story structure, Website advice for editors | 0

You want to hire an editor, but which kind? Developmental, line or copy? Or is it a proofreader you need? My guide will help you.

copyediting, cost, editing, fiction, line editing, proofreading, punctuation, spelling, structure, websites
Copy-editor, copyeditor or copy editor. Which are you?
18 Jun 2021

Copy-editor, copyeditor or copy editor. Which are you?

by Debbie Emmitt | posted in: Grammar, spelling, punctuation | 7

If you’re a copyeditor (copy editor, copy-editor), there are three ways to write your job title. How do you choose the best one for you?

copyeditor, hyphen, punctuation, style
Tricky Quickies 1 by Debbie Emmitt: "If you love words, you’ll love this guide. What a ridiculously helpful guide! Extremely handy to ensure you're not using the wrong word in the wrong way." Jonathan Jordan, author of Start with Story.

Join my mailing list

Don't miss a single blog post, receive discounts on my books, and get a free ebook on the 3 most common writing errors.

By completing this form, you're agreeing to receive occasional updates from me. Your privacy is important to me. I will not spam you or share your email address. For more details, review my Privacy Policy.

Almost finished ...


I need to confirm your email address. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email I just sent you.


Need help with your website?

Find out more
Thank me for helping you. If this website has helped or inspired you, please consider donating a small amount to keep it running.
Support indie bookshops with bookshop.org – Browse my top picks of fiction and non-fiction

Quick links

Home
About me
Books and resources
Editing and proofreading services
My writing
Blog
Contact

For authors and publishers
For website owners
For editors and proofreaders

I’m sociable

Small print

Privacy policy

Terms of service

Contract of services

Affiliate marketing

Refund policy

Sustainability

Join my mailing list

Don't miss a single blog post. Follow my publication journey. Plus get a free ebook on the 3 most common writing errors.

Please note: By completing this form, you're agreeing to receive occasional updates from me. Your privacy is important to me. I will not spam you or share your email address. For more details, see my Privacy Policy.

Almost finished ...


I need to confirm your email address. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email I just sent you.


CIEP Advanced Professional Member
The Alliance of Independent Authors - Partner Member

© 2025 Debbie Emmitt – Editor, proofreader, author | UK fiction editor, non-fiction editor and website proofreader - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT