We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eilidh Locherty a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Eilidh, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
That’s a tough one, and it’s difficult to put into a few words! I’ve always been that bookworm, the one with a perpetually ink-stained hand from scribbling stories in the margins of notebooks with my thoughts.
Back in school, I remember being the teacher’s little helper, especially when it came to marking papers with the red pen. There was something so satisfying about doling out those “Great job!” stamps, I even proofread for friends, even when I finished school! For the longest time, I thought that meant I wanted to be a teacher. Especially as I love to give feedback to anything creative writing focused. I’ll be honest, just last week—yeah, last week, believe it or not—it struck me out of nowhere. Even with my business up and running, the realisation hit hard: I never wanted to be a teacher, unless it meant I could just mark up papers all day, every day.
So, there I was, even in high-school, knee-deep in proofreading papers, editing manuscripts for friends and family, and loving every minute of it. But it wasn’t until I found myself on a bridge (I can tell this is where people will stop, and wonder if I am okay, and if this is normal haha. Answer: Yes.) with my partner, my go-to spot for deep thoughts and big decisions apparently—that it all clicked. I wasn’t happy in my office job, and deep down, I knew what I wanted more. That’s when I decided to take the leap and turn my passion into a profession.
Let me tell you, setting up a business is no walk in the park. From agonising over the perfect business name to hiring a brand designer to design a logo that felt just right—it was a rollercoaster of emotions. But with every hurdle came a newfound sense of determination. And the biggest challenge? Finding clients. Oh boy, let me tell you, marketing yourself is a whole different ball game. It’s like walking a tightrope between being informative and not wanting to come across as pushy. But you know what? I’ve learned that authenticity is key. It’s about showing people what you can do, not just telling them.
And let’s not even get started on imposter syndrome. Some days, it feels like I’m just pretending to be an editor, like I’ll be found out any minute now. It is still hard, especially as an individual with physical and hidden disabilities. But you know what helps? Having a support network—friends, fellow editors, authors—people who just get it, who’ve been there, who sometimes also feels like I do. They’re the ones who lift me up when I’m feeling down, who remind me that I’ve got what it takes, and I am a real editor.
And fiction editing? It’s a dream come true. There’s something magical about diving into a world that exists only on paper, helping authors bring their visions to life. Every manuscript is a new adventure, a chance to lose myself in a story and emerge on the other side with something beautiful. But this is where I say “Yes, mom. I’m totally in it for reading Smut all day.” isn’t it? I kid. I love helping authors.
So yeah, that’s my story—messy, chaotic, but oh-so-rewarding. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hey there, I’m Eilidh (pronounced like “Hayley” without the “H”), and I’m so excited to connect with you as both an author and editor! From the time I could hold a book, I was hooked. There’s something magical about getting lost in a story, isn’t there? As I grew up, my love for storytelling only deepened, and I found myself scribbling down my own adventures whenever inspiration struck. I’ve written a diary every day since I could remember, and I always hold a writers notebook! I feel like we all hold at least a few dozen pretty notebooks we dare NOT to touch…right? I hope I am not the only one there.
My journey into editing wasn’t exactly planned—it sort of happened by accident during my school days. I was that friend who always ended up proofreading essays and giving feedback on writing assignments. Before I knew it, I realised that I had a knack for spotting errors and helping polish up prose.
One day, a friend asked me to take a look at their Wattpad story, and the rest is history. We spent hours tweaking characters, smoothing out dialogue, and basically geeking out over storytelling. I was in my element.
Nowadays, my editing services focus on line editing, copy editing, and proofreading specifically tailored for fiction writers. I have a particular passion for genres like romance, fantasy, sci-fi, and thrillers. I actively seek out underrepresented authors and stories featuring marginalised characters, striving to amplify their voices and experiences within the literary landscape.Whether it’s fixing up grammar, tightening sentences, or just giving a little pep talk to a struggling writer, I’m all in. Editing isn’t just a job to me—it’s a chance to help fellow storytellers bring their dreams to life.
When I’m not gasping at plot twists, you can usually find me with a book in one hand and a glass of peach iced tea in the other. I’m a total bookworm, and I love nothing more than diving into a new story and getting lost in its world. It was actually the Shatter me Series, that inspired me to write my current WIP (Work in Progress).
I’m also a bit of a TV junkie—I can binge-watch “Criminal Minds” and “Call the Midwife” for hours on end. And when I’m feeling creative, you might catch me doodling in my sketchbook or writing my own stories and role-playing story ideas with friends.
I’ve always been drawn to stories that transport me to different worlds, whether it’s a fantastical realm filled with magic and mythical creatures or a gritty urban landscape brimming with intrigue and suspense. And as an editor, I bring that same sense of adventure and curiosity to every project I take on.
My goal is to not only polish your manuscript to be how you want it to be but also to preserve and enhance your unique voice as an author. I believe that every story deserves to be told authentically, and I’m here to help you do just that.
When it comes to working together, you can expect more than just a professional relationship. I’m here to be your collaborator, your sounding board, and your biggest cheerleader. Whether you’re struggling with writer’s block or just need someone to bounce ideas off of, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Absolutely! Delving deeper into my creative journey, there are three standout resources I wish I had known about earlier: PerfectIt, the online version of the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), and Macros.
PerfectIt, in particular, has proven to be a gem in the realm of book editing. This tool serves as a meticulous assistant, scanning for inconsistencies and deviations from established style guides. Its ability to catch even the smallest discrepancies is invaluable, as maintaining consistency is paramount in crafting a polished final product. Whether it’s ensuring uniformity in spelling, punctuation, or formatting, PerfectIt streamlines the editing process by pinpointing areas that require attention. It is particularly great when you have the version for the CMOS, and it doesn’t auto change a thing, you can opt whether to use something or not. The time saved by automating these checks allows editors to focus their energy on more substantive aspects of editing, ultimately leading to a higher quality end result.
On the other hand, the online version of CMOS offers a wealth of resources and guidance for navigating the complexities of style and usage. Its digital format provides convenient access to a comprehensive style manual, enabling editors to quickly search for answers to specific questions or dilemmas encountered during the editing process. Additionally, the inclusion of question forums fosters a sense of community among editors, allowing for collaborative problem-solving and the sharing of insights and best practices. This interactive aspect of CMOS online adds depth to its utility, transforming it from a mere reference tool into a dynamic hub of knowledge and support.
Macros, I love as a tool for automation, and it’s revolutionised the way I approach editing tasks. By creating customised macros tailored to common editing actions, such as formatting adjustments or repetitive corrections, I’ve been able to streamline my workflow and dramatically increase productivity. The time saved by automating these routine tasks allows me to allocate more time and attention to higher-level editorial tasks, such as content refinement and stylistic coherence.
In hindsight, integrating PerfectIt and CMOS online, alongside Macros into my editing toolkit earlier in my creative journey would have undoubtedly expedited my growth and time on different aspects of editing as an editor. These resources not only enhance efficiency but also elevate the standard of editing by providing comprehensive guidance and support.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
You know, being both an author and an editor is like having a front-row seat to the greatest show on Earth—the creative process! It’s this wild, wonderful journey where I get to wear different hats and play different roles, but it’s always an adventure.
When in author mode, I’m basically a professional daydreamer. I get to dream up characters, worlds, and stories that hopefully make people feel things—laugh, cry, maybe even snort coffee out of their noses. And let me tell you, there’s no feeling quite like seeing those words on a page come to life and knowing I had a hand in making it happen.
And let’s not forget my editor hat! It’s akin to solving a complex puzzle. Editing involves meticulously sorting through words and sentences, ensuring clarity and coherence. I get to hold authors hands through said puzzle. Each manuscript presents a unique challenge, requiring careful attention to detail to ensure every piece fits seamlessly together.
But you know what really gets me excited? It’s the moment when a book is finally finished, and I get to hold it in my hands. There’s something truly magical about seeing all the hard work and creativity come together in a tangible form. It’s like holding a piece of someone’s soul in my hands, and that feeling never gets old.
Whether I’m writing my own stories or helping others bring theirs to life, and I know this sounds cheesy, or even a little cliche, the best part is the connections we make along the way. Stories have a way of bringing people together, sparking conversations, and reminding us of our shared humanity. And if a silly joke or two can add some extra smiles to the mix, then I’m all for it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chapteredvinestudio.com/
- Instagram: @chapteredvinestudio
- Facebook: @chapteredvinestudio
Image Credits
Gemma Gray Photography, October 2023