Amanda Bidnall Editorial

About Amanda

Amanda Bidnall, PhD

Amanda Bidnall, PhD

Editor, Writer, Historian

I’ve edited psychological thrillers, literary fiction, and web content. I’ve written histories, romances, and pop songs. I have a doctoral degree from Boston College and a red-hot ambition to write a Sunday crossword for The New York Times.

I’ve worked with words for more than two decades, and I love them all. In my mission to uncover the best words, I approach every story—whether it’s a cozy mystery or a strategic plan—with a critical eye and attention to style and genre. Reliable and friendly, I work with you to create professional, compelling documents that motivate readers.

Whether it’s a final draft or the kernel of an idea, I can take it from okay to outstanding—without diminishing your voice or your vision.

Stylistic and Copy Editing

Keep their eyes on the page.

Every awkward phrase and misplaced comma interrupts the flow of your writing. Your readers may pause, scratch their heads, or move on to something else. I help ensure that they keep reading by solving potential problems at the sentence and paragraph levels.

You might know that as a copy and stylistic editor, I correct errors of spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, accuracy, consistency, and style. But I also

•  read a story for flow (the rhythm of the language);

•  revise sentences that are inconsistent in tone;

•  prune trailing dialogue;

•  rephrase awkward sentences;

•  move or delete paragraphs that aren’t working; and

•  rework ineffective section and chapter transitions.

I make these and other necessary edits at the paragraph and sentence level—but I leave the author’s voice well enough alone. I don’t mess with your genius. I just ensure a smooth and satisfying experience for your readers.

Amanda Bidnall has an eagle eye and a subtle ear.  Aside from the uncanny ability to round up every stray comma, she is keenly sensitive to nuance, voice, and meaning.  She offers small suggestions with a big impact, which enhance flow, clarity, and meaning.  Plus, she’s always prompt, responsive, and ahead of deadline.

~ Jen Landels, Managing Editor, Pulp Literature magazine

Copy editing, interior graphic design

Substantive Editing

Every story contains the seeds of its own greatness.

As a writer, you might be concerned with character, motivation, and conflict. Or argument, evidence, and approach. Either way, you know where you want to go, and you’ve put some of your wisdom on the page.

For authors of fiction, I offer constructive developmental feedback on the big picture of your story. I’m here to help strengthen your narrative voice and keep your readers engrossed.

I assess non-fiction projects for clarity and force, identifying your most effective messaging, organizing it for maximum influence, and flagging weak or unnecessary material—making you look like the expert you are.

Amanda is a phenomenal editor who elevates every story she touches. Her unparalleled grasp of storytelling and meticulous attention to detail breathe life into my books, while her ability to refine my voice ensures my stories shine with authenticity and impact. Working with her is not only a joy but a privilege—her expertise, kindness, and dedication make me a stronger author and my books the best they can be.

~Odette Stone, Amazon books top 25 bestseller

Developmental editing, stylistic editing, copy editing

Romance

Selected Editing Portfolio

O little town of bethlehem book cover

~ Elizabeth Boyle, NYT Bestselling Author

Copy editing

Historical Fiction

After writing my first book, Curse of Shadows, I sent it off to Amanda and she suggested a developmental edit, before a full copy edit. With all her suggestions, my book won Best Debut at the 2022 Realm Makers Writers Conference. She’s always kind, thoughtful, and absolutely thorough, and she will always be my editor of choice.

~ Robert Adauto, Realm Awards debut book of the year, 2022

Developmental editing, stylistic editing, copy editing

Steampunk

Amanda Bidnall is a brilliant editor. She always keeps the big picture of a piece of work in mind, as well as fine detail, and improves the rhythm of the writing. At the same time, Amanda is careful to preserve style and tone in my writing. She’s amazing, and I feel very lucky that she’s worked on my novels and novellas over the last eleven years. I love learning from her.

~ Mel Anastasiou, Longlisted for the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour

Stylistic editing, copy editing

Mystery/humour

Working with Amanda is a game changer! Her eye for detail and insightful suggestions took my book to the next level, all while keeping my vision for the story at the heart of the process. I couldn’t ask for a better editor!

~ Annika Snow, Author

Developmental editing, stylistic editing, copy editing

Urban Fantasy

Amanda has edited six of my novels so far, and I can safely say I will always continue to seek out her services. Her edit notes are thorough, kind, and encouraging. And she unerringly knows what to say to rouse inspiration and motivation!

~ Cheri Champagne, Author

Copy editing

Romance

~ Leanne Tremblay, Author

Stylistic editing, copy editing

Middle-grade fiction

~ Anise Thorogood, Author

Structural editing, copy editing

Cookbook

~ Matthew Hughes, Endeavour Award winner, 2020

Copy editing

Historical fiction

Amanda has a real gift for taking what could be a stressful stage of the writing and publication process and turning it into a joyful, fun and even entertaining one. I never expected to love the editing process, but it’s so exciting to see the potential of each story realized. After more than ten years and dozens of books—I’m still excited to open each new batch of editorial suggestions.

~ CJ Hunt, Author

Developmental editing, stylistic editing, copy editing

Romance

Amanda’s my safety net. I trust her with my words completely.

~ JM Landels, Allaigna’s Song trilogy

Stylistic editing, copy editing

Fantasy

Amanda has levelled up every one of the Creative Academy Guides for Writers she’s worked on.

~ Eileen Cook and Crystal Hunt, Authors

Developmental editing, stylistic editing, copy editing

Non-fiction

Writing and Research

Every word says something about you.

My academic career trained me in critical analysis and research, crucial skills that I employ as an independent writer. For every project, I consult with you and your team to identify values, commitments, and goals. I find inspiration in research. Finally, I translate your voice and write your story.

 

Every project we’ve collaborated on—from grant applications to award nominations to communications campaigns to high-concept presentation pieces—has turned out richer in ideas and depth as well as more successful because of Amanda’s involvement. She is collaborative, imaginative, thoughtful, and service-oriented, and those so-called “soft” skills are backed up by strong research, writing, and editorial skills. It’s a powerful combination.
Diane Haynes

Owner, Haynes Creative

Haynes Creative and Burnkit Design Agency produced this large-format fundraising case for UBC Applied Science and Women in Engineering BC. I was instrumental in concept creation, research, narrative development, and writing for the duration of the six-month project.

 

Selected Personal Projects

Here are a few other fun things I’m known for: publishing my own historical research and playing in an indie rock band, Plumtree, once upon a time.

Between Britain’s imperial victory in the Second World War and its introduction of race-based immigration restriction ‘at home,’ London’s relationship with its burgeoning West Indian settler community was a cauldron of apprehension, optimism, ignorance, and curiosity.

The West Indian Generation revisits this not-quite-postcolonial moment through the careers of a unique generation of West Indian artists, performers, writers, and musicians. Colonial subjects turned British citizens, they tested the boundaries of cultural belonging through their work. Their ambivalent and complicated reception by the British government, media, and audiences draws a tangled picture of postwar national belonging.

Consider this necessary reading for anyone interested in the cultural ramifications of the end of empire, New Commonwealth migration, and the production of Black Britain.

The West Indian Generation: Remaking British Culture in London, 1945–1965 (Liverpool University Press, 2017)

This Day Won’t Last at All  (originally released by Endearing Records, 2000), one of three Plumtree albums re-released on limited-edition vinyl (Label Obscura, 2017)

“Scott Pilgrim,” on Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World Original Motion Picture Soundtrack  (2010)

Contact Amanda

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