“What are you going to do when you grow up? It’s not like you can read books for a living.”

“Ahem…yes I can!”

About Serpent & Sword

Even before I could read, I was flipping through my mum’s magazines, making up stories about the people in the photos. Books possess a magic that I’ve always been entranced by, and I spent countless imagining myself as the brave heroine battling her enemies or riding dragons…even though I’m far too clumsy to even make it out of the castle without tripping over my own two feet.

We get it, you love books, but are you qualified to be working on them?

Yup! The lifelong obsession with words and the power they hold drove me straight to university to study them. I graduated with a first class Ba(hons) degree in English Studies in 2022, followed by a distinction level MLitt in Creative Writing in 2023 where I also received the Research Based Learning Prize awarded for the best Masters Dissertation in Literature and Languages. I was also the recipient of the 2023 George Buchanan Writing Award and the 2024 Green Sheaf Flash Fiction Prize, so all those hours spent conjuring up stories of my own have paid off!

I have experience working with both indie authors and in traditional publishing as a developmental editor and marketing manager for small, queer publishing press.

(You can find out more about Edina Publishers here!)

What is Serpent and Sword?

I started Serpent and Sword Author Serviced in Summer 2023 after deciding to take the plunge into the world of freelancing. My mission is simple: to help writers bring out the best in their books, enhancing their voice but never changing it. I offer a friendly, encouraging approach to all I do because I know just how scary it can be to trust someone with your book baby! I value open communication, honesty and positive, productive relationships with my clients. I’m always happy to answer questions or set up a consultation to discuss any concerns or queries you may have. In addition to my standard services, I offer custom services tailored exactly to your needs, so if you have something in mind, reach out and let’s chat!

Writing can be a lonely endeavor, and sometimes we just need someone in our corner helping us find our confidence again! I’m here to be that person, encouraging and cheering on my authors through every step of the process.