About
Erin Baillie is a writer, editor, historian and keen archer. She holds a Master’s in History from The Open University, where she specialised in the relationship between crime, poverty and gender in the Victorian period. After completing her degree, she completed a proofreading course and began to work for an editing agency, for whom she has worked since June 2021. She has continued her professional development by undertaking courses in editing and developmental editing and joining the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading. She is a writer of historical fiction/non-fiction and true crime, so she completely understands the struggles and frustrations writers face when writing a manuscript. She is currently working on a dual timeline novel, set in ancient and modern Pompeii.
Where my love for writing began
I can't really remember when I first wanted to become a writer, but I was young (very young). My maternal grandmother was a prolific reader, sometimes reading three books a week, and I think she really instilled in me a love of the written word. She encouraged me to read what is now my favourite book, Sunset Song, when I was 14.
Where my love for history began
Growing up, my parents took me to museums a lot, and I grew to be fascinated by the periods and people I was reading out. When I was 16, I began to volunteer at NTS The Georgian House in Edinburgh, where I played Helen Lamont, the youngest daughter of the original owners of the house.
After leaving school
It probably won't surprise you that I decided to study history at uni. I started off doing Scottish History, but, after I did a course called British Society from 1600–2000, I changed my focus to social history. I went on to do a Master's, where I specialised in the relationship between crime, poverty and gender.
In the big, bad world
Once I finished my Master's, I did a TEFL and proofreading qualification before I started to freelance as an editor. I launched Cracked Spine Editing in January 2023 and haven't looked back since.
Why 'Cracked Spine Editing'?
I know there are some people who don't like cracking the spine of a book, but, to me, a cracked spine means a book is being well read. And what author doesn't want their book to be well read?
If you need help...
I offer developmental editing, manuscript critiquing, first chapter analysis, author bio feedback, blurb feedback, query letter feedback and synopsis feedback.
Education
BA (Hons) in History (The Open University)
Master's in History (The Open University)
Courses
California Institue of Advertising, Communications and Marketing (CIACM) Mass Marketing Qualification (MMQ)
Developmental Editing: Fiction Theory (Liminal Pages)
Developmental Editing: In Practice (Liminal Pages)
Becoming an Editor (Knowadays)
Becoming a Proofread (Proofreading Academy)
How To Market Fiction (The Writers' Bureau)
Novel and Short Story Writing (The Writers' Bureau)