Claire Bentley
@cbentleywriter.bsky.social
Writer. Freelance editor. Bookworm. Parent. Neurodivergent. INFJ. Allergic to exercise. Pronouns: she/her
http://clairebentley.co.uk
https://ko-fi.com/clairebentley
http://clairebentley.co.uk
https://ko-fi.com/clairebentley
Pinned
Work With Me | Claire Bentley
Details about Claire Bentley line and copy editing, proofreading, and sensitivity review / feedback services. Information about editing steps and when they should happen
www.clairebentley.co.uk
Just to let you know that I offer friendly and affordable freelance fiction editing 🙂
- Trained & CIEP registered
- Free 1000-word sample edit
- 10% off for newsletter subscribers
- Starting price listed on my website
www.clairebentley.co.uk/work-with-me
#WritingCommunity
- Trained & CIEP registered
- Free 1000-word sample edit
- 10% off for newsletter subscribers
- Starting price listed on my website
www.clairebentley.co.uk/work-with-me
#WritingCommunity
Me with new editing clients:
Please note that there may be a delay in my communications during December.
Me with long-term clients:
As I type this, my sons are bouncing around the house and yelling something about Minecraft. During December I’ll be surviving on caffeine and whispered swear words.
Please note that there may be a delay in my communications during December.
Me with long-term clients:
As I type this, my sons are bouncing around the house and yelling something about Minecraft. During December I’ll be surviving on caffeine and whispered swear words.
December 19, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Me with new editing clients:
Please note that there may be a delay in my communications during December.
Me with long-term clients:
As I type this, my sons are bouncing around the house and yelling something about Minecraft. During December I’ll be surviving on caffeine and whispered swear words.
Please note that there may be a delay in my communications during December.
Me with long-term clients:
As I type this, my sons are bouncing around the house and yelling something about Minecraft. During December I’ll be surviving on caffeine and whispered swear words.
Dr Seuss was wrong about the Grinch.
The older I get, the more I realise that the Grinch is, in fact, a middle-aged woman.
She was so exhausted from society’s demands and unrealistic expectations that she got a pet and went to live her best fat, hairy, and peaceful life on an isolated mountain.
The older I get, the more I realise that the Grinch is, in fact, a middle-aged woman.
She was so exhausted from society’s demands and unrealistic expectations that she got a pet and went to live her best fat, hairy, and peaceful life on an isolated mountain.
December 18, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Dr Seuss was wrong about the Grinch.
The older I get, the more I realise that the Grinch is, in fact, a middle-aged woman.
She was so exhausted from society’s demands and unrealistic expectations that she got a pet and went to live her best fat, hairy, and peaceful life on an isolated mountain.
The older I get, the more I realise that the Grinch is, in fact, a middle-aged woman.
She was so exhausted from society’s demands and unrealistic expectations that she got a pet and went to live her best fat, hairy, and peaceful life on an isolated mountain.
I vote that empathy and critical thinking should be the trends for 2026.
December 17, 2025 at 9:24 AM
I vote that empathy and critical thinking should be the trends for 2026.
Does anyone else start twitching every time you see the initials ‘AI’, regardless of the context?
a cartoon character wearing a pink bunny hat
Alt: Louise from Bob’s Burgers staring while one eye twitches
media.tenor.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Does anyone else start twitching every time you see the initials ‘AI’, regardless of the context?
Would you like to join my free newsletter? 🙂
You get:
- 10% off my editorial services
- My free ‘Common mistakes I see in manuscripts’ checklist
- Regular updates on writing and editing life
www.clairebentley.co.uk/newsletter
You get:
- 10% off my editorial services
- My free ‘Common mistakes I see in manuscripts’ checklist
- Regular updates on writing and editing life
www.clairebentley.co.uk/newsletter
Newsletter | Claire Bentley
Claire Bentley newsletter: sign up and get regular updates and my free guide on Productivity for Parents. Mindset guidance and practical tips for parents who wish to grow their creative passion
www.clairebentley.co.uk
December 15, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Would you like to join my free newsletter? 🙂
You get:
- 10% off my editorial services
- My free ‘Common mistakes I see in manuscripts’ checklist
- Regular updates on writing and editing life
www.clairebentley.co.uk/newsletter
You get:
- 10% off my editorial services
- My free ‘Common mistakes I see in manuscripts’ checklist
- Regular updates on writing and editing life
www.clairebentley.co.uk/newsletter
I know I’m biased, but it’s my professional opinion that if people read more books then humanity wouldn’t be in this mess.
December 12, 2025 at 11:11 AM
I know I’m biased, but it’s my professional opinion that if people read more books then humanity wouldn’t be in this mess.
If you’re a parent-writer (or a parent!) and you’re drowning in pre-Christmas BS then you might find this blog post useful (or at least cathartic):
www.clairebentley.co.uk/post/24-chri...
www.clairebentley.co.uk/post/24-chri...
24 CHRISTMAS SURVIVAL TIPS FOR PARENT-WRITERS
Twenty-four Christmas survival tips for parent-writers
www.clairebentley.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 10:13 AM
If you’re a parent-writer (or a parent!) and you’re drowning in pre-Christmas BS then you might find this blog post useful (or at least cathartic):
www.clairebentley.co.uk/post/24-chri...
www.clairebentley.co.uk/post/24-chri...
Actual footage of me trying to finish work projects, personal projects, Xmas prep, life admin, deep-clean the house, attend all the Xmas school events…
a cartoon of spongebob using a vacuum cleaner and iron
Alt: SpongeBob looking stressed with multiple arms and legs carrying out different chores at the same time
media.tenor.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Actual footage of me trying to finish work projects, personal projects, Xmas prep, life admin, deep-clean the house, attend all the Xmas school events…
My Christmas list is short:
1. Books
2. A world without fascism, bigotry, or inequality
1. Books
2. A world without fascism, bigotry, or inequality
December 5, 2025 at 9:29 AM
My Christmas list is short:
1. Books
2. A world without fascism, bigotry, or inequality
1. Books
2. A world without fascism, bigotry, or inequality
Me: I’m a writer. I’m an editor. I can write words good. I can do this.
*Opens ‘novel synopsis’ document*
Two hours later…
*Opens ‘novel synopsis’ document*
Two hours later…
a cartoon of spongebob holding a pencil
Alt: Spongebob Squarepants agonising over a blank page, sweating, writing furiously, then puts down his overheating pencil. The camera reveals the word ‘the’ at the top of the page, and nothing else.
media.tenor.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Me: I’m a writer. I’m an editor. I can write words good. I can do this.
*Opens ‘novel synopsis’ document*
Two hours later…
*Opens ‘novel synopsis’ document*
Two hours later…
Reposted by Claire Bentley
Claire is wonderful people, if you got something ready for an editor, consider hiring her!
I have one editing slot left in Jan and one in Feb 🙂
- I’m trained, CIEP-registered, and a partner member of ALLi
- Free sample edits
- Additional discounts for newsletter subscribers and marginalised authors
- Prices and other info are on my website
Please get in touch if you’re interested! 🙂
- I’m trained, CIEP-registered, and a partner member of ALLi
- Free sample edits
- Additional discounts for newsletter subscribers and marginalised authors
- Prices and other info are on my website
Please get in touch if you’re interested! 🙂
December 3, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Claire is wonderful people, if you got something ready for an editor, consider hiring her!
I have one editing slot left in Jan and one in Feb 🙂
- I’m trained, CIEP-registered, and a partner member of ALLi
- Free sample edits
- Additional discounts for newsletter subscribers and marginalised authors
- Prices and other info are on my website
Please get in touch if you’re interested! 🙂
- I’m trained, CIEP-registered, and a partner member of ALLi
- Free sample edits
- Additional discounts for newsletter subscribers and marginalised authors
- Prices and other info are on my website
Please get in touch if you’re interested! 🙂
December 3, 2025 at 9:20 AM
I have one editing slot left in Jan and one in Feb 🙂
- I’m trained, CIEP-registered, and a partner member of ALLi
- Free sample edits
- Additional discounts for newsletter subscribers and marginalised authors
- Prices and other info are on my website
Please get in touch if you’re interested! 🙂
- I’m trained, CIEP-registered, and a partner member of ALLi
- Free sample edits
- Additional discounts for newsletter subscribers and marginalised authors
- Prices and other info are on my website
Please get in touch if you’re interested! 🙂
Reposted by Claire Bentley
Reminder: the world is on fire 🔥
So write the prologue.
Write multiple POVs.
Write in first person, or third person, or whichever POV you like.
Write books that ‘don’t serve God’ (whatever tf that means).
Throw in some f-bombs.
YOU are your primary reader.
Not random people on the internet.
So write the prologue.
Write multiple POVs.
Write in first person, or third person, or whichever POV you like.
Write books that ‘don’t serve God’ (whatever tf that means).
Throw in some f-bombs.
YOU are your primary reader.
Not random people on the internet.
December 2, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Reminder: the world is on fire 🔥
So write the prologue.
Write multiple POVs.
Write in first person, or third person, or whichever POV you like.
Write books that ‘don’t serve God’ (whatever tf that means).
Throw in some f-bombs.
YOU are your primary reader.
Not random people on the internet.
So write the prologue.
Write multiple POVs.
Write in first person, or third person, or whichever POV you like.
Write books that ‘don’t serve God’ (whatever tf that means).
Throw in some f-bombs.
YOU are your primary reader.
Not random people on the internet.
One of my writing dreams just came true! 🥹
Someone emailed me to let me know that my Writers College essay was exactly what she needed and that my writing helped her ❤️
Who’s cutting onions? 😭
Someone emailed me to let me know that my Writers College essay was exactly what she needed and that my writing helped her ❤️
Who’s cutting onions? 😭
December 1, 2025 at 12:04 PM
One of my writing dreams just came true! 🥹
Someone emailed me to let me know that my Writers College essay was exactly what she needed and that my writing helped her ❤️
Who’s cutting onions? 😭
Someone emailed me to let me know that my Writers College essay was exactly what she needed and that my writing helped her ❤️
Who’s cutting onions? 😭
It has always felt weird (to me) to talk about books, and writing, and editing when the world is on fire.
But then, I wonder if humanity would even be in this position if more people chose reading as their hobby 🥴
But then, I wonder if humanity would even be in this position if more people chose reading as their hobby 🥴
a man in a plaid shirt and tie is typing on a keyboard with flames coming out of it
Alt: Moss from IT Crowd typing at a computer while a fire burns just beyond his desk
media.tenor.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:13 PM
It has always felt weird (to me) to talk about books, and writing, and editing when the world is on fire.
But then, I wonder if humanity would even be in this position if more people chose reading as their hobby 🥴
But then, I wonder if humanity would even be in this position if more people chose reading as their hobby 🥴
I keep accidentally typing ‘Dave the Cat! Writes a Novel’ when putting together recommended reading lists for authors’ editorial reports.
I would actually read that.
I would actually read that.
a black cat wearing glasses and a pencil is laying on a counter
Alt: Salem the cat is wearing glasses, holding a pencil, and making notes.
media.tenor.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM
I keep accidentally typing ‘Dave the Cat! Writes a Novel’ when putting together recommended reading lists for authors’ editorial reports.
I would actually read that.
I would actually read that.
Apparently, I’m the ‘best mummy in the world’ because I have a ‘squishy, huggable tummy’.
On the other hand, my 5yo reminded me that I once forgot it was ‘dress as your favourite character’ day at nursery-school, and he was the only one not dressed up.
That was 2 years ago.
Parenting is wild.
On the other hand, my 5yo reminded me that I once forgot it was ‘dress as your favourite character’ day at nursery-school, and he was the only one not dressed up.
That was 2 years ago.
Parenting is wild.
November 25, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Apparently, I’m the ‘best mummy in the world’ because I have a ‘squishy, huggable tummy’.
On the other hand, my 5yo reminded me that I once forgot it was ‘dress as your favourite character’ day at nursery-school, and he was the only one not dressed up.
That was 2 years ago.
Parenting is wild.
On the other hand, my 5yo reminded me that I once forgot it was ‘dress as your favourite character’ day at nursery-school, and he was the only one not dressed up.
That was 2 years ago.
Parenting is wild.
And now we enter yet another season in which a white man takes credit for the hard work of millions of women.
the grinch from the movie the grinch is wearing a santa hat and beard and wishing merry christmas .
Alt: Animated Grinch wearing a Santa outfit pulls his moustache and says merry Christmas.
media.tenor.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:07 AM
And now we enter yet another season in which a white man takes credit for the hard work of millions of women.
Don’t be an arsehole.
Because - apart from the many other excellent reasons to not be an arsehole - if you act like an arsehole in front of an author, you may end up being slowly and painfully murdered in one of their books 🙂
Because - apart from the many other excellent reasons to not be an arsehole - if you act like an arsehole in front of an author, you may end up being slowly and painfully murdered in one of their books 🙂
November 21, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Don’t be an arsehole.
Because - apart from the many other excellent reasons to not be an arsehole - if you act like an arsehole in front of an author, you may end up being slowly and painfully murdered in one of their books 🙂
Because - apart from the many other excellent reasons to not be an arsehole - if you act like an arsehole in front of an author, you may end up being slowly and painfully murdered in one of their books 🙂
Are you looking for a freelance fiction editor?
- I’m trained, CIEP-registered, and an ALLi partner member
- Free sample edits
- Discounts for newsletter subscribers & members of marginalised communities
- I’m a writer myself!
- I love working with authors & helping them make their stories shine ✨
- I’m trained, CIEP-registered, and an ALLi partner member
- Free sample edits
- Discounts for newsletter subscribers & members of marginalised communities
- I’m a writer myself!
- I love working with authors & helping them make their stories shine ✨
November 20, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Are you looking for a freelance fiction editor?
- I’m trained, CIEP-registered, and an ALLi partner member
- Free sample edits
- Discounts for newsletter subscribers & members of marginalised communities
- I’m a writer myself!
- I love working with authors & helping them make their stories shine ✨
- I’m trained, CIEP-registered, and an ALLi partner member
- Free sample edits
- Discounts for newsletter subscribers & members of marginalised communities
- I’m a writer myself!
- I love working with authors & helping them make their stories shine ✨
Writer problems: choosing names for your characters that don’t match anyone you know - or used to know - in real life 😅
November 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Writer problems: choosing names for your characters that don’t match anyone you know - or used to know - in real life 😅
One kid is ill and off school.
The other cried all morning because there’s no Christmas dinner today. (I’m actually with him on this.)
So now my tired self is editing a client’s manuscript while looking after a sick child.
The exhausting reality of juggling parenting, and editing, and writing 😅
The other cried all morning because there’s no Christmas dinner today. (I’m actually with him on this.)
So now my tired self is editing a client’s manuscript while looking after a sick child.
The exhausting reality of juggling parenting, and editing, and writing 😅
November 18, 2025 at 9:59 AM
One kid is ill and off school.
The other cried all morning because there’s no Christmas dinner today. (I’m actually with him on this.)
So now my tired self is editing a client’s manuscript while looking after a sick child.
The exhausting reality of juggling parenting, and editing, and writing 😅
The other cried all morning because there’s no Christmas dinner today. (I’m actually with him on this.)
So now my tired self is editing a client’s manuscript while looking after a sick child.
The exhausting reality of juggling parenting, and editing, and writing 😅
Me: Do that thing I like
Husband: *Turns the coffee machine on*
Husband: *Turns the coffee machine on*
November 14, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Me: Do that thing I like
Husband: *Turns the coffee machine on*
Husband: *Turns the coffee machine on*
Would you like to sign up for my free newsletter? You get:
- 10% off my editorial services
- My free ‘common mistakes I see in manuscripts’ checklist
- Monthly updates on writing and editing life
www.clairebentley.co.uk/newsletter
- 10% off my editorial services
- My free ‘common mistakes I see in manuscripts’ checklist
- Monthly updates on writing and editing life
www.clairebentley.co.uk/newsletter
Newsletter | Claire Bentley
Claire Bentley newsletter: sign up and get regular updates and my free guide on Productivity for Parents. Mindset guidance and practical tips for parents who wish to grow their creative passion
www.clairebentley.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Would you like to sign up for my free newsletter? You get:
- 10% off my editorial services
- My free ‘common mistakes I see in manuscripts’ checklist
- Monthly updates on writing and editing life
www.clairebentley.co.uk/newsletter
- 10% off my editorial services
- My free ‘common mistakes I see in manuscripts’ checklist
- Monthly updates on writing and editing life
www.clairebentley.co.uk/newsletter