About Margaret

Hi! I’m Margaret McCutcheon. I provide developmental (substantive) editing for fiction writers and back-of-the-book and embedded indexing for academic texts and trade nonfiction. 

I help writers shape and finish their books—whether that means developing a compelling novel or creating a clear, effective index for a complex nonfiction manuscript. I approach each project with care, curiosity, and attention to detail—so your work can shine.

Books have been my lifelong companions, helping me to explore the world, understand it, and sometimes escape it. They’ve sparked my curiosity and driven my passion for learning across disciplines.

My love of books led me to pursue a BA Hons and MA in English literature with a cross-disciplinary interest in history. My passion for learning supported me through a shift into the social sciences, focusing on community-based research, social policy and programs, and urban planning in my work with non-profits, municipal governments, and universities. 

I have training in editing and indexing through the Publishing certificate program at Toronto Metropolitan University, including courses in Substantive and Stylistic Editing, Copy and Stylistic Editing, Fiction Editing, Grammar, and Indexing.

I'm also a member of the Indexing Society of Canada and Editors Canada.

I created Kaleidoscope Editing and Indexing to focus on two areas that I love:

• Developmental (substantive) editing for fiction
• Back-of-book and embedded indexing for academic and trade nonfiction

When not editing or indexing, I am a compulsive reader of novels, books on writing and the craft of indexing, and nonfiction on any topic that catches my eye. I never say no to a long walk or a good board game.