So the writer who breeds
more words than he needs
is making a chore
for the reader who reads.
- Dr Seuss
ABOUT ME
I'm a freelance editorial professional living in the beautiful Pennines. I’m a fan of language that is crisp and concise, and am used to translating complex terms into plain English — but if your article or website needs a touch of flamboyance, I’m good at that too.
I’ve been writing and editing in various capacities since 2012, following five years in design management for a major housing developer. I’ve carved out a bit of a niche for myself by understanding construction and engineering terminology and actually enjoying writing about it; as it turns out, there aren’t many of us who can do both! This has allowed me to work for some key players in the industry, developing my review and content creation skills in a fast-paced corporate environment — so if you need fresh copy, a review of existing text for clarity and consistency, or a fresh pair of eyes directly before a submission, I’ve had plenty of experience of all three.
I also love to edit in a traditional publishing context, and have been working with a growing number of academic and trade publishers over the last five years. There’s a lot of overlap between a Latin degree and the skills required for copyediting and proofreading, as I’ve found: my approach is methodical and forensic, and always respects the message and voice of the writer. My background in analysing and translating other languages also means that working with non-native English authors is a particular strength. I’m an Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, which means I've demonstrated a high level of competence and substantial experience of working in the publishing industry.
Take a look at my LinkedIn page for more details, or get in touch below.
SERVICES
Copyediting
Copyediting
Checking existing copy for grammar, punctuation and style in line with client brief. This can be done via:
- Mark-ups on hard copies
- 'Track Changes' function on Microsoft Word
- Comment tool on Adobe Acrobat
Proofreading
Proofreading
- Using BS 5261 marks or 'Track Changes'
- Against copy or blind
Copywriting
Copywriting
Content creation for a range of themes and sectors, from architecture and technology to culture, sports and leisure. Examples include:
- Project and product profiles
- Company CVs
- Web content and website project management
- Social media posts and campaigns
Bid Writing
Bid Writing
Working with contractors to generate winning strategic responses for public and private sector PQQs, ITTs and frameworks. Subject areas include:
- BIM / Digital Engineering
- Modern methods of construction
- Sustainability and social value
Bid Reviews
Bid Reviews
Reviewing bid responses prior to submission for spelling, grammar, layout and sense, as well as ensuring that key win themes are addressed and answers are clear, compelling and concise.
PROJECTS
I work with a range of publishers (some trade, some academic) on manuscripts and proofs for books and journals. Some recent titles and themes are listed below, but if you want to see my full portfolio, just ask!
Dynastic Politics in the Age of Diocletian, AD 284–311
Greek Maritime History. From the Periphery to the Center
Historical Understanding
Historicising Ancient Slavery
Images at the Crossroads: Media and Meaning in Greek Art
Pindar’s Centaurs
The Afterlife of Virgil
The Afterlife of Plutarch
The Afterlife of Cicero
The Agora in Ancient Greece
The Alexander Romance
The Journal of the Sylvia Townsend Warner Society
The London Journal of Canadian Studies
The Ocean Class
The Royal Workshops of the Alhambra
Theatre Translation
BLOG
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Different types of tenders and how to approach them
Covid-19. It’s still the word on everyone’s lips, and it was top of the pile in the Oxford English Dictionary’s New Words List for April 2020. Like any challenge, the coronavirus pandemic will...
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The Art of Listening
I've been a writer and editor for a number of years now, and in that time I've been called all manner of names (in a good way, of course!). So far I've been a Writer, a Technical Writer, a Bid...