I’m here for all your creative editorial needs, whether that be comprehensive project management or a simple proofread. I provide a friendly, pragmatic and astute service.
Do you have a book project that needs a safe pair of hands? I can manage that for you, from initial concept right through to final files. Do you need a straightforward copy-edit, a total structural manuscript overhaul or a final proofread? I can do that for you, too! Maybe you have an idea or a concept but it needs some development work, or an author to write it? No problem. Or do you just want to hand over the reigns and have someone put together a pitch or presentation for you? Call me! (Actually, email me.) How about a bunch of tricky recipes that need testing or development? Me again. Take a look below to find out more about all the nice things I can do so you don’t have to.
Project management
I manage the production and workflow of books and other editorial projects across both print and digital media.I have extensive experience – at leading publishing houses and on a freelance basis – of taking book projects from seedling idea to final, printed product, working to exceptionally high standards of both content and design.
I love the challenge of translating a project’s initial vision into a tangible, aesthetically outstanding product, commissioning and briefing teams of photographers, stylists, illustrators and editors to help do so. My experience of shoot production can extend to art direction when needed.
I have collaborated with high-profile authors and first-time writers, created and managed complex schedules and budgets of every variety, and flat-planned and curated content for recipe books, artist’s monographs and editor-led collections.
I am also adept at running other bespoke editorial projects, initiatives and platforms, including the planning and management of editorial calendars and team operations, particularly when covering new process roll-outs and workflow audits.
Content management
As well as print publishing services, I am available for brand-focused digital content management and editing, including the development and implementation of bespoke content strategies and the planning and supervision of editorial calendars and commissioning. I have experience with Google Analytics and the tracking of engagement and growth through data insights.
I have a cool head and pragmatic mindset and can easily keep track of multiple projects and campaigns across content teams, collaborating with cross-business stakeholders while always keeping an eye on possible improvements to process efficiency.
Editing
Developmental editing Copy-editingProofreadingAmericanisation/anglicisationI pride myself on being an insightful editor, whether I’m working on a developmental line-edit, a sensitive copy-edit to house style that respects the author’s unique voice or a meticulous proofread. As well as the basics of good grammar, style and consistency, keeping an eye on a text’s overall aim, structure and tone is key.
I have experience in all manner of non-fiction subjects, including those with a specialist aspect such as gardening, craft and pop-science.
As a cookery editor, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge, having edited and tested countless texts and recipes. Importantly, I have up-to-date knowledge of the food and restaurant industry and current trends and techniques.
I’ll happily edit to UK, US or transatlantic style and can provide americanisation and anglicisation services, too.
Commissioning, research and development
Over the years I have developed and commissioned new titles on subjects from cocktails to cannabis.I can help with any or all of the following:
Trend forecasting and concept creation – I can provide subject-specific insight, research your fledgling ideas and suggest new title concepts.
Concept development and commissioning – I will conduct competitor research, home in on the desired audience, seek out the perfect author and commission them.
Publisher pitch and presentation production – I have extensive experience writing speculative materials, including full contents lists and layout copy, and in conducting picture research.
Author pitch development – I also work with authors to develop book ideas into professional book proposals, identifying conceptual weaknesses, sharpening objectives and pin-pointing key USPs and target markets.
Recipe testing
I can test using UK or US measures and ingredients, providing detailed notes not only on whether recipes work (and how to fix them if they don’t), but also on their suitability for the intended audience and on any inconsistencies in writing style and serving sizes or ingredient, equipment and technique usage.
I’m comfortable with most cuisines and have every size of cake tin you can imagine.
I can also provide 2-in-1 testing and editing, standardising the recipes as I go and compiling cook’s notes at the end.
Writing
I have written food and lifestyle features, recipes, online and marketing content and website copy. I can also help you put together sales and pitch materials and write speculative book content on a range of subjects.
Additionally, I can provide cookery ghost-writing or development services, working with authors and chefs to help them find their voice or to shape notes and rough copy into polished prose.