Alasdair Craig – Editor

I'm a passionate editor of both trade and academic non-fiction, with particular experience in the genres of History, Biography, Politics, Current Affairs, Religion and Philosophy. I've been editing books for Hurst Publishers (a London-based independent publisher) and Oxford University Press since 2014. I currently work as an editor for the Institute of Art and Ideas in London, where I commission and edit articles written by academics for a non-academic audience. I have a PhD in Philosophy and a BA in History, both from Oxford University.

I offer everything from deep structural edits to proof reading. My aim is always to work closely with authors to bring out their authentic voice and to ensure they express their ideas in clear, readable prose. I am detail-orientated and sensitive to the nuances of storytelling. As a Philosophy PhD, I'm highly attuned to the details and cogency of lines of argument, and I use this to help authors sharpen their reasoning and strengthen their arguments.

My extensive experience of editing books about the Middle East and Islam means that I am well-practiced at dealing rigorously with transliteration of non-English words and names into English. I have also edited several books by authors whose first language is not English (e.g. 'A Revolution Undone' and 'The Sacred Republic', both listed in my portfolio). In addition to books, I am also experienced at editing essays, academic papers and journalistic articles aimed at a mass audience.

When I worked for Hurst full-time I also commissioned books, so I have seen some manuscripts through from commissioning to publication, sometimes engaging in detailed developmental/structural edits. 'God Is No Thing', 'A Longing for Wide and Unknown Things', and 'Ugly Food', all listed in my portfolio, are examples of books I commissioned and developed.

I can work with both American and British English. Feel free to ask me any questions you have. I look forward to working with you!