Alasdair Craig

Alasdair Craig – Editor

Experienced editor of non-fiction. Expertise in History, Biography, Politics, Philosophy. Formerly Commissioning Editor at Hurst Publishers.

Overview

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!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs History Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies Philosophy Political Science & Current Affairs Religion & Spirituality
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • C.V. Wedgwood Prize for best History dissertation, Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford
Certifications
  • PhD, Philosophy, University of Oxford
  • MLitt, Philosophy, University of St Andrews (Distinction)
  • BA, History, University of Oxford (1st Class Hons)

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2018 — Present

I edit book manuscripts and commission books for various publishing houses.

Hurst Publishers

Sep, 2014 — Aug, 2018 (almost 4 years)

Main duties were commissioning books, developing book projects with authors, editing and proofreading manuscripts.

Alasdair has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Joel B.

Joel B.

May, 2024

This is my second project with Alasdair and I could not be happier with how things have gone. His edits and feedback were highly insightful and relevant, not to mention timely. Even though my book is on a somewhat esoteric topic (modern Estonia), he showed remarkable understanding of the country and issues and was able to channel that into excellent work on the project. Overall, I cannot recomm...
Read more
Joel B.

Joel B.

Nov, 2023

Alasdair did exemplary work providing concise and practical feedback and truly went above and beyond. I highly recommend his services.
George K.

George K.

Sep, 2023

Alasdair is more than a consummate professional editor - he is a talented and creative writing advisor for anyone in the process of writing a text which deals with philosophical concepts. His background in the philosophy behind cognitive science prepared him to help others explain and write about even the most abstract and complex ideas. The post-edit session of two hours he spent with me on ...
Read more

Professionals similar to Alasdair

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Margaret Gray

Margaret G.

Hi there! I am a fiction and non-fiction editor based in London. Please feel free to reach out.

London, UK

100% reply rate

View profile
Dana Knowles

Dana K.

Dynamic editor with four years of experience evaluating proposals and manuscripts in the academic and trade nonfiction publishing markets

New York, NY, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Rebecca Russell

Rebecca R.

Insightful, thorough, and meticulous editor specializing in nonfiction and academic texts.

Toronto, ON, Canada

95% reply rate

View profile