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Allison McKechnie

Allison McKechnie - Editor Tick

London, UK

Non-fiction editor with extensive experience in many subjects, gained over 25 years from publishers including Routledge and Palgrave

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Overview

After completing a Bachelor’s degree in English and Journalism I worked as a journalist for a few years before moving into book editing, which I discovered was my true passion. I worked as an editor for two major publishing houses, gaining great experience before going freelance as an editor, proofreader and indexer. I have not looked back, and now have a range of loyal clients ranging from mainstream publishers to government departments and European Union agencies. Subjects I work on include philosophy, politics, fashion, history, religion, the environment and social sciences. Africa and the Middle East are speciality subjects.

I think the core of an editor’s job is to gain the trust of the author, while also acting as an advocate for the potential readers of the book by making sure it’s engaging, logical, lucid and leaves no loose ends. I have worked with many authors of various backgrounds and nationalities over the years and I’m very experienced at putting authors at ease so that we can both ensure their book is as good as it can be.

Services
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Editorial Assessment
Proofreading
Indexing
Languages
English (AUS)
English (SA)
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Education & Reference
Fashion & Textiles
History
Life Sciences
Nature
Philosophy
Politics & Current Affairs
Religion & Spirituality
Social & Behavioral Sciences

Certifications

  • Bachelor of Journalism
  • Diploma in European Humanities, Open University

Work experience

Editor

Self-employed
December, 1997 – Present (over 20 years)

After working for a newspaper and two major publishers, I became a full-time freelancer working for a variety of traditional publishers and non-traditional clients such as government departments, consultancies and EU agencies.

Senior editor

Struik Publishers
November, 1987 – April, 1994 (over 6 years)

I worked as a senior editor for this large publishing house, working on books ranging in subject matter from natural history to popular science titles and tourism guides. I also helped compile a number of successful travel guides while working here.

Editor

Human & Rousseau Publishers
October, 1985 – September, 1987 (almost 2 years)

I worked as an editor for this company, on non-fiction titles, specifically educational and reference books such as family encyclopedias and travel guides.

Editor

Financial Gazette, Harare, Zimbabwe
June, 1983 – August, 1984 (about 1 year)

After graduating with a degree in Journalism and English I worked as a reporter for this well-known financial paper.

Portfolio (24 selected works)

The Ottoman Origins of Modern Iraq: Political Reform, Modernization and Development in the Nineteenth Century Middle East (Library of Ottoman Studies) The Ottoman Origins of Modern Iraq: Political Reform, Modernization and Development in the Nineteenth Century Middle East (Library of Ottoman Studies)

The Ottoman Origins of Modern Iraq: Political Reform, Modernization and Development in the Nineteenth Century Middle East (Library of Ottoman Studies)

Ebubekir Ceylan

As a result of the various reforms of the mid-nineteenth century Tanzimat (""reorganization"") era, Ottoman authority in Iraq was much stronger and better administered by the 1870s, than it had been when the Ottomans imposed direct rule over the region in the 1830s. Drawing upon original source documents, Ebubekir Ceylan provides the first comprehensive study of the Tanzimat reforms in Iraq in... read more

As a result of the various reforms of the mid-nineteenth century Tanzimat (""reorganization"") era, Ottoman authority in Iraq was much stronger and better administered by the 1870s, than it had been when the Ottomans imposed direct rule over the region in the 1830s. Drawing upon original source documents, Ebubekir Ceylan provides the first comprehensive study of the Tanzimat reforms in Iraq in... read more

Jerusalem: From the Ottomans to the British (Library of Middle East History) Jerusalem: From the Ottomans to the British (Library of Middle East History)

Jerusalem: From the Ottomans to the British (Library of Middle East History)

Roberto Mazza

In December 1917, British troops entered Jerusalem, thereby ending Ottoman rule and opening a new and important era in the history of Jerusalem. Roberto Mazza discusses the period of transition from Ottoman rule to the British administration, focusing on the socio-political changes from the nineteenth century to the twentieth, the impact of the First World War and the ongoing development of Je... read more

In December 1917, British troops entered Jerusalem, thereby ending Ottoman rule and opening a new and important era in the history of Jerusalem. Roberto Mazza discusses the period of transition from Ottoman rule to the British administration, focusing on the socio-political changes from the nineteenth century to the twentieth, the impact of the First World War and the ongoing development of Je... read more

Gender and Identity in North Africa: Postcolonialism and Feminism in Maghrebi Women's Literature (Library of Modern Middle East Studies) Gender and Identity in North Africa: Postcolonialism and Feminism in Maghrebi Women's Literature (Library of Modern Middle East Studies)

Gender and Identity in North Africa: Postcolonialism and Feminism in Maghrebi Women's Literature (Library of Modern Middle East Studies)

Abdelkader Cheref

Literary fiction has always provided an outlet for social and political critique. In the writing of key North African women authors, the dissection of Maghrebi society is at the very heart of the narratives. Here, Abdelkader Cheref charts the rise of postcolonial literature written by women from the Maghreb, and provides the first comparative analysis of three of the region’s most prominent co... read more

Literary fiction has always provided an outlet for social and political critique. In the writing of key North African women authors, the dissection of Maghrebi society is at the very heart of the narratives. Here, Abdelkader Cheref charts the rise of postcolonial literature written by women from the Maghreb, and provides the first comparative analysis of three of the region’s most prominent co... read more

Arab-American Women's Writing and Performance: Orientalism, Race and the Idea of the Arabian Nights (International Library of Cultural Studies) Arab-American Women's Writing and Performance: Orientalism, Race and the Idea of the Arabian Nights (International Library of Cultural Studies)

Arab-American Women's Writing and Performance: Orientalism, Race and the Idea of the Arabian Nights (International Library of Cultural Studies)

Somaya Sami Sabry

The public image of Arabs in America has been radically affected by the ""war on terror."" But stereotypes of Arabs, manifested for instance in Orientalist representations of Sheherazade and the Arabian Nights in Hollywood, have prevailed for much longer. Here Somaya Sabry argues that the Arab-American experience has been powerfully shaped by racial discourse and Orientalism, and is further co... read more

The public image of Arabs in America has been radically affected by the ""war on terror."" But stereotypes of Arabs, manifested for instance in Orientalist representations of Sheherazade and the Arabian Nights in Hollywood, have prevailed for much longer. Here Somaya Sabry argues that the Arab-American experience has been powerfully shaped by racial discourse and Orientalism, and is further co... read more

The History of Central Asia, Volume 3: The Age of Islam and the Mongols The History of Central Asia, Volume 3: The Age of Islam and the Mongols

The History of Central Asia, Volume 3: The Age of Islam and the Mongols

Cristoph Baumer

Between the 9th and the 15th centuries, Central Asia was a major political, economic and cultural hub on the Eurasian continent. In the first half of the 13th century it was also the pre-eminent centre of power in the largest land-based empire the world has ever seen. This third volume of Christoph Baumer's extensively praised and lavishly illustrated new history of the region is above all a s... read more

Between the 9th and the 15th centuries, Central Asia was a major political, economic and cultural hub on the Eurasian continent. In the first half of the 13th century it was also the pre-eminent centre of power in the largest land-based empire the world has ever seen. This third volume of Christoph Baumer's extensively praised and lavishly illustrated new history of the region is above all a s... read more

The History of Central Asia: The Age of Decline and Revival (Volume 4) The History of Central Asia: The Age of Decline and Revival (Volume 4)

The History of Central Asia: The Age of Decline and Revival (Volume 4)

Christoph Baumer

For more than a hundred years, Central Asia was the heartland of the mightiest military power on the planet. But after the fragmentation of the all-conquering Mongol polity, the region began a steep decline which rendered this former domain of horse lords peripheral to world affairs. The process of deterioration reached its nadir in the second half of the nineteenth century, when the former te... read more

For more than a hundred years, Central Asia was the heartland of the mightiest military power on the planet. But after the fragmentation of the all-conquering Mongol polity, the region began a steep decline which rendered this former domain of horse lords peripheral to world affairs. The process of deterioration reached its nadir in the second half of the nineteenth century, when the former te... read more

The History of Central Asia: The Age of the Steppe Warriors The History of Central Asia: The Age of the Steppe Warriors

The History of Central Asia: The Age of the Steppe Warriors

Christoph Baumer

The epic plains and arid deserts of Central Asia have witnessed some of the greatest migrations, as well as many of the most transformative developments, in the history of civilization. Christoph Baumer's ambitious four-volume treatment of the region charts the 3000-year drama of Scythians and Sarmatians; Soviets and transcontinental Silk Roads; trade routes and the transmission of ideas acros... read more

The epic plains and arid deserts of Central Asia have witnessed some of the greatest migrations, as well as many of the most transformative developments, in the history of civilization. Christoph Baumer's ambitious four-volume treatment of the region charts the 3000-year drama of Scythians and Sarmatians; Soviets and transcontinental Silk Roads; trade routes and the transmission of ideas acros... read more

Fashion Cultures Revisited: Theories, Explorations and Analysis Fashion Cultures Revisited: Theories, Explorations and Analysis

Fashion Cultures Revisited: Theories, Explorations and Analysis

Following on from the ground-breaking collection Fashion Cultures, this second anthology, Fashion Cultures Revisited, contains 26 newly commissioned chapters exploring fashion culture from the start of the new millennium to the present day. The book is divided into six parts, each discussing different aspects of fashion culture: Shopping, spaces and globalisation Changing imagery, changing med... read more

Following on from the ground-breaking collection Fashion Cultures, this second anthology, Fashion Cultures Revisited, contains 26 newly commissioned chapters exploring fashion culture from the start of the new millennium to the present day. The book is divided into six parts, each discussing different aspects of fashion culture: Shopping, spaces and globalisation Changing imagery, changing med... read more

Institutional Capacity for Climate Change Response: A New Approach to Climate Politics (The Earthscan Science in Society Series) Institutional Capacity for Climate Change Response: A New Approach to Climate Politics (The Earthscan Science in Society Series)

Institutional Capacity for Climate Change Response: A New Approach to Climate Politics (The Earthscan Science in Society Series)

In a period of rapid climate change and climate governance failures, it is crucial to understand and address how effectively different political institutions can and should react to climate change. The term 'institutional response capacity' can be defined as a measurement for how effective political institutions may respond to threats and challenges such as climate change. This book sets out t... read more

In a period of rapid climate change and climate governance failures, it is crucial to understand and address how effectively different political institutions can and should react to climate change. The term 'institutional response capacity' can be defined as a measurement for how effective political institutions may respond to threats and challenges such as climate change. This book sets out t... read more

International Political Theory and the Refugee Problem International Political Theory and the Refugee Problem

International Political Theory and the Refugee Problem

Natasha Saunders

‘The refugee problem’ is a term that it has become almost impossible to escape. Although used by a wide range of actors involved in work related to forced migration, these actors do not often explain what exactly ‘the problem’ is that they are working to solve, leading to an unfortunate conflation of two quite different ‘problems’: the problems that refugees face and the problems that refugees... read more

‘The refugee problem’ is a term that it has become almost impossible to escape. Although used by a wide range of actors involved in work related to forced migration, these actors do not often explain what exactly ‘the problem’ is that they are working to solve, leading to an unfortunate conflation of two quite different ‘problems’: the problems that refugees face and the problems that refugees... read more

The Contested Diplomacy of the European External Action Service: Inception, Establishment and Consolidation (Routledge/UACES Contemporary European Studies) The Contested Diplomacy of the European External Action Service: Inception, Establishment and Consolidation (Routledge/UACES Contemporary European Studies)

The Contested Diplomacy of the European External Action Service: Inception, Establishment and Consolidation (Routledge/UACES Contemporary European Studies)

Jost-Henrik Morgenstern-Pomorski

The creation of the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU’s new diplomatic body, was accompanied by high expectations for improving the way Europe would deal with foreign policy. However, observers of its first years of operation have come to the opposite conclusion.This book explains why the EEAS, despite being hailed as a milestone in integration in Europe’s foreign policy, has fal... read more

The creation of the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU’s new diplomatic body, was accompanied by high expectations for improving the way Europe would deal with foreign policy. However, observers of its first years of operation have come to the opposite conclusion.This book explains why the EEAS, despite being hailed as a milestone in integration in Europe’s foreign policy, has fal... read more

Ashes to Light: A Holocaust Childhood to a Life in Music Ashes to Light: A Holocaust Childhood to a Life in Music

Ashes to Light: A Holocaust Childhood to a Life in Music

Nelly Ben-Or

Born into a Jewish family in Lvov, Poland in the early-1930s, Nelly Ben-Or was to experience, at a very young age, the trauma of the Holocaust. This narrative of her life's journey describes the miraculous survival of Nelly, her mother and her older sister. With help from family and friends, Nelly and her mother were smuggled out of the Ghetto in Lvov and escaped to Warsaw with false identity ... read more

Born into a Jewish family in Lvov, Poland in the early-1930s, Nelly Ben-Or was to experience, at a very young age, the trauma of the Holocaust. This narrative of her life's journey describes the miraculous survival of Nelly, her mother and her older sister. With help from family and friends, Nelly and her mother were smuggled out of the Ghetto in Lvov and escaped to Warsaw with false identity ... read more

Contemporary Political Theory Contemporary Political Theory

Contemporary Political Theory

Andrew Shorten

This comprehensive and engaging new text introduces the key concepts, approaches and debates in contemporary political theory and shows how philosophical ideas can be applied to real-world politics. Fully up-to-date, each chapter summarizes recent developments in the field and provides an accessible overview of the main problems and positions.

This comprehensive and engaging new text introduces the key concepts, approaches and debates in contemporary political theory and shows how philosophical ideas can be applied to real-world politics. Fully up-to-date, each chapter summarizes recent developments in the field and provides an accessible overview of the main problems and positions.

Losing an Empire, Finding a Role: British Foreign Policy Since 1945 Losing an Empire, Finding a Role: British Foreign Policy Since 1945

Losing an Empire, Finding a Role: British Foreign Policy Since 1945

David Sanders, David Houghton

Informed by Winston Churchill’s famous metaphor, successive British governments have shaped their foreign policy thinking around the belief that Britain’s overseas interests lie in three interlocking ‘circles’: in Europe, in the Commonwealth, and in the ‘special relationship’ across the Atlantic. Recent administrations may have updated the language in terms of ‘bridges’, ‘hubs’ and ‘networks’,... read more

Informed by Winston Churchill’s famous metaphor, successive British governments have shaped their foreign policy thinking around the belief that Britain’s overseas interests lie in three interlocking ‘circles’: in Europe, in the Commonwealth, and in the ‘special relationship’ across the Atlantic. Recent administrations may have updated the language in terms of ‘bridges’, ‘hubs’ and ‘networks’,... read more

Invasion Ecology Invasion Ecology

Invasion Ecology

Julie L. Lockwood, Martha F. Hoopes, Michael P. Marchetti

This new edition of Invasion Ecology provides a comprehensive and updated introduction to all aspects of biological invasion by non-native species. Highlighting important research findings associated with each stage of invasion, the book provides an overview of the invasion process from transportation patterns and causes of establishment success to ecological impacts, invader management, and p... read more

This new edition of Invasion Ecology provides a comprehensive and updated introduction to all aspects of biological invasion by non-native species. Highlighting important research findings associated with each stage of invasion, the book provides an overview of the invasion process from transportation patterns and causes of establishment success to ecological impacts, invader management, and p... read more

The Routledge History of Genocide (Routledge Histories) The Routledge History of Genocide (Routledge Histories)

The Routledge History of Genocide (Routledge Histories)

Routledge History Of Genocide BY Cathie Carmichael, 9780415529969

Routledge History Of Genocide BY Cathie Carmichael, 9780415529969

The Politics of Water in Africa: The European Union's Role in Development Aid Partnership (International Library of African Studies) The Politics of Water in Africa: The European Union's Role in Development Aid Partnership (International Library of African Studies)

The Politics of Water in Africa: The European Union's Role in Development Aid Partnership (International Library of African Studies)

Christopher Rowan

The dilemmas of African development continue to haunt both African and western institutions and governments. Here Christopher Rowan offers an original interpretation of the evolving concept of partnership as it operates within the current relationship between the European Union and the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific group. Framing his discussion in terms of the human right to water, Rowan prese... read more

The dilemmas of African development continue to haunt both African and western institutions and governments. Here Christopher Rowan offers an original interpretation of the evolving concept of partnership as it operates within the current relationship between the European Union and the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific group. Framing his discussion in terms of the human right to water, Rowan prese... read more

Fashioning the City: Paris, Fashion and the Media Fashioning the City: Paris, Fashion and the Media

Fashioning the City: Paris, Fashion and the Media

Agnes Rocamora

The fashion media have been central to the consecration of the city of Paris on the fashion map, as well as its celebration in the collective imagination. Indeed, with its conjunction of images and words, the fashion press constitutes a rich platform for an interrogation of how Paris has come to be constituted as a leading fashion city. Yet while much attention has been paid to the making of P... read more

The fashion media have been central to the consecration of the city of Paris on the fashion map, as well as its celebration in the collective imagination. Indeed, with its conjunction of images and words, the fashion press constitutes a rich platform for an interrogation of how Paris has come to be constituted as a leading fashion city. Yet while much attention has been paid to the making of P... read more

Edexcel A Level History, Paper 3: Poverty, public health and the state in Britain c1780-1939 Student Book + ActiveBook (Edexcel GCE History 2015) Edexcel A Level History, Paper 3: Poverty, public health and the state in Britain c1780-1939 Student Book + ActiveBook (Edexcel GCE History 2015)

Edexcel A Level History, Paper 3: Poverty, public health and the state in Britain c1780-1939 Student Book + ActiveBook (Edexcel GCE History 2015)

Rosemary Rees

Fashion Drawing (Basics Fashion Design) Fashion Drawing (Basics Fashion Design)

Fashion Drawing (Basics Fashion Design)

John Hopkins

Dance and the Body in Western Theatre: 1948 to the Present Dance and the Body in Western Theatre: 1948 to the Present

Dance and the Body in Western Theatre: 1948 to the Present

Sabine Sörgel

Dance and the Body in Western Theatre

Dance and the Body in Western Theatre

Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan

Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan

Shrabani Basu

*This is the remarkable biography of Noor Inayat Khan, code named ""Madeleine"". The first woman wireless transmitter in occupied France during WWII, she was trained by Britain's SOE and assumed the most dangerous resistance post in underground Paris. Betr

*This is the remarkable biography of Noor Inayat Khan, code named ""Madeleine"". The first woman wireless transmitter in occupied France during WWII, she was trained by Britain's SOE and assumed the most dangerous resistance post in underground Paris. Betr

Reimagining Spaces for Learning in Higher Education (Palgrave Teaching and Learning) Reimagining Spaces for Learning in Higher Education (Palgrave Teaching and Learning)

Reimagining Spaces for Learning in Higher Education (Palgrave Teaching and Learning)

Andrew Middleton

Models of Mental Health (Foundations of Mental Health Practice) Models of Mental Health (Foundations of Mental Health Practice)

Models of Mental Health (Foundations of Mental Health Practice)

Gavin Davidson, Jim Campbell, Ciarán Shannon, Ciaran Mulholland

A good understanding of the different theoretical models is essential when working in the field of mental health. Not only does it help with understanding experiences of mental health difficulties and to find meaning, but it also provides a framework for expanding our knowledge of the field.As part of the Foundations of Mental Health Practice series, this book provides a critical overview of t... read more

A good understanding of the different theoretical models is essential when working in the field of mental health. Not only does it help with understanding experiences of mental health difficulties and to find meaning, but it also provides a framework for expanding our knowledge of the field.As part of the Foundations of Mental Health Practice series, this book provides a critical overview of t... read more

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