Belinda Campbell – Editor

Since deciding to work freelance in the book publishing industry in August 2018, I have had the pleasure of writing and editing numerous non-fiction books on subjects including Design, Crafts, Health & Lifestyle, and Mind, Body & Spirit. I have experience in writing and editing for both commercial and academic audiences and my customers have included publishers such as Bloomsbury and Bonnier Books.

During this maternity cover contract, I was working on the Fashion and Textiles illustrated books, working with both well-known and debut authors. I was responsible for developing their manuscripts, including identifying the areas in which their text could be more succinct, clear and engaging for a reader. These books were highly illustrated, so working with images was also an essential part of the development process, including helping to source images and ensuring that the files were high quality.

This was a temporary position that the company needed filling during a particularly busy period for them. My role as Editor included working on their new titles, acquisitions and backlist titles. My tasks were numerous in this position, including sourcing and commissioning authors and illustrators, proofreading manuscripts, writing copy and captions, editing manuscripts and creating presentations.

I was given this promotion due to my experience and knowledge of text design and for taking on the responsibility of a large project creating text design templates for Bloomsbury, in addition to my usual tasks and responsibilities mentioned below.

A role in which I managed numerous demanding front list titles, taking books from their un-copyedited and un-proofread manuscript form to the final print-ready files, including briefing illustrators and freelance designers to create bespoke and creative designs. Producing 40 plus titles a year, it was essential for me to have a proactive attitude and diligent organisation and communication skills to ensure that each book conformed to the house style, was proofread and copyedited to a consistently high standard and published on schedule and within budget whilst still creating a beautiful product.