Clare Sayer - Editor
A freelance copy-editor and proofreader specialising in cookery, craft and other lifestyle titles.
Request a quote
Verified identity
Overview
I am a meticulous freelance editor, with over 20 years experience in illustrated non-fiction, particularly cookery and craft, although I am happy to tackle most subject areas. I can consider both large and small jobs, from project managing, structural editing and ghost writing to copy-editing and proofreading.
Most of my clients are high-profile publishers who commission me for my attention to detail and reliability. They know that they can trust me to work with their authors sensitively and sensibly. I especially enjoy working on cookery titles, many of which are authored by talented chefs and food experts who may not necessarily know the best way to convey their ideas to their readership; I enjoy the challenge of making their text work for the target audience.
Most of my clients are high-profile publishers who commission me for my attention to detail and reliability. They know that they can trust me to work with their authors sensitively and sensibly. I especially enjoy working on cookery titles, many of which are authored by talented chefs and food experts who may not necessarily know the best way to convey their ideas to their readership; I enjoy the challenge of making their text work for the target audience.
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Cooking & Food Wine & Spirits
DIY & Crafts
Health & wellbeing
Home & Garden
Work experience
Freelance editor
Clare Sayer
August, 2012
–
Present
(over 8 years)
For the last five years my work has focused on illustrated non-fiction, particularly cookery – although I am happy to tackle other subject areas. In the last couple of years I have copy-edited a series of eight cookery titles for The Great British Bake Off, published by Hodder and Stoughton; Thomasina Miers' new book Home Cook, published by Guardian Faber; and Ruby Tandoh's Flavour for Chatto and Windus. My other clients include:
Bloomsbury, Cico Books, Cornerstone Publishing, Dog 'n' Bone Books, Ebury Publishing, Faber and Faber, Harper Collins, Headline Publishing, Jacqui Small, Octopus Publishing, Phaidon, Quarto, Square Peg, Vintage.
Publishing Manager
Cico Books
January, 2012
–
August, 2012
(7 months)
I assisted the Publisher in commissioning Cico's craft, interiors and cookery list, managed a team of editors and project-managed a number of titles.
Publisher
New Holland Publishers
October, 2000
–
December, 2011
(about 11 years)
I was responsible for developing and managing New Holland's lifestyle programme in the areas of cookery, craft, gardening and self-sufficiency.
Portfolio (10 selected works)
Crumb: The Baking Book
Ruby Tandoh
This is a major new talent in food writing, from the publishers of Nigella Lawson: Great British Bake Off finalist, Guardian and Elle columnist, Ruby Tandoh. A joyful, passionate baking book that focuses on flavour, not frippery, and rediscovers the simple pleasures of baking. Crumb is about flavour, first and foremost - a celebration of the simple joy of baking. Ruby's recipes delight in new ... read more
Tapas Revolution
Omar Allibhoy
Omar Allibhoy is the new face of Spanish cooking: he’s charismatic, effusive, passionate, and wants to bring Spanish food to the people of the UK. Tapas Revolution is the breakthrough book on simple Spanish cookery. Using everyday store-cupboard ingredients, Omar offers a new take on the classic tortilla de patatas, making this iconic dish easier than ever, and brings a twist to pinchos moruno... read more
My Family Kitchen
Sophie Thompson
These fun and easy-to-follow recipes include Sophie's own inventions but also recipes from family and friends collected over many years, including a chocolate truffle recipe from Penelope Keith, given to her as a child. Each recipe is accompanied by a snippet from Sophie, which allows readers to understand why the dish is special to her. Alongside the food photography are old photos and scrap ... read more
Brilliant Bread
James Morton
James Morton was surely the people's favorite to win 2012's Great British Bake Off series—with his Fairisle jumpers and eccentric showstoppers, this soft-spoken Scottish medical student won the viewers' hearts, if not the trophy. James's real passion is bread-making. He is fascinated by the science of it, the taste of it, the making of it. And in Brilliant Bread he communicates that passion to... read more
The Little Book of Lunch
Caroline Craig, Sophie Missing
The Little Book of Lunch is filled with delicious and simple recipes for the working person's packed lunch box. It is for anyone who has found themselves staring at the shelves in their local sandwich chain or their work canteen with a growling stomach and sinking feeling. The Little Book of Lunch has clever approaches to classics making them easy for transportation; meals that taste delicious... read more
Stuart Hillard reached the semi-final of BBC2's GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE, bringing a fantastic sense of invention, passion, creativity and style to all things fabric. Stuart's first love is sewing for the home - transforming everything from tablecloths, cushions and curtains to garden chairs and quilts. He is an enthusiastic home sewer and teacher and his mission is to make sewing for the home... read more
Terry & George - Feeding Friends: Great Recipes to Cook, Eat and Share
Terry Edwards, George Craig
26 Grains
Alex Hely-Hutchinson
Home Cook: Over 300 delicious fuss-free recipes
Thomasina Miers
'To me, home cooking means having fun with great ingredients without having to spend a fortune. It means spending some time, but not all the time, cooking nourishing flavoursome food. This book includes all my kitchen essentials and they are delicious and totally do-able.'This inspiring guide for the home cook is about enjoying good food any day of the week. Thomasina Miers, founder of Wahaca ... read more
Bake it Better: Patisserie & Pastries includes everything you need to know about baking delicious and beautiful pastries. Whether you are new to baking and looking for simple, easy recipes or a more confident baker seeking to refine your skills, with The Great British Bake Off you can be sure you're getting scrumptious and tried-and-tested recipes.The recipes themselves include classics and mo... read more
Clare has 1 review
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Clare did a great job copy-editing one of our new cookery titles, Do Wild Baking. Cookery books are never straightforward with recipes, ingredients, measurements and this was no exception! Clare understood the brief and 'got on with the job'. She delivered the copy-edited manuscript on time and really helped us out during a busy time. We'd be happy to use Clare again.
Miranda West, August 2017
Explore the Reedsy Community
Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.
Dan Hurst
London-based freelance editor of cookery and illustrated non-fiction books
London, United Kingdom
Amanda Owens
I am known for tightening up writing to create compelling copy as well achieving realistic dialogue that truly speaks to readers.
Cullman, AL, USA
