Overview

I'm an experienced editor of non-fiction and reference for both children and adults. For over twenty years, I have worked with major publishers including SpringerNature, Pan Macmillan, Palgrave Macmillan, Michael O’Mara, Quercus, Quarto, Icon Books, Carlton Books, Head of Zeus and Thames & Hudson. I am also the author of over thirty non-fiction books of my own, in genres as disparate as biography, education, history, humour, language, trivia and true crime (twice nominated for the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction). On top of that, I am a scriptwriter on the British Podcast Award-winning 'Real Dictators' and 'Short History of... ' podcast series.

I love getting a book over the line and ready for publication and there is no subject that I am afraid of! If you have a text that needs a final polish or a more fundamental overhaul, or perhaps an idea for a project that needs some flesh on its bones, I am happy to help. I have developed numerous titles from initial concept to finished product and I am comfortable working at all stages of the editorial process – whether it’s preparing to submit to an agent to making sure all of those double quotes are changed to singles!

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Editorial Assessment

Proofreading

Query Letter Review

Book Coaching

Non-Fiction

Biographies & Memoirs Children’s Non-Fiction Education & Reference Geography History Philosophy Political Science & Current Affairs True Crime

Languages

English (UK) English (US)

Certifications

Qualified to degree level.

Work experience

Scriptwriter

Noiser Network

Aug, 2021 — Present

I produce scripts for award-winning history series, including 'Short History of... ' and 'Real Dictators'.

Editor/Author

Self-employed

Jan, 2004 — Present

With twenty years of experience in the publishing industry, I have undertaken projects of varying types from proofing and copy-editing to project development. I have worked on everything from major reference works and educational texts to long-form narrative non-fiction, for both the print and online markets. I also bring extensive experience as an author, having sold somewhere in the region of a million books in international markets.

Contributing Editor

Palgrave Macmillan

Feb, 1999 — Dec, 2020 (almost 22 years)

For over twenty years I was a contributing editor to The Statesman's Yearbook, a geo-political guide to the world published annually since 1865. I have worked extensively on both the print and online editions of the book.

Portfolio

Economics in 100 Quotes

Allen & Unwin

Developmental Editing

Odyssey Moscow: One American's Journey from Russia Optimist to Prisoner of the State

Calvey, Michael

The History Press

Developmental Editing Book Coaching

The Drummond Affair: Murder and Mystery in Provence

Matthews, Stephanie

Icon Books

Developmental Editing Book Coaching

Alchemy: Brian Clough & Peter Taylor at Hartlepools United

Hull, Christopher

Book Coaching

The Rooster: Discovering My Father's Memories from the Jasenovac Concentration Camp

Roller, Sibel

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment

Made with Reedsy

The Rise of Security and Why We Always Want More

Croll, Mike

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching

Conclave 1559: The Story of a Papal Election

Hollingsworth, Mary

Copy Editing

Children of the Night: The Strange & Epic Story of Modern Romania

Kenyon, Paul

Copy Editing

Scandal at Dolphin Square: A Notorious History

Danczuk, Simon

Developmental Editing

Speeches that Changed the World

Author

Speeches That Changed the World

Developmental Editing

The Screenwriter's Handbook 2010 (Screenwriter's Handbook: The Essential Companion for Screenwriters)

This is the essential guide for all new and established writers for the screen. Including useful, easy-to-search contact detail entries from courses, societies and grants to representation and... read more

Developmental Editing

Answers to Rhetorical Questions

Taggart

The rhetorical question is one of those grammatical quirks that just doesn't seem to have any logic to it: a question that doesn't require an answer - what kind of question is that? However, n... read more

Copy Editing

Kayak The Kwanza

Oscar Scafidi

In June 2016, Oscar Scafidi and Alfy Weston set out to complete the first ever source-to-sea expedition along Angola’s longest river, the Kwanza. Paddling and carrying a forty-year-old collaps... read more

Copy Editing

Backstop Country

Glenn Patterson

A witty and impassioned book on Ulster, which has been thrust into the centre of British and European politics and which is likely to become Britain's frontier with the wider world. Very few c... read more

Copy Editing

Happiness and Tears: The Ken Dodd Story

Louis Barfe

In this, the first serious biographical assessment of Ken Dodd since the death of the feather duster-wielding Liverpudlian in spring 2018, respected historian of British light entertainment Lo... read more

Copy Editing

Art Of War Strategic Puzzles

Richard Wolfrik Galland

Copy Editing

Inside Story: Politics, Intrigue and Treachery from Thatcher to Brexit

PHILIP WEBSTER

BRAND NEW, Exactly same ISBN as listed, Please double check ISBN carefully before ordering.

Copy Editing

Byron's Women

Alexander Larman

One was the mother who bore him; three were women who adored him; one was the sister he slept with; one was his abused and sodomized wife; one was his legitimate daughter; one was the fruit of... read more

Copy Editing

Is Their Alot Wrong with This Centence?: An English Grammar Workbook

Daniel Smith

A fun, accessible, interactive workbook to ensure that readers are never caught out by misplaced apostrophes, dangling participles, or poor spelling againEnglish is a complicated language, and... read more

Developmental Editing

99%: How to Create Abundance and Reverse the Rising Tide of Impoverishment

Mark Thomas

We are looking at the first generation in living memory who can expect to be poorer than their parents, even as the economy continues to grow. This is unprecedented. No generation in modern hi... read more

Copy Editing

Ultra

Tobias Jones

Italy's ultras are the most organised and violent fans in European football. Many groups have evolved into criminal gangs, involved in ticket-touting, drug-dealing and murder. A cross between ... read more

Copy Editing

Lost London: An A-Z of Forgotten Landmarks and Lost Traditions

Richard Guard

A fascinating story of London as told through the buildings, parks, and palaces that are no longer there From bull rings to ice fairs and plague pits to molly houses, this is a truly intriguin... read more

Copy Editing

The Statesman's Yearbook 2019: The Politics, Cultures and Economies of the World

Now in its 155th edition, The Statesman's Yearbook continues to be the reference work of choice for accurate and reliable information on every country in the world. Covering political, economi... read more

Developmental Editing

100 Places You Will Never Visit: The World's Most Secret Locations

Daniel Smith

Ever wondered what it takes to get into Fort Knox? Fancied a peek inside the Coca-Cola Safety Deposit Box? Would you dare to visit Three Mile Island? The world is full of secret places that we... read more

Developmental Editing

Around the World in 50 Ways (Lonely Planet Kids)

Set off from London and travel across the globe. Then try to make it back! In Lonely Planet Kids' Around the World in 50 Ways, kids choose their favourite routes and transportation, from tuk-t... read more

Developmental Editing

How to Think Like Obama

Daniel Smith

BRAND NEW, Exactly same ISBN as listed, Please double check ISBN carefully before ordering.

Dan has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ed F.

Mar, 2024

Pinned

As a first time author, Daniel Smith provided me with crucial and insightful advice. I doubt it would be publishable without his help. I have a long way to go but Daniel laid out a plan with detailed suggestions and encouragements such that I believe I can finish it.

Reply from Dan S.

Thanks, Ed - it's been a pleasure working with you on this and I have no doubt the finished manuscript will be of enormous value to its target market. A book born out of years of acquired wisdom!

Hugh M.

Oct, 2022

Pinned

Dan did a fantastic job of tidying up my grammatical errors and making helpful suggestions. Quick to respond, he is extremely flexible and professional - and completed ahead of the forecast date. I have no hesitation recommending his services to others.

Mike C.

Oct, 2020

Pinned

I really appreciated working with Dan. He is always very responsive and professional. He does what he says (on the tin). Technically he is highly proficient and his experience shows. I think there are three things that make him outstanding. 1. He GOT the the project and had an instinctive feel...

Reply from Dan S.

Thanks, Mike. Was a pleasure working with you, and I am very hopeful you'll find a good home for the book. It deserves to get a large readership. Best, Dan

Barbara K.

Feb, 2022

Very useful feedback.

Dan Smith

Available for hire

Verified identity

London, UK

Professional on Reedsy
since Aug, 2019

Dan Smith – Editor

Overview

Services

Non-Fiction

Languages

Certifications

Work experience

Portfolio

Dan has 4 reviews

Ed F.

Hugh M.

Mike C.

Barbara K.

Professionals similar to Dan

Jed D.

Emily L.

Michael D.

Dan Smith – Editor

Overview

Services

Non-Fiction

Languages

Certifications

Work experience

Portfolio

Dan has 4 reviews

Ed F.

Hugh M.

Mike C.

Barbara K.

Professionals similar to Dan

Jed D.

Emily L.

Michael D.

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