Overview
An experienced editor, lecturer, and facilitator, I have a strong track record of working with top publishers, including Penguin Random House and Kwela (an imprint of NB Publishers). I have also lectured in English at highly rated universities, and I am an award-winning, published poet with a first-class Master's Degree in Creative Writing. Combined with my expertise in Creative Writing and English Literature, my experience makes me a sensitive and insightful editor and manuscript assessor. Since 2010, I have assisted Claire Strömbeck as a freelance editor and manuscript assessor. I specialise in editorial assessments and developmental editing, and thoroughly enjoy working on literary fiction, contemporary fiction, memoir, fantasy, and narrative non-fiction. My favourite part of being an editor is helping writers to find their voices and to develop the right tools to tell their stories. I look forward to assisting you in writing the stories that matter to you.
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Awards
- Heather Drummond Poetry Award (2006 and 2008)
- NRF Innovation Doctoral Fellowship (2014-2016)
- NRF Master’s Fellowship (2010-2011)
Certifications
- First-class Master's Degree in Creative Writing
Work experience
University of Cape Town
• Invited by UCT to host a series of workshop seminars for the Creative Writing MA cohort of 2017
• Supervised MA thesis, which was passed in early 2021
Stellenbosch University
• Lectured a semester-long second-year seminar
• Researched and developed course material for weekly seminars of ±20 students
• Seminar was highly weighted in the second-year curriculum and had to be robust, challenging, and original
GetSmarter
• Worked with published author and literary agent, Dr Ron Irwin.
• Taught all the basic elements of writing a novel, from plot and narrative perspective to characterisation and dialogue.
• Oversaw the forum for the creative writing course.
Self-employed
• Edit, proofread, and assess novels and narrative non-fiction for publishing houses and literary agencies including: Penguin Random House, NB Publishers, Print Matters, and Strömbeck Literary.
• Some notable titles I have worked on include: Being Kari by Qarnita Loxton for NB Publishers; Only the Dead by Hamilton Wende for Penguin Random House; and The Delhi Deception by Elana Sabharwal.
• Edited several short stories that have been shortlisted for the PEN Awards, including by Kyne Nislev Bernstorff.
• Qarnita Loxton won the Philida Literary Award 2021.
Portfolio
David has 13 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Kevin R.
Feb, 2024
Pinned
Michael A.
Aug, 2023
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Timothy L.
Aug, 2023
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Jack S.
Jun, 2024
V. F. S.
May, 2024
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