Deborah Murrell - Editor
English editor, native to the UK, with 30 years + in publishing. I'm meticulous, but gentle, and always let your unique voice shine through.
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Overview
I'm a professional editor with 30+ years of experience in the publishing industry, including project and team management experience.
Titles include both children’s and adults’ books, CD-ROMs and website content.
Subject matter varied, fiction and non-fiction, highly illustrated, including history, travel, autobiographies, novels, natural history, literature, science, medical and teaching materials.
I began in non-fiction at Dorling Kindersley in London, mostly working on children's titles, but now do both fiction and fact, in adults' as well as children's markets. I've worked with many large publishing houses, sometimes managing large projects and teams, but I much prefer working directly with authors and their text!
Subject matter varied, fiction and non-fiction, highly illustrated, including history, travel, autobiographies, novels, natural history, literature, science, medical and teaching materials.
I began in non-fiction at Dorling Kindersley in London, mostly working on children's titles, but now do both fiction and fact, in adults' as well as children's markets. I've worked with many large publishing houses, sometimes managing large projects and teams, but I much prefer working directly with authors and their text!
I tend to get mostly copy editing and polishing/developmental work (where a manuscript needs more work than just a copy edit, such as work written by an author with English as a second language), but am also happy to do proofing and pretty much all editorial services. I learn in one way or another from every book I work on, and that's what I love most about the job. I also enjoy the opportunity to share information with my authors, such as some of the niceties of the English language with which most people are unfamiliar, but which can be very helpful for future projects.
Publishing houses I've worked with include Quarto, Harper Collins, Random House, Lonely Planet, Kingfisher, Ladybird and Pinwheel. In the last few years, however, I've been working directly for authors who plan to self-publish, or simply get their work ready for submission to agents or publishers.
As well as editing the work of others, I’ve also been commissioned to write non-fiction, for all age groups, by publishers such as Reader’s Digest, World Almanac Library, Kingfisher, Quarto and Ladybird, so I am familiar with an author’s point of view, too!
I currently live in France, with my husband and a bevy of lovely animals in rural Mayenne. I have a dedicated office at home, which gives me the luxury of a calm atmosphere in which to work, and a relaxing and peaceful place to enjoy when I'm not working!
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Children's - Non-fiction
Earth & Space & Environmental Sciences
History
Fiction
Children's
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Science Fiction
Work experience
Freelance Editor, now based in France
Self-employed
November, 2011
–
Present
(over 8 years)
I moved to France in 2011 and, since then, have been mostly editing novels and autobiographies for Writers’ Services, a web-based company providing editorial services for authors. I also proofread and copy edit children’s non-fiction for QED and audio-proof (check audio books against the original text) for ID Audio/Harper Collins.
In 2014, together with Philip Steele, I wrote the first Lonely Planet non-travel-guide book, the children’s Amazing World Atlas.
Freelance/contract work; writing, editing and managing, based in London
Self-employed
March, 2006
–
November, 2011
(over 5 years)
In 2006 I wrote four children’s books on Medieval Warfare and an adult book, Superstitions, and edited books on Ancient Greece and aviation, all for Amber Books.
I also proofread and copy-edited travel guides, self-help books and TEFL manuals for Cambridge Publishing Management, and wrote Knights and Castles for Kingfisher’s My Best… series.
With MotivatEd in 2007 I produced a website for the WWF, writing copy, devising games and editing content. I also managed several series of story books and wrote a four-book series entitled Warriors for QED.
In 2008 I proofread a thesis on Shakespeare, wrote four books in Ladybird’s Mad About series: Sharks, Bugs, Knights and Costume, and a children’s encyclopedia, Everything You Need to Know, for Kingfisher, for whom I also managed My Best Book of the Human Body. In-house at Harper Collins, I managed brands such as Narnia, Dr. Seuss, Noddy and Shrek, writing new stories based on existing characters.
In 2009 I worked at Parragon Books as Group Editor covering maternity leave, leading a team producing trade and licensed books.
In 2010 I completed two revising and reformatting projects for Kingfisher, Nature Got There First and Geography Encyclopedia.
In 2011, I wrote a number of articles, including SEO ones, for an agency supplying commercial websites and, again for Kingfisher, new content for a number of interactive books and a lift-the-flap book. I also worked on Lonely Planet children’s travel guides, at Weldon Owen.
Managing Editor
Self-employed
March, 2004
–
December, 2006
(almost 3 years)
At Pinwheel, I managed the Pinwheel imprint, consisting of novelty and board books. I also oversaw the Andromeda imprint, which produces non-fiction books for older children. I resigned from Pinwheel in March 2006, but worked with the company on a freelance basis until August.
Managing Editor/Senior Producer
Picthall & Gunzi
May, 2000
–
April, 2004
(almost 4 years)
January 2003 to April 2004 – Picthall and Gunzi: Managing Editor
For P and G I managed a variety of books for young children and wrote Ancient Rome, published by Kingfisher as part of the My Best Book of… series, and Mega Trucks, for pre-school children.
November 2001 to January 2003 – travelling/living abroad
I got married in late 2001 and then spent 6 months in France, and a year in Florida, USA, where my husband was working; unfortunately, I was unable to work due to visa restrictions.
May 2000 to November 2001 – Picthall and Gunzi: Senior Producer/Editor
I managed the production team, designed and wrote text for CD activities, and co-edited the text for a book and CD-ROM on Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.
Senior Editor
Picthall and Gunzi
April, 1997
–
July, 1998
(about 1 year)
On The Complete Encyclopedia of Manchester United and Mind, Body, Spirit, Earth I researched and wrote material as well as commissioning specialist authors. I was also involved in planning and developing future projects for the company. In July 1998 I decided to travel for a while, but returned to Picthall and Gunzi in 2000, once I was back in London.
Freelance Editor
Edward Twentyman Recruitment
February, 1997
–
April, 1997
(about 2 months)
I completed several short-term assignments for Edward Twentyman's agency, including proofreading Fathercare and A Word in Time for Colt Books and editing magazines at the Catholic Institute for International Relations.
Senior Producer
Amaze Multimedia
January, 1997
–
July, 1997
(6 months)
I headed a team of about 20 people, based in Liverpool, writing, developing and producing intranet training software on CD-ROM for Allied Carpets.
Senior Producer
Maris Multimedia
December, 1995
–
December, 1996
(about 1 year)
I managed the overall design and functionality of an interactive CD-ROM entitled Atlas of the Ancient World, with programming and design teams in Moscow and an editorial team in Cambridge. I worked closely with Sales and Marketing, overseeing press releases and producing showreels and demonstration software as required.
Senior Editor/Producer
Dorling Kindersley Multimedia
August, 1992
–
November, 1995
(over 3 years)
At DKM I produced The Family Medical Guide CD-ROM for the American Medical Association. My work involved deciding product functionality, style and interface, storyboarding animations and liaising with the AMA, management and programming teams. I headed a team of 16 designers, editors and animators. On My First Amazing, Incredible Dictionary CD-ROM I led a team of editors, designers and animators. My work included storyboarding animations, organising photographic shoots, writing, commissioning and editing text, and otherwise managing the content and structure of the product.
Writer
European Guide Ventures
January, 1992
–
February, 1992
(about 1 month)
I revised and updated the brochure and guide to Euro Disneyland.
Editorial Assistant/Project Editor
Dorling Kindersley
October, 1989
–
July, 1992
(over 2 years)
My first job in publishing was as a research assistant on DK’s Children’s Encyclopedia. I went on to run the last four titles of the Look Closer series. This involved training and supervising a new editor, commissioning authors and photographers and managing budgets. I then project-managed Amazing Animal Facts, and wrote and edited Arts and Natural History pages for Factopedia.
Portfolio (28 selected works)
An entertaining, light-hearted approach to over 1,000 superstitions? this book uncovers the complexity and sometimes ridiculousness of human nature and behavior through the ages. Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky? Why do we knock on wood? Why do we cross our fingers for good lucky? It may not be logical, but underlying these irrational notions are centuries of beliefs?and many affect u... read more
Everything You Need to Know: An Encyclopedia for Enquiring Young Minds
chancellor-deborah-murrell-deborah-steele-philip-taylor-barbara
Unusual book
Samurai (Warriors)
Deborah Murrell
Enter the world of the most heroic, brutal and fearsome fighters of all time. Packed with fascinating facts, famous warrior profiles and amazing artwork, learn all about the devious tactics, wicked weapons and courageous battles fought by warriors.
Pond Life (Look Closer)
Barbara Taylor
This book is part of a series of photographic information books which takes a close-up look at the world we live in. Each title is devoted to a particular habitat, studying its plant and animal inhabitants in detail and explaining how and why they have adapted to the environment. This book looks beneath the surface at creatures such as the diving beetle, larva, water plants, dragonflies, frogs... read more
Birds conquered the air long before the Wright Brothers, the burrs on plants are uncannily similar to velcro fastenings, rattlesnakes have an alarm system, bats and dolphins have their own form of sonar... Nature is full of amazing designs and ‘mechanisms' that appear to have inspired the engineering and technology we use today. Nature Got There First by Dr. Phil Gates shows you how and why.
With more than 380 fascinating topics over 600 pages, this must-have children's encyclopedia is perfect for curious young minds aged 9 and over.Ideal for projects, or just for fun, this fact-filled kids' book of general knowledge features bite-size chunks on the Arctic and Aztecs, X-rays and zoos, plus everything in between. From glaciers, insects, and myths to scientists, space missions and w... read more
Mad About Castles and Knights
Deborah Murrell, Ladybird
Are you mad about all things medieval? From dungeons and drawbridges to jesters and jousting, the world of mighty castles and noble knights is brought to life in this informative book. It is ideal for all young history enthusiasts.Ladybird's Mad About series is all about giving its readers all the facts they could possibly need about their favourite subjects. Get ready to impress all your frie... read more
Charlemagne The Dark Secret
Elisabeth de Moreau d'Andoy
Elisabeth de Moreau d'Andoy, a Belgian translator with an abiding love and fascination for medieval history and archeology, moves to central Italy, thrilled to discover more about the country’s lush landscape and storied past. But the more she learns about the area, the more gaps and inconsistencies she begins to uncover. Who was the Frankish Emperor Charlemagne? What atrocities have the Roman... read more
To Be Had
Sava Buncic
Can you earn respect and love within your own family if you cannot provide them with more than bare survival? Are there any ethical and moral boundaries you would not cross, any humiliation you would not bear, while trying to make enough money to enable your child to build a life better than yours? Boris faces an uphill struggle while he desperately tries to climb the financial and social ladd... read more
The Pearl and the Golden Plinth
Bruce McQueen
The peaceful city of Chakoria, deep within the underwater planet of Osis, has always been protected from dark, oppressive forces by the Pearl and the Golden Plinth. But all good things must come to an end… Lord Agon’s evil knows no bounds. As dark ruler of the city of Enzir, his gruesomely spiked claws grip the souls of a mighty kingdom. But his vast empire will forever remain incomplete until... read more
Emergence
Nick M Lloyd
The Gadium have been ruling the galaxy for millennia, manipulating probability to ensure their continued domination. On Earth, Jack Bullage survives a horrendous car accident. Reporter Louise Harding has a score to settle with Jack. Against her editor's orders, she investigates all the options, even the most unbelievable ones. How did he get to be so lucky? The Gadium have the answers. They kn... read more
The World Dissolves
Josh Knox
Damien, a young banker in a high profile job with an appetite for alcohol, sex, drugs and generally partying his way through life, finds his world crumbling down around him when he loses his job and essentially everything which allows him to continue his lavishly carefree lifestyle. Damien's downward spiral becomes a tornado of melancholic adventure which threatens to envelope his friends and ... read more
Mad About Sharks (Ladybird Minis)
Ladybird
Mad About Sharks, from Ladybird, is full of shark facts!Are you mad about sharks? From fins and teeth to babies and ancient ancestors, this book is full of fascinating facts and information for all young shark enthusiasts. Also includes a link to fantastic downloadable Mad About posters.Ladybird's Mad About series is all about giving its readers all the facts they could possibly need about the... read more
Beyond the Grave
David Spielmann
“Talk about Doctor flipping Whatsit and his flying phone box. That’s only fiction. We’re in this for real here mate.” Dave and Martha are a perfect couple. There’s only one problem though: they are separated by 125 years. It’s the long hot summer of 1976. Dave – single, ex-military, fed up with his life – sets out for a much needed holiday in the West Country. At the last minute he’s joined by... read more
My Name is Sam (Volume 1)
Wes Stuart
Who is the real enemy? This is the question that confronts Sam, the champion of the Sereia in their cosmos-spanning war with the Gibbus, and the main character in this story. Sam is an unimposing boy who has no past and no memory of who he is, yet he possesses extraordinary abilities. He is also Earth’s last hope for salvation from the Gibbus who, in seven days, will destroy the planet and eve... read more
Due to a shocking discovery, Soarame now has to undertake a new dangerous journey with his friends. He must cross the largest, most deadly ocean in the world. Battling more powerful, evil wizards, he was forced to escape underwater, and stay in the bottom of the ocean for weeks. But how could a teenage boy survive underwater, especially that there were lethal creatures down there? And what fur... read more
Revised edition: This edition includes editorial revisions. A year passed since the MagiMax incident, and everything seemed to be peaceful. Until one day, Soarame and his friends received a threat from an unknown source, and they must rescue a dear friend by battling wild magimals – an invasion of them so big that it is called a "beastide". The friends have a good chance to succeed, but who ha... read more
If you like JK Rowling or Brandon Sanderson or both, you will love this book. It’s a wonderful novel genre that develops magic with the power of science - something rarely seen.Soarame has a pair of special eyes. He can see magic elements in this world, which are supposed to be invisible. This enviable gift of his could reveal the truth of the world, but it also put him in danger.Many animals ... read more
Amazing Earth (Amazing World)
Heather Maisner
Explore the world through amazing photographic images that move and change! Discover what happens when earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes occur! In Amazing Earth children can find out how scientists unlock the secrets of the Earth. Stunning photographs and special hands-on features, such as flaps and pull tabs, will transport the reader from the page into our world! For example lift a flap t... read more
Amazing Weather (Amazing World)
Heather Maisner
Explore the world through amazing photographic images that move and change! Discover how snow, hail, and ice form! In Amazing Weather children can explore the extremes of drought to flooding. Stunning photographs and special hands-on features, such as overlays and turning wheels, will transport them from the page to outside in to the weather. For example turn a spiral to see what a tornado loo... read more
Devil's Playground
Dylan Kidson
Mia Sawan thinks her time with The Firm is behind her, as she spends her days selling art to a very wealthy clientele. But when a Christian banker in Beirut is crucified and a 10-year-old girl in Azerbaijan is kidnapped, Mia finds herself once again at the head of a dangerous investigation. What is the connection between the two? And will she be able to find the missing girl before it’s too la... read more
Until the Evening
Solomon Uwaifo
Known as the power house of Africa, the struggle of Nigeria from its colonial days to its present day state makes for interesting reading.Until The Evening portrays this journey from one man's perspective; Engineer SO Uwaifo gives the reader insights to the unraveling tale of a nation on the cusp of breakthrough. Can we learn from the mistakes of the past and build a better future? Morning doe... read more
2094. The successful testing of the Alcubierre metric makes faster-than-light travel possible. For Michael Vahlroos, CEO of V-Space, this is the start of a new era. Not only will his company be able to sell new spaceships, but it will also spearhead the exploitation of extraterrestrial resources, a must to ensure welfare to our overpopulated earth. Private corporations are the right players to... read more
2095. UN Diplomat Ralf Åhman has successfully championed the creation of the World’s Agency for the Regulation of Space Exploration and Colonization (WARSEC) to keep outer space under UN supervision.Outrageous! thinks Michael Vahlroos, whose corporation V-Space has seen its business opportunities shrink. In the short term, however, V-Space’s business is closely tied to WARSEC’s success.And whi... read more
2097. Phosphate peak on overpopulated earth has jacked up food prices. The European Union threatens to invade Morocco in an attempt to break their monopoly on phosphate extraction. For Michael Vahlroos, CEO of V-Space, the EU would not have to threaten military force if the United Nations legal framework had encouraged the mining of extraterrestrial resources. Meanwhile, the World’s Agency for... read more
The Billion Pound Lie
Bill Dare
A hapless barista is mistaken for the winner of a new global lottery. He drunkenly plays along but finds that the promises he makes (including paying for a little girl's life-saving operation) aren't forgotten. He struggles to do the right thing as his ex-wife is held to ransom and the real winner emerges from the shadows. Best selling crime writer Erin Kelly wrote 'Pure entertainment. A funny... read more
Deborah has 1 review
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Deborah was a responsive, conscientious and thoughtful editor, and I enjoyed working with her on an editorial assessment for my draft novel. Her report contained valuable feedback about areas that were confusing or ambiguous, and she had concrete, constructive suggestions about how to improve the piece. I particularly appreciated that she continued to be available after the assessment was deliv...
Read more
Christina Murray, February 2020
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