Elizabeth Donald, Editor in Stirling, UK

Overview

I'm an editor, copyeditor and proofreader with 20 years’ experience in non-fiction editing, especially travel and maps, but I’ve also worked on a diverse range of books, ranging from children’s fun factual books to advising on cultural sensitivity in secondary school geography textbooks. Additionally, I was lead editor on a commemorative book about the late Queen Elizabeth II.

I'm friendly, warm, helpful, patient, approachable and conscientious, and I want to work with you to make your book the best it can be.

I'll give you detailed feedback and I'll explain the reason behind my suggested changes.

I'm interested in other cultures and languages, and I'm used to working with authors whose first language is not English.

I hope to work with you soon!

Services

Copy Editing

Proofreading

Non-Fiction

Children’s Non-Fiction Education & Reference Travel

Languages

English (UK)

Work experience

Senior Cartographic Editor

HarperCollins Publishers

Jan, 2023 — Present

As Lead Editor for reference mapping at Collins, I ensure the accuracy of world atlases and maps, aligning them with place-name and geopolitical policies. My role involves sensitivity checks for educational materials and resolving inconsistencies in mapping sources. I oversee adherence to geopolitical policies across map data and printed products, updating policies and advising senior management on sensitive geopolitical issues. I advise on PR responses to public complaints on contentious naming/geopolitical disputes. Additionally, I developed and maintain a geopolitical style guide for HarperCollins’ Diversity and Inclusion initiative, collaborating across departments. In an advisory capacity, I provide expert place-name guidance, report on policy changes, and liaise with UK government officials in the Permanent Committee on Geographical Names (PCGN) regarding place-name policies and romanisation systems. I also support the language team in handling geopolitically sensitive dictionary entries.

Information Editor

HarperCollins Publishers

Jul, 2008 — Dec, 2022 (over 14 years)

I actioned accurate and up-to-date place-name updates from published and online sources, while considering geopolitical sensitivities. In editorial roles, I served as lead editor for 'Scotland the Best' (12th and 13th editions) and as team editor for key reference books, including UNESCO’s 'The World’s Heritage' and '200 Amazing Places' by Sunday Times Travel Magazine. I played a significant editorial role in 'The Times Queen Elizabeth II: Commemorating Her Life and Reign 1926–2022' and proofread The Times’ obituary for Queen Elizabeth II, ensuring accuracy and editorial integrity.

Assistant Editor

Lexus Ltd / Lexus for Languages

May, 2000 — Sep, 2002 (over 2 years)

My responsibilities included preparing and formatting dictionary text, proofreading and editing bilingual dictionaries in multiple languages, and coordinating with translators and clients to ensure accuracy and consistency.