Fergus McKeown – Editor

● Provided editorial oversight in screening, editing, shortlisting and publishing the best articles submitted by a global network of contributors.

● Experienced in the SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) for hundreds of articles covering a broad range of topics, which frequently featured top in Google News search rankings.

● Participated in regular creative sessions to further enhance the product and reader experience.

● Wrote featured articles on topics ranging from cryptocurrencies and blockchain to global affairs and financial markets, with many of my online journalism featuring prominently on Google News search results.

● Created content marketing strategies and executed these, focused on building the awareness and understanding of a start-up operating in the news media industry. This material included newsletters, articles, social media pieces and the company white paper.

● Provided editorial input on material designed to attract investors, including the initial investor presentation.

● Wrote grant applications for schemes in the millions of pounds, from both the UK and EU government.

● Had responsibility for production of over 200 titles a year, including Sociology, Language and Linguistics and Science and Society monographs.

● Implemented new XML-based production workflow across these lists.

● Managed a team of offshore editors, and oversaw manuscript editing.

● Responsible for providing assistance to copy editors, marketing and authors during production.

● Ensured promotional material was available for launches, production schedule was met and that deadlines were not missed.

● Facilitated communication between different departments, ensuring that projects were handled efficiently.

● Handled authors queries and issues, providing solutions and troubleshooting, throughout production.

● Managed post-submission workflow for academic monographs.

● Communicated with external vendors, including copy editors and printers, and with other internal departments such as Marketing, Editorial and Design.

● Introduced new tracking and quality checking procedure for new releases.

● Administered and tracked handovers of manuscripts from Editorial to Production.

● Monitored schedules and ensured projects with atypical print specifications were handled efficiently.

● Provided general support and assistance to other members of the Production department, including proofing cover copy, index approval and draft proofing.

● Involved with all areas of book production.

● Ownership of managing external contractors including printers, editors, translators, typesetters, authors, graphic designers, distributors and marketers.

● Developed release schedules and workflow schedules, and ensuring deadlines were met.

● Experience with managing the online profile of the company, including writing copy, editing and making sure copy was of a high standard.

● Had responsibility of proofing drafts, providing feedback and creating advanced marketing material for upcoming releases.

● Introduced ONIX metadata standard and establishing that standard for publications.