Overview
Hello there, and thanks so much for taking the time to read my profile.
I'd love to help you take your manuscript to the next level, whether you're looking for a copy editor to elevate and fine-tune your text, or a proofreader to perform a meticulous final pass. With my methodical and focused approach, I will weed out any remaining spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors you've perhaps become blind to. When providing a copy edit, I can also enhance and strengthen your prose while remaining true to your unique voice and personal writing style. I'm committed to ensuring your manuscript is edited accurately and comprehensively according to your specific requirements.
I attained my bachelor's degree in English literature and language at the University of East Anglia, well known for its prestigious creative writing programme. During my studies, I discovered an expansive landscape of previously unexplored genres and writing styles: gothic literature, wartime satire, and postwar trauma writing in particular held my fascination. To this day, I love a story with depth, mystery, wit, and perhaps just a hint of the macabre for good measure!
As a self-confessed bibliophile, I feel very at home in my vocation. I have worked as a freelance proofreader and copy editor for the past ten years, primarily working on fiction novels in both British and American English. This has been alongside my career in healthcare, higher education, and research support, where I have gained extensive experience in the field of academic writing.
A series of testimonials from my clients demonstrate my attention to detail, my reliability, and my ability to return a manuscript in perfect, publish-ready condition.
"Gemma did an outstanding job proofreading my debut novel." – Luke Richardson, author of the bestselling Eden Black archaeological thriller series
"Total perfectionist." – Steven Moore, author of the bestselling Hiram Kane action thriller series
"Devilish eye for detail." – John Hopton, author of the bestselling Chris Collins thrillers
I originally hail from Essex, but these days home is Edenbridge, in the UK, which I share with my cat Major Tom, and an eyewatering amount of houseplants.
I believe I would be an excellent choice as your copy editor or proofreader, and I can't wait to hear from you about your next project. I'm ready and excited to help you take your book(s) to the next level!
Services
Fiction
Languages
Work experience
Condor Publishing
I have worked as a copy writer and proofreader for a number of years, both as a self-employed freelancer, and in more recent years, for Condor Publishing. At Condor Publishing, I have had the pleasure of working on many exciting projects including the best-selling Hiram Kane action thriller series written by Steven Moore, and Luke Richardson's Eden Black archaeological thriller series.
King's College London
My role involves reviewing low and high-risk research proposals submitted by academic professionals from all faculties at the college. My job is to highlight any ethical issues, identify and discuss how these might be mitigated, and to scrutinise recruitment documents, providing feedback on continuity, comprehension, spelling and grammar.
King's College London
My role primarily involved the provision of comprehensive project support to Professor Lucy Chappell, NIHR Research Professor in Obstetrics and recently appointed Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department of Health and Social Care. This included managing a portfolio of research projects from the grant application stage, through to data collection, analysis and reporting of findings. Part of my role was to review and ensure the accuracy and consistency of any written documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
King's Health Partners
In this maternity cover role, I was responsible for compiling, editing and proofreading the King's Health Partners annual report to the Department of Health and National Institute for Health Research. I was also responsible for the planning and organisation of three large scale conferences including the King's Health Partners Annual Conference, and a two-day Global Mental Health Conference.
Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
During my time working with the Complex Motor Disorders Service, I provided comprehensive administrative support to up to 10 medical and allied health professionals in the context of a multidisciplinary team. One of my main duties was to proofread and edit lengthy and detailed medical reports, amalgamating contributions from various members of the clinical team and checking for comprehension as well as grammar and spelling mistakes.
The Folio Society
During my time at The Folio Society, where I learned so much about the publishing industry, among my various roles I provided crucial ad-hoc support to the editorial, production, and marketing teams as required... all skills that I now bring into my career as a professional editor.
Portfolio
