Gina Rathbone

Gina Rathbone – Editor

Attentive proofreader and copy editor specialising in outdoor adventure and memoir.

Overview

I'm an experienced proofreader and copy editor who’s worked with many authors, helping them to transform their manuscripts into page-turners ready for publishing.

Work with me and I'll give you expert suggestions and insights to sharpen your writing. I'll mark up changes in any format, like PDF or Word. But don't worry that it'll be covered in red pen! I'm trained to carefully judge what needs changing and what's fine. I’ll also create a style guide to ensure consistency – so your reader isn’t jolted out of the story.

If you’re looking to bring your outdoor adventure to life, then your book's in safe hands with my expertise in walking, cycling and travel. I also have particular experience in memoirs and autobiographies. But whatever the genre, I’m careful to always stay true to the author's voice.

With a degree in English Literature and twenty years working in an education inspectorate, becoming a freelance editor was a natural move. My time spent leading a government communications team saw me managing websites, newsletters, social media and corporate publications ­– all requiring meticulous checks.

You’ll find that I always go the extra mile to make sure your project meets expectations. So if you want someone who's easy to reach and will meet your deadline, work with me, and you won't be disappointed.

Here's what others say:

'I have no hesitation in recommending Gina. Everything was completed on schedule, the changes were clear, and there were useful explanations. Gina answered my queries promptly and in detail. '

Desmond Dennis, author

'You have been incredible to work with. I could not have done this without your expert guidance. You kept me updated, encouraged me, and made it easy for me to amend what I had written. I wrote the words but you turned it into a book.'

Stephen Chenery, author of A Can Full of Steam

'Gina has put a professional gloss on my amateur writing while showing endless patience with my delays and lack of computer skills. I am delighted with the result.'

Pat James, author of Belonging

'As a new author I realised there’s so much more to presenting a manuscript professionally for final book design. This is where Gina really delivered.'

- D Wild, author, Storm Seer

I'm so glad I had it checked by you; it's amazing what slipped through, especially the mispellings that I was obviously blind to by this point. Also, all the grammar, dangling modifiers and format that I had no idea about. So thank you, this has been very worthwhile.

- Liz Goodwin, author of It’s a Wunderbar Life

'Gina always delivers a very prompt, efficient and professional service. She can be relied upon for her attention to detail and experienced editorial flair.'

​Rachel Moss, Head of Communications, Hedyn

'Thanks to Gina’s input, I am extra confident that we are producing a top-class publication that can stand proudly within the outdoor sports and emergency services sector.'

- Judy Whiteside, Editor & Publicity Officer, Mountain Rescue Magazine

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Sports & Outdoors
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • BA English Literature, Cardiff University
  • Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2020 — Present
Professional proofreading and copy editing across many genres. Supports first-time authors. Reviews sentence structure and ambiguities; ensures consistency. Fixes errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation. Offers professional and thoughtful suggestions. Gently queries where necessary. Makes sure the big picture fits together. Adept at bibliography, notes and references. Checks tables, figures and illustrations.

Estyn - the Education and Training Inspectorate for Wales

Mar, 2003 — Sep, 2023 (over 20 years)
Senior communications manager in government, working for school inspectors and teachers. Responsible for rigorous checking and accurate external messages across websites, social media, newsletters, broadcast and print media, and corporate publications. Writer, editor, manager, mentor.

Portfolio

Nature Needs You: The Fight to Save Our Swifts

Bourne-Taylor, Hannah

Elliott & Thompson

Copy Editing
Proofreading
The Lake

Bianca Bellová

A fishing village at the end of the world. A lake that is drying up and, ominously, pushing out its banks. The men have vodka, the women troubles, the children eczema to scratch at. Born into ... read more
Copy Editing
'A fantastic guide for anyone hoping to improve their well-being. A simple yet comprehensive approach to leading a healthier and calmer life. A wonderful book!' – Dr Gemma Newman, The Plant Po... read more
Copy Editing
ONE OF THE SUNDAY TIMES' BEST HISTORICAL FICTION BOOKS OF 2022 'Zimler is an honest, powerful writer' – The Guardian 'A memorable portrait of the search for meaning in the shadow of the Shoah.... read more
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Proofreading
The Day We Had Candy Floss: A Novel

Lock, Catherine

Whitefox Publishing Ltd

Proofreading
Azores

Sayers, David

Bradt Travel Guides

Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
The Journey is Home

John Sam Jones

In this clear and absorbing memoir John Sam Jones writes of a life lived on the edge. It is story of journeys and realisation, of acceptance and joy. From a boyhood on the coast of Wales to a ... read more
Proofreading
Copy Editing

Gina has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Shana B.

Shana B.

Sep, 2024

I am so thankful that I found Gina to proofread my manuscript! I'll be honest, I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to getting all the grammar correct and resolving any inconsistencies in my manuscripts. That's because I know that an excellent proofreader can give a book a truly professional polish ...
Read more
Gina R.
Working on this project with Shana was a real pleasure. Being an experienced writer, she provided a concise brief and welcomed discussion on style. Proofreading her new book was a privilege and I ...
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William P.

William P.

Mar, 2024

Gina is a truly sensational editor. While editing a 135,000 word text of mine, she was always available to answer all of my questions promptly. her work was totally thorough and complete. her changes and suggestions were presented in a way that was very easy for me to follow, and she finished the...
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Gina R.
It was delightful working with Bill on his autobiographical family stories, and I'm very glad he was pleased with the results. I wish him all the best with the next steps to publication.
neway A.

neway A.

Feb, 2024

It was a pleasure to work with Gina on copy editing of my first novel, The Foreigners. Gina took the time needed, regularly communicating and providing timely feedback. I highly recommend Gina.

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