Gina Rathbone

Gina Rathbone – Editor

Attentive and affordable proofreader and copy editor specialising in outdoor adventure/memoir/contemporary fiction.

Overview

I'm an experienced proofreader and copy editor who’s worked on award-winning titles, including a Sunday Times critically acclaimed novel and an EBRD Literature prize winner.


I’ve 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 into style and syntax that will sharpen your writing. I'll mark up changes and suggestions 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.


I’ve worked with many genres, such as autobiography/memoir, contemporary fiction, travel, self-help, LGBT and young-adult. If you live for the outdoors like me, then your book will be in safe hands with my expertise in walking, cycling and adventure. But whatever the genre, I’m careful to always keep true to your voice.


With a degree in English Literature and 20 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 affordable, easy to get hold of and will meet your deadline, work with me and you won't be disappointed.


Here's what others say:


'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, autobiography


'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 helped and delivered. She prepared my manuscript meticulously and also highlighted a few areas for clarification. It was the final, and very reassuring stage in the process for me.'

- D. Wild, author, Storm Seer


'Gina has brought a clear, detailed and professional approach to all the projects she has assessed and proofed for us.'

- Dr Richard Davies, Parthian Books


'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, Newport City Homes


'Gina has been working with us on a voluntary basis for three years now. Her professional and efficient approach, and her attention to detail took us to a new level which she has continued to maintain.

She is always quick to respond, and work with me to turn things round within our admittedly tight deadlines. 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

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
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
A man's own story from the Rhondda. Jeffrey Weeks was born in the Rhondda in 1945, of mining stock. As he grew up he increasingly felt an outsider in the intensely community-minded valleys, a feeling intensified as he became aware of his gayness. Escape came t... read more
Exiles

Dónall Mac Amhlaigh

Two Irish migrants on the cusp of new lives in post-war Britain. Two young people who dare to dream of a better life, and dance the music of survival in their adopted homeland. Afraid that his... read more
Proofreading
'An ode to grief and sibling love from a great new voice' Kit de Waal, author of My Name Is Leon 'A beautifully layered story... Poignant, astute and hopeful' Sharon Duggal, author of Should W... read more
Proofreading
Easy Meat

Rachel Trezise

The south Wales Valleys, 23rd June, 2016. It's another long day chopping beef carcasses up at the slaughterhouse for former reality TV star and Iron Man contender, Caleb Jenkins, whose untroub... read more
Proofreading
When 'Hymns and Arias' rang out at Cardiff Arms Park some fifty years ago, those great Welsh anthems 'Calon Lân' and 'Cwm Rhondda' had found a companion and the valleys of south Wales had prod... read more
Proofreading

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 and make a real difference in the finished product. Gina is meticulous in her work, has an incredibl...
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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 job long before I expected, all at a very fair price, which also included a one-hour Zoom conferenc...
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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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