Hannah Hirst-Dunton - Editor
Oxford, United Kingdom
An editor with expertise in children's books, literacy and artwork design, I’ve worked with authors such as Julia Donaldson and Terry Deary.
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Overview
I'm a freelance literary editor with particular expertise in children's books and artwork-led designs.
Much of my work has been with big-brand educational clients such as Pearson Education, Bloomsbury, Scholastic, HarperCollins, Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press, and levelled in line with the National Curriculum for English. Consequently, I have an excellent sense of the literary and linguistic levels at which children enjoy reading, and have particular experience developing materials to engage struggling readers - for example comics and magazines, detailed supportive artwork and themes developed ahead of phonic or word-reading ability.
The greatest part of my experience and passion lies in using artwork and layout to maximise the effect of children's fiction and non-fiction texts. I'm used to working in close liaison with illustrators and designers to create exceptionally high-quality and appealing books, whether they need to be whimsical, atmospheric, intricate, precise - or a combination!
Where desired, I can also offer insight on literacy teaching, and have supplemented both literacy and trade titles by developing learning points, fact files and activities that complement fiction - all assisted by my rigorous formal grammar training, acute attention to detail and thorough understanding of children's literacy development goals.
I also have experience with developing adults' fiction and academic work - and I'm always keen to add new skills to my portfolio.
For more information, please have a look at my LinkedIn profile and website - but here's one testimonial from a regular client.
"I have worked with Hannah for over 5 years on a variety of Primary Literacy projects on materials for teachers and students. Hannah makes intelligent decisions and asks appropriate questions in a timely manner. Her editorial work is consistently of a very high quality, and she has a keen eye for grammar and accuracy. She is also able to work and manage her own schedules autonomously, liaising with in-house and freelance designers directly. Hannah's work on our Bug Club Planning Guides best exemplifies this. Hannah also has a creative talent for artwork briefing and reviewing highly-illustrated and highly-designed proofs. She has recently managed the entire editorial process for magazine-style readers for primary schools, adhering to a complex schedule and creating attractive and engaging content. Hannah is incredibly reliable and trustworthy, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her."
(Mary Layland: Advanced Content and Learning Specialist, Pearson Education)
Languages
English (AUS)
English (CAN)
English (NZ)
English (SA)
English (UK)
English (US)
Fiction
Children's - Middle Grade
Children's Picture Books
Comics & Graphic Novels
Literature
Young Adult & Teen
Non-Fiction
Children's Books (Non-Fiction)
Comics (non fiction)
Education & Reference
ELT
Certifications
- MLitt English Literature (University of Oxford)
- MA English Literature (University of Sheffield)
- BA English Literature (University of Sheffield)
- Foundation Degree in Classical Humanities (Open University)
Awards
- AHRC Research Award
- DeBreyne Scholarship (Interdisciplinary Research)
Work experience
Freelance Editor (Primary Literacy; ELT)
Oxford University Press
November, 2015
–
Present
(over 3 years)
Skills developed:
• Familiarity with early-years literacy intervention and adults' English language teaching methodology
• Copy editing early-years literacy teacher guides and teaching materials
• Image briefing and research for early-years flashcards
• Copy editing adult literacy textbooks and workbooks
• Adults' education layout and quality best practice
Freelance Editor (Primary)
Hamilton Trust
August, 2014
–
September, 2015
(about 1 year)
Skills developed:
• Copy editing of Primary teaching materials (inc. Geography, History, English, Drama, ICT, D&T, Art, Music, Science and Maths resources)
• Formatting of teacher- and pupil-facing resources
• Further expertise implementing the new Primary curriculum
Freelance Development Editor (Treasure House: Primary Literacy)
HarperCollins Publishers
April, 2014
–
Present
(almost 5 years)
Skills developed:
• Development editing of trade tie-in and spelling strands for digital literacy programme (KS1&2)
• Development editing of comprehension and VGP strands for pupil activity books (KS1&2)
• Development editing of cross-curriculum teacher lesson guides (KS1&2)
• Integration of trade and educational materials
• Tight deadline management for multiple strands’ schedules
• Further expertise implementing the new Primary curriculum
Researcher, Oxford English Dictionary
Oxford University Press
August, 2013
–
November, 2015
(over 2 years)
Skills developed:
• Specialist research methodologies
• Understanding of Middle English
• Palaeography
• Technical (as well as practical) grammar
Freelance Editor (Children's Trade Fiction; Reprint Trade Fiction)
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
December, 2012
–
Present
(about 6 years)
Skills developed:
• Copy editing, fact checking and artwork briefing for high-profile trade fiction series
• Trade fiction layout and quality best practice
• Digital reformatting for POD products
Intern; Freelance Reader (Radio Drama)
BBC
December, 2011
–
May, 2012
(5 months)
Skills developed:
• Assessment of new manuscripts for quality, propriety and market appeal
• Editing and division of manuscripts for adaptation to format
Freelance Development Editor (Primary Literacy)
Pearson Plc
September, 2011
–
Present
(over 7 years)
Recent projects:
• Development of primary-level multi-genre magazines for new comprehension resource
• Redevelopment and project management of teaching guides across all Bug Club book bands
• Development of character artwork for KS2 fiction and non-fiction in liaison with Pearson US
• Development of fully-digital grammar resource, inc. style guides, pupil lessons, demonstration videos, online games and assessment activities
• Preparation of KS2 Shakespeare unit in liaison with the RSC
• Ongoing development of print and digital resources (eBooks, eActivities and audio recordings) for high-profile fiction and non-fiction literacy strands, including levelling for KS1&2, storyboarding and design liaison and HTML formatting
Freelance Copy Editor (Quantum financial journal)
Camel Publishing Ltd.
June, 2011
–
September, 2014
(over 3 years)
Skills developed:
• Quick and accurate assimilation of complex concepts and information
• Harmonious cooperation with managing editors and international colleagues
• Journal layout and best practice
Editor and Research Assistant (UNESCO World Book Capital project)
Oxford Inspires
January, 2011
–
January, 2012
(about 1 year)
Skills developed:
• Management of a research team and liaison with freelance collaborators
• Copy-editing, writing and structuring diverse chapters of prose, events and financial statements
• Familiarity with Oxford schools’ learning and development needs
Transcriptions Editor (Swift project, Cambridge University Press)
University of Oxford
October, 2009
–
May, 2010
(7 months)
Skills developed:
• Copy-editing scholarly editions and collections for books publishing
• Writing and manipulating complex language for non-specialist markets
• Managing references and right
Private Tutor (Primary and Secondary English)
Blue Tutors
June, 2009
–
September, 2011
(over 2 years)
Skills developed:
• Familiarity with KS1&2, SAT, GCSE, AS- and A-Level syllabi
• Understanding of schools’ and students’ most effective learning tools and structures
Commissioning Editor (Arts Sections)
Forge Media, University of Sheffield
October, 2005
–
June, 2009
(over 3 years)
Skills developed:
• Commission of reviews and feature articles for fortnightly publishing deadlines
• Training and management of writers
• Formatting, design and layout techniques using Quark, InDesign and Photoshop
Portfolio (15 selected works)
Stone Age Tales: The Great Monster
Terry Deary
Julia Donaldson Plays Blue (KS1)/1B The Sockosaurus (BUG CLUB)
Ms Julia Donaldson
Perfect for enjoying in school or at home, Bug Club is proud to present a new series of plays to get kids reading, sharing and interacting at KS1. Presented by celebrated children's author Julia Donaldson, each play features engaging stories, beautiful artwork and memorable characters that help kids really catch the reading bug by truly involving them in the story!
Skate Monkey: Demon Attack (High/Low)
Paul Mason
Monkey and his friends, Zu and Sandy, lived in the Emperor's Cloud Palace. But they played all sorts of tricks on people, so, as a punishment, the Jade Emperor sent them down to Earth. They can only return if they prove that they can use their magical powers for good. Adventure is never far away! In Demon Attack, the friends are called to investigate when a headteacher is acting strangely. The... read more
The Football Trials: All Out Attack (High/Low)
John Hickman
This exciting coming of age story follows a boy from a tower block as he joins a premier league football academy. When Jackson's granddad is taken to hospital, Jackson's football suffers. When he looses his temper on the pitch, he puts his position on United's team at risk. Join Jackson as he struggles with the trials of football and family. Bloomsbury High Low books encourage and support read... read more
Saxon Tales: The Witch Who Faced the Fire
Terry Deary
Perfect for enjoying in school or at home, Bug Club is proud to present a new series of plays to get kids reading, sharing and interacting at KS1. Presented by celebrated children's author Julia Donaldson, each play features engaging stories, beautiful artwork and memorable characters that help kids really catch the reading bug by truly involving them in the story!
Bug Club s Comics for Phonics are designed to support children with their reading practice and are packed with characters they will love.Finely leveled and 100% decodableComics with kid-cred to motivate even the most reluctant readerWell-structured with a clear pace and progression to get all children reading by 6Includes non-words for plenty of blending practice
Bug Club Blue A (KS2) Washed Up!
Payal kapadia
This title is part of Pearson's Bug Club - the first whole-school reading programme that joins books and an online reading world to teach today's children to read. In this Blue A (KS2) level book: On a remote island in the middle of the ocean, three families compete to win Washed Up! - the biggest, baddest reality TV show on the planet! How will the families adapt and survive in such hostile c... read more
Claire's Prayer
Yvonne Cloete
An Inspirational Christian Fiction Romance Following the sudden death of her parents, twenty-one year Claire O'Sullivan finds herself alone in the world. Struggling to cope with her double loss, her aunt buys her a ticket to Zimbabwe to spend a couple of months healing in the majestic surroundings of a game viewing reserve called Impunzi. Although she is hesitant, having never traveled further... read more
Bug Club Comprehension Y5 Term 2 Pupil Workbook 16-pack (Bug Club Guided)
Catherine Casey, Sarah Snashall, Andy Taylor
Navigate: C1 Advanced: Workbook with CD (with key): Your direct route to English success
Julie Moore, Edward Alden
Comprehension Year 6 Pupil Book (Treasure House)
Abigail Steel
Workbook Foundation (Treasure House)
Alison Milford
Bug Club Comprehension Y6 Magazine 12-pack (Bug Club Guided)
Julia Rawlinson
Bug Club Comprehension Y5 Magazine 12-pack (Bug Club Guided)
Benjami Hulme-Cross
Hannah has 4 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Communication
This was my first time getting someone to edit my book and first time using reedsy, so I was nervous about what to expect. Hannah was easy to work with and gave me some great feedback for my book. She was always prompt with her replies. The time difference from Australia to the UK was never an issue either which was very pleasing. She got my book finished ahead of schedule. I will be using...
Read moreKaren Lindsey, July 2018
Hannah is a wonderful editor to work with. She loves her craft and always did her best.
Read moreBilly Baldwin, May 2018
Thank you for leaving a review, Billy. I’m sorry that you felt you couldn’t leave an fully positive one, especially as you always fed back that you were delighted with the work we were doing together. You were consistently very complimentary about my edits and advice during the process, commenting, 'you have a wonderful talent, love your movement and ideas' - so I'll make sure I send you a message, and we can discuss any improvements you feel I could have made to my work's quality and my professionalism.
Reply from Hannah Hirst-Dunton
My experience working with Hannah was wonderful! She was extremely professional and a joy to work with. She communicated effectively and responded quickly to messages. Hannah's edits and ideas were great and really helped take my manuscript to the next level. I would highly recommend her! : )
Read moreMaghen Gardner, February 2018
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