Overview
As a UK-based editor, aka midwife, I've helped many established authors, as well as first-timers, give birth to the book of their dreams. Among these I count it an honour to have worked with Antonio Carluccio, Clarissa Dickson-Wright, Michael van Straten, Judith Miller and Pierre Koffmann. If you are a prospective author, I can help you with initial assessment and structuring, through to sending your book to print. I can also manage and recommend some fabulous book designers, indexers and proofreaders, so that you will feel part of a dynamic, creative team. I can even translate from French and Spanish if needed.
Services
Non-Fiction
Architecture
Art
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits
Design
DIY & Crafts
Health & Wellbeing
Home & Garden
Photography
Languages
English (UK)
Work experience
Self-employed
Nov, 1999 —
Nov, 2004
(about 5 years)
My last in-house job was with Quadrille where I was Senior Editor. Here I worked on a range of illustrated non-fiction books for the international market, overseeing them through all stages from commissioning to publication. I was often involved in planning and structuring books that were still only a glimmer in the author's or the publisher's eye and I was renowned for my troubleshooting skills and for keeping to those hideous publishing deadlines! While working with one, high-profile author who became ill, I managed to get the final text from him and see the project through to the end and on schedule, by visiting him in hospital and at his home.
During my time at Quadrille, I also used my skill in constructing an ‘editorial story’ to devise the 101 Ideas series for them and the French publisher Grund, who wanted a fresh, new interiors/homes series; I devised and project-managed five mini books, which were spin-offs from already published titles; and I also came up with, project-managed and edited two key books, one on international environmentally friendly domestic architecture – which was quite a bit ahead of its time – and the other, a gardening title authored by a TV gardening personality.
When I left Quadrille to go freelance, the Publisher there asked me to write Small Spaces: Inspiration for Stylish Living from Marie Claire Maison (see my portfolio) and I also subsequently project-managed and edited many more titles for them.
Since becoming a freelancer, I've worked for many major non-fiction publishers, including Cico Books, Dorling Kindersley, Jacqui Small, Kyle Cathie, Frances Lincoln, Pavilion and the Royal Collection.
I also contributed a chapter to Journeys Home by Andrew McCarthy, published by National Geographic (see my portfolio), in which I tell the story of how, in the 1970s, I traced my relatives living in the Soviet Union.
Portfolio
There are not many people who can claim to have been collecting, cooking, and devising recipes for mushrooms for more than sixty years, but Antonio Carluccio is one of them. Carluccio’s interest in mushrooms—his mycological education—began at the age of seven ... read more
Based on the ingenious design ideas and inspiring photography of top French design magazine Marie Claire Maison, Small Spaces introduces space-saving solutions and decorative elements that create the illusion of space. Small Spaces ncludes suggestions for room... read more
Addressing the explosive growth in ancestral travel, this compelling narrative combines intriguing t....
Edwardian House Style Intended for anyone who wants to restore original features in an Edwardian house, or simply to create the light gentility of that period in a modern home. This style guide looks at each room in turn, as well as the exterior of the house, ... read more
Making a House Your Home Walks you through your home and helps you achieve the beautiful, balanced, individual space you've always dreamed of but never quite attained. Illustrated with over 300 photographs, this title includes chapters on Chaos to Calm, Making... read more
Paper - both affordable and universally available - is possibly the most versatile material in the crafter's kit box. In this new book in the Simple Makes series, Christine Leech demonstrates 30 original and creative ideas for lovely things to make from paper.... read more
HardCover. Pub Date :2012-10-01 Pages: 320 Language: English Publisher: Dorling Kindersley This is the ultimate craft bible. From textile crafts to beadwork and soap making to glass work. Craft is the most comprehensive compendium on the market crammed with mo... read more
Just discovered you're pregnant? Feeling a little bit lost? The Pregnancy Encyclopedia has the answers to all your questions, including the ones you haven't even thought of yet. Top experts in the field offer up encyclopedic knowledge of absolutely everything ... read more
Dressmaking: The Complete Step-by-step Guide by Smith, Alison
The focus of this book is on the classic, ageless, and enduring flowers, which we have dubbed Vintage roses. This user-friendly term encompasses both the true Old roses and the best of the Modern roses. All Vintage roses have one thing in common; they are gard... read more
