Jackie Bates - Editor
Jackie has been editing and proofreading for more than twenty-five years; food, travel, fiction.
Request a quote
Verified identity
Overview
I'm friendly, helpful and inquisitive, and enjoy providing detailed and constructive feedback. I love books of all kinds and genres.
For twenty years I worked on annual guides for the Automobile Association where I learned a lot about restaurants, hotels, and project management. Working on books with multiple contributors really hones the editorial skills. I know a lot about food and drink and the British restaurant scene, as well as having a comprehensive knowledge of the British Isles in general, covering visitor attractions, history and art.
Since becoming freelance I've expanded into travel narrative and fiction, particularly crime, women's fiction, and fantasy.
Languages
English (UK)
Non-Fiction
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits
History
Travel
Fiction
Fantasy
Literary Fiction
Mystery & Crime
Romance
Women's Fiction
Certifications
- BA (Hons) English & History, University of Northumbria at Newcastle upon Tyne
Work experience
Editor and writer
Self-employed
July, 2012
–
Present
(almost 9 years)
I've worked on more food and accommodation guides, including copy-editing the Good Food Guide. I've proofread travel guides, edited a number of novels in various genres, and also worked on some self-help titles.
Editor, Senior Editor, and Managing Editor, Lifestyle Guides
AA Publishing
August, 1995
–
July, 2012
(almost 17 years)
Working on annually published food and accommodation guides.
Portfolio (21 selected works)
Own Life: How to Show Up with Confidence and Take Control of the Future
Eden, Todd, Davo, El
The Good Food Guide 2019
Elizabeth Carter
You Don't Know Me
Mandy Lee
Maya Scotton, a young artist with a severe case of painter’s block, is in need of money. When she takes on an office job at a construction company, she finds herself firmly in the sights of the owner, Daniel Foster - a dangerously attractive man with a dark past and particular tastes in bed.Although she tries to resist him, Maya soon finds herself embroiled in a steamy relationship with Dan. A... read more
The Dictator's Highway
Justin Walker
After seizing power in a violent coup, President Augusto Pinochet ordered the construction of the Carretera Austral, a highway across Chile's southern wilderness. In an absorbing account, Justin Walker explores this territory from one end to the other, moving from village to village by any available means. His expertly crafted descriptions create a vivid picture of Chilean Patagonia. Combining... read more
The UK's bestselling restaurant guide, the Good Food Guide is the essential companion for your adventures in the cafes, pubs and restaurants that make the nation's dining scene shine.From brilliant set lunches to blow-out meals in the country's most spectacular restaurants, and from cosy breakfasts to quirky new discoveries, this trusted guide brings together the brightest and best eating expe... read more
Reeling from the shock of discovering Dan’s true identity, Maya struggles to make the right decision. But she’s incapable of resisting the man she loves, and soon finds herself drawn back into his world - a world of intensely sexual passion. While his love and support help her to confront her fears and blossom as an artist, what she needs more than anything is the ability to trust. Determined ... read more
Joe Flanagan is a forensic scientist, working with the Metropolitan police and based in Whitechapel. In his local pub he intervenes in what appears to be a domestic argument. The man head butts him and breaks his nose. The woman takes him to hospital and then home. A clear case of not knowing when to mind your own business. It’s only when Flanagan returns to work that things take an ominous tu... read more
The Good Food Guide 2017
Elizabeth Carter
‘I’d like to tell him we’re never through with the past, that it’s with us forever, sometimes out of sight, sometimes in full view, always unchangeable. We can only ever learn from it … and manage the consequences.’Spending time apart from the man she loves, Maya’s forced to survive in a world where nothing is what it seems. With her faith tested to the limit, a trip to New York sets off a tra... read more
AA Guide to Peak District
AA Publishing
The AA's new guide to the Peak District offers the best places to visit in the region, an introduction into the region's background, full-color detailed town plans and maps, and clear A-Z places for easy navigationUnlike other guides, the AA’s new Britain guides are aimed at British readers, offering a fresh way to discover Britain by combining our decades of expert knowledge with a clear, con... read more
The best places to visit in the region, including great places to eat and drink, full-color detailed town plans and maps, and clear A-Z of must-visit places for easy navigation Unlike other guides, the AA's new travel books offer a fresh way to discover Britain by combining decades of expert knowledge with a clear, contemporary design and engaging up-to-the-minute commentary from local writers... read more
The AA Guide to Scotland (AA Guides)
AA Publishing
No one knows Britain like the AA - we've been producing guides to the best of the country for more than 50 years. Unlike other guides, the AA's new Britain guides are aimed at British readers, offering a fresh way to discover Britain by combining our decades of expert knowledge with a clear, contemporary design and engaging up-to-the-minute commentary from local writers in the know - a modern ... read more
The AA Guide to Ireland (AA Guides)
AA Publishing
No one knows Britain like the AA - we've been producing guides to the best of the country for more than 50 years. Unlike other guides, the AA's new Britain guides are aimed at British readers, offering a fresh way to discover Britain by combining our decades of expert knowledge with a clear, contemporary design and engaging up-to-the-minute commentary from local writers in the know - a modern ... read more
Over 3,000 B&Bs rated for quality by the AA's professional team of inspectors. All of the establishments featured have been inspected and graded with one to five stars for quality. Gold stars indicate Highly Commended establishments - the very best places within three, four and five star ratings. Useful symbols highlight the best breakfasts and evening meals, plus there are up-to-date details ... read more
AA Pub Guide 2016 (AA Lifestyle Guides)
AA Publishing
Over 2,000 great pubs selected for good food, real ale, character and comfort. Countryside Inns, taverns, gastro-pubs and welcoming hostelries are included, carefully selected on merit with no charge for inclusion. The guide also features inspected and rated accommodation by the AA's professional team of inspectors. Each entry includes information on opening times, prices and food. There are a... read more
The Good Food Guide 2018 (Waitrose)
Elizabeth Carter
Adventures of The Mad Duck: My Journey through 73 Countries
Princess Umul Hatiyya Ibrahim Mahama
Jackie has 20 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Jackie has been brilliant and has gone beyond the call of duty.will definitely be using her services again
Ariel Olufade, March 2021
Great job as usual, that's why I keep working with her. Thanks
M AH, March 2021
Jackie has edited my debut trilogy and I wouldn’t want anyone else to edit my work!! I’ll definitely be using Jackie again.
Sally Walker, February 2021
This was my first experience of using a professional editor and I didn't really know what my manuscript needed. Jackie did! And she adapted her services to suit my needs perfectly. I'm looking forward to working with her again soon.
Elly Graty, February 2021
Reply from Jackie Bates
I was impressed by Jackie in terms of her providing me with both an assessment of my book as well as a chapter-by-chapter analysis of my book.
However, I was a bit disappointed by the lack of communication, even if it had only been a brief and regular update of how she was going with my book.
Tracey King, January 2021
Explore the Reedsy Community
Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.
Williamaye Jones
I am a proofreader, copy editor, and developmental editor, specializing in historical fiction, romance fiction, and nonfiction.
Houston, TX, USA
Megan McKeever
Formerly of Simon and Schuster, I love being able to work more directly with authors with honest and thoughtful collaborative editing.
New York, NY, United States
