Jackie Bates

Jackie Bates – Editor

Jackie has been editing and proofreading for more than twenty-five years; food, travel, fiction.

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. As a published author myself I know what being edited feels like and understand that it can be an intense experience. I try hard to make the process as pleasant as possible!

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime Romance Women's Fiction
Non-Fiction
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits History Travel
Languages
English (UK)
Certifications
  • BA (Hons) English & History, University of Northumbria at Newcastle upon Tyne

Work experience

Self-employed

Jul, 2012 — Present
I've worked on a very wide variety of titles, from food and accommodation guides, (including copy-editing the Good Food Guide) to self-help, recipe books, travel guides, and novels in all genres. I love the detail of copy-editing and proofreading, but also find developmental edits extremely satisfying. 
 
 As a published author of fiction and non-fiction titles I hope I have a good understanding of the kind of support that writers find useful.

AA Publishing

Aug, 1995 — Jul, 2012 (almost 17 years)
Working on annually published food and accommodation guides.

Portfolio

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Adventures of The Mad Duck: My Journey through 73 Countries

Princess Umul Hatiyya Ibrahim Mahama

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Dark Desires (The Black Series Book 1)

Johnson, Sallyanne

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
FoodSutra: A Memoir of the Foods of India

Prasad, Shalabh

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Suitcase

Graty, Elspeth

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
Dark Heart

Johnson, Sallyanne

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Death of a Sapling

Larkin, Jay

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
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,... read more
Proofreading
‘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 ma... read more
Developmental Editing
Proofreading
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 butt... read more
Copy Editing
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... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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, Just... read more
Copy Editing
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 th... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing

Jackie has 45 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Morgan M.

Morgan M.

Aug, 2025

Pinned
Working with Jackie Bates has been an absolute joy. She has guided us through two rounds of edits and has been nothing short of outstanding. She strikes the perfect balance between being supportive and knowing exactly when to push us further, helping us grow not only as authors but also in how we...
Read more
Jackie B.
I loved working with Morgan and her co-author. They asked great questions, really paid attention to my suggestions, and put a lot of effort into their edits. An extremely satisfying collaboration.
FLORY T.

FLORY T.

Jul, 2025

Pinned
Jackie was amazing at developmental editing, really helping me spot my mistakes as a new writer. I genuinely appreciate her expert feedback as an editor for my development. I would suggest her to anyone based on the work she's done with me so far, even though we haven't completed the entire book ...
Read more
Judy I.

Judy I.

Feb, 2024

Pinned
This is the fourth time I've worked with Jackie, and as always it's a joy. She's utterly professional, knowledgeable and supportive. I wouldn't want to work with anyone else, and look forward to many more collaborations.
Jackie B.
Always a pleasure, Judy! Looking forward to the next one. :)
Tracy S.

Tracy S.

Jun, 2025

Jackie has once again done an excellent job on reviewing and providing feedback on my science fiction/espionage/ mystery, Father Lost - Child found. There are always areas I know need improving, and Jackie provides advice that elevates my writing. What I value most however are my blindspots; be ...
Read more
Jackie B.
I am always excited to read Tracy's latest book and really enjoy working with her!
Pierre B.

Pierre B.

May, 2025

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for Jackie's exceptional work on my book, The Art of Heartfelt Hospitality: How to Craft Unforgettable Experiences in Luxury Hotels. Her expertise and meticulous attention to detail have significantly enhanced the quality of the manuscript. Throu...
Read more
Jackie B.
I loved working on this project, and Pierre was the perfect client!

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Jackie and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Most recent contributions

What is the best part about editing on Reedsy?

I really like working on a wide variety of projects with people from all over the world. I used to work on annual guidebooks, which obviously arrived to a regular schedule, the same every year. With Reedsy I have no idea what might come up and it's very stimulating. I also enjoy the opportunity ...
Read more

Professionals similar to Jackie

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Victoria Straw

Victoria S.

All-area editor for ten years, trad and indie-pub. I'll want to help you. Romance & Women's Fiction specialist. Immediate starts available.

Reading, UK

100% reply rate

View profile
Louise McGuinness

Louise M.

A proofreading specialist, you can rely on me to be the last person in the editing chain for all things fiction, non-fiction and travel.

Wirral, UK

100% reply rate

View profile
Anne Brewer

Anne B.

Former senior editor with 10 years' experience at traditional and indie publishers. Specializing in mystery, historical, and WF.

New York, NY, USA

100% reply rate

View profile