Jessica Read - Editor
Proofreader of fiction (and non-fiction) books since 2006, including works by Lee Child, Jilly Cooper, Ben Elton and Sophie Kinsella.
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Overview
I'm a freelance proofreader, focusing mainly (but not exclusively) on fiction books for major UK publishing houses, including Transworld Publishers, Quercus Books and Penguin. My projects include first-edition hardbacks and paperbacks, paperback reprints, and occasionally ebook conversions.
I also offer services directly to authors who are looking for editorial assistance in advance of agent submission or self-publication. This can be either a standard proofread, or an extended proofread (closer to a line edit).
I regularly work on location in London for Transworld Publishing, a branch of Penguin Random House, where I perform final checks on book proofs, collate multiple correction files, and take on assorted editorial tasks for the managing editors.
I also offer services directly to authors who are looking for editorial assistance in advance of agent submission or self-publication. This can be either a standard proofread, or an extended proofread (closer to a line edit).
I regularly work on location in London for Transworld Publishing, a branch of Penguin Random House, where I perform final checks on book proofs, collate multiple correction files, and take on assorted editorial tasks for the managing editors.
Services
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Fiction
Action & Adventure
Mystery & Crime
Romance
Thriller & Suspense
Women's Fiction
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Entertainment
History
Work experience
In-house proofreader and desk editor
Transworld Publishers
July, 2014
–
Present
(almost 8 years)
At least twice a month I work in-house in London for Transworld Publishers (a branch of Penguin Random House).
My responsibilities here encompass the duties of both a proofreader and a desk editor. The work I do while I'm on location includes (but is not limited to) making final checks on book proofs before they are submitted to the printers, the collation of multiple proofreaders' proofs, checking revises that have been returned from the typesetter, reviewing the work and queries of other proofreaders, analysis of revised plate sections for errors or re-flow problems, and assorted other editorial tasks as required.
Freelance Proofreader
Self-employed
December, 2006
–
Present
(over 15 years)
I began working from home as a freelance proofreader in 2006, after leaving my job as a publisher's secretary. Some of the books I worked on in my first year of self-employment included novels by John Grisham, Susan Lewis, Anne Enright, Blake Morrison, Allan Mallinson, Susan Hill and Jo Nesbo. I've been lucky to work for multiple major UK publishing houses and imprints over the years, but I also work frequently with authors who are looking to have their books proofread before agent submission or self-publication. I tend to offer two different services here: a standard proofread, or an extended proofread (closer to a copy-edit).
Portfolio (22 selected works)
Past Tense: (Jack Reacher 23)
Lee Child
Past Tense: Jack Reacher 23 In Series by Lee Child (Hardback)Book number 23 featuring hero Jack Reacher from number one bestseller Lee Child.Jack Reacher plans to follow the autumn sun on an epic road trip across America, from Maine to California. He doesn’t get far. On a country road deep in the New England woods, he sees a sign to a place he has never been - the town where his father was bor... read more
Believe Me
JP Delaney
The Rumour
Lesley Kara
When single mum Joanna shares a rumour at the school gates – desperate to ingratiate herself with the clique of mothers at her son’s new school – there is no going back . . .Rumour has it that a notorious child killer is living under a new identity, in their sleepy little town of Flinstead-on-Sea. Sally McGowan was just ten when she stabbed little Robbie Harris to death over 47 years ago – no ... read more
Sentinel
Child, Lee; Child, Andrew
Escape To The French Farmhouse
Thomas, Jo
City of Sinners (D.I. Harry Virdee)
A. A. Dhand
Stories for Kids Who Dare to be Different
Ben Brooks
Please Read Notes: Brand New, International Softcover Edition, Printed in black and white pages, minor self wear on the cover or pages, Sale restriction may be printed on the book, but Book name, contents, and author are exactly same as Hardcover Edition. Fast delivery through DHL/FedEx express.
Transcription
Kate Atkinson
Please Read Notes: Brand New, International Softcover Edition, Printed in black and white pages, minor self wear on the cover or pages, Sale restriction may be printed on the book, but Book name, contents, and author are exactly same as Hardcover Edition. Fast delivery through DHL/FedEx express.
Yesterday, Scott was dead. Today, he’s back.And Anna doesn’t believe in ghosts.Scott was Anna’s boyfriend. She loved him, but he ruined her life. When he died, she should have been free, but today Scott is on the radio, threatening to spill her secrets.Anna is a mother, a wife, and head teacher of a primary school.And she’s a good liar.She made one mistake, and now she is having to pay for it.... read more
Happy Parent, Happy Child: 10 Steps to Stress-free Family Life
Dr Genevieve Von Lob
An Autumn Hunting (Inspector Akyl Borubaev 4)
Tom Callaghan
All That Remains: A Life in Death
Professor Sue Black
Shelf Life
Livia Franchini
______________'Shelf Life is whip-smart, slyly heartbreaking, and I felt the truth of it in my bones. Franchini dissects ideas of love, dating and identity in a way that feels both ruthless and humane. I loved it.' Sophie Mackintosh, author of The Water CureLaunching an intelligent, perceptive new voice in fiction, Shelf Life is the exquisite, heart-wrenching story of a woman rebuilding hersel... read more
You, Me and the Movies
Fiona Collins
Two people. Ten classic films. A love story you’ll never forget.Arden has just started university when she meets Mac – and quickly falls head over heels for the handsome, charismatic film lecturer. Their love affair is dramatic, exciting and all-consuming; the sort of thing you only see in the movies. It couldn’t last. But thirty years later, leading a very different life, Arden is visiting a ... read more
Identity Crisis
Ben Elton
‘Ben Elton’s 16th novel proves yet again what a genuinely talented comic novelist he is – it’s expertly crafted, very clever and really funny’ Harry Ritchie, Daily MailWhy are we all so hostile? So quick to take offence? Truly we are living in the age of outrage. A series of apparently random murders draws amiable, old-school Detective Mick Matlock into a world of sex, politics, reality TV and... read more
Jessica has 1 review
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Really enjoyed working with Jessica on my project. Jessica did a very professional and thorough job and was in regular communication. Jessica also beat the deadline which was very helpful. Would highly recommend.
James Russ, February 2022
Reply from Jessica Read
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