Jessica Read

Jessica Read – Editor

***As of September 2024, I am no longer accepting proofreading projects due to full-time work commitments elsewhere. Thank you.***

Overview

I've been working as a freelance proofreader since 2006, focusing mainly (but not exclusively) on fiction books for major UK publishing houses, including Transworld Publishers, Quercus Books, Penguin and their individual imprints. 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).


Until the pandemic I worked regularly on location at the Transworld Publishers offices in London (a branch of Penguin Random House). This work is now done fully on-screen from home. This line of work comprises the duties of a desk editor: I perform final checks on book proofs, collate multiple correction files, and take on assorted editorial tasks for the managing editors.

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Mystery & Crime Romance Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Entertainment History
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Transworld Publishers

Jul, 2014 — Present
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.

Self-employed

Dec, 2006 — Present
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

Murray Walker: Incredible!: A Tribute to a Formula 1 Legend

Hamilton, Maurice

Proofreading
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... read more
Proofreading
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 e... read more
Proofreading
Transcription

Kate Atkinson

Proofreading
The Gladiator Mindset: Push Your Limits. Overcome Challenges. Achieve Your Goals.

Peaty, Adam

Proofreading
Better Off Dead

Proofreading
The People on Platform 5

Proofreading
Hide and Seek

Mara, Andrea

Proofreading
Maureen

Proofreading
The Most of Nora Ephron

Proofreading
Retreat to the Spanish Sun

Thomas, Jo

Proofreading
Love Your Life: The joyful and romantic new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author

Kinsella, Sophie

Proofreading
I Am Not Your Baby Mother

Proofreading
Big Sky (Jackson Brodie): A Novel (Jackson Brodie) (Jackson Brodie, 5)

Atkinson, Kate

Proofreading
Escape To The French Farmhouse

Thomas, Jo

Proofreading
Sentinel

Child, Lee; Child, Andrew

Proofreading
Believe Me

JP Delaney

Proofreading
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 hostil... read more
Proofreading
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 lect... read more
Proofreading
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 an... read more
Proofreading
All That Remains: A Life in Death

Professor Sue Black

Proofreading
The Dog Rescuers: Heartwarming true tails of rescue, recovery and re-homing

Rspca

Proofreading
The Ten-Minute Gardener: A month-by-month guide to growing your own

Val Bourne

Proofreading
The Shape of Lies: New from the queen of psychological thrillers

Rachel Abbott

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 t... read more
Proofreading
What Would the Spice Girls Do?: How the Girl Power Generation Grew Up

Lauren Bravo

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 na... read more
Proofreading
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 na... read more
Proofreading
Battle Scars: A Story of War and All That Follows

Jason Fox

Proofreading
City of Sinners (D.I. Harry Virdee)

A. A. Dhand

Proofreading

Jessica has 13 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Abayomi A.

Abayomi A.

Feb, 2024

Jessica was very, very thorough, which I appreciated. It confirmed her dedication and the fact that she cared about the project. I will certainly work with her in the future. Thank you. Jess.
Jessica R.
Thank you so much for your kind review, Abayomi. It was a pleasure to work on your book and I wish you the best of luck with it.
K. A. B.

K. A. B.

Dec, 2023

It was Jessica's personable professionalism and impressive resume that drew me to work with her on my first project. However, it is her consistency and eye for detail that keeps me working with you project after project. I can depend on her to be candid yet kind, responsive yet not overbearing an...
Read more
Jessica R.
Thank you so much, K, and you are so very welcome. It's a pleasure to work on your stories, as always.
Michael L.

Michael L.

Nov, 2023

Jessica was great. She sent a sample file to confirm her use of track changes and comments was acceptable, and then she delivered not just a wonderfully clean document, but included a glossary of terms from my book. Highly recommended.
Jessica R.
Thank you so much, Michael. It was a pleasure to assist you with your book and I wish you the best of luck with it!
K. A. B.

K. A. B.

Oct, 2023

This was another gratifying collaboration with Jessica. Her treatment of my manuscript met and exceeded my expectations. There was no decrease in her attention to detail with this book in comparison to the first one she worked on for me and her consistency is so appreciated. Highly recommend!
Jessica R.
Thank you so much, K - it was a pleasure to see your intriguing story all the way through to the end! I look forward to working with you again.
Kelvin R.

Kelvin R.

Sep, 2023

Jessica's editing was professional and competent, producing the result I had hoped for.
Jessica R.
Thank you so much, Kelvin. It was a pleasure to work on your manuscript and I'm grateful that my work helped you attain your desired result. I wish you the best of luck with everything.

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