Jim Barker

Jim Barker – Editor

Drawing on more than 20 years of editorial experience, I offer proofreading and copyediting services. Let's work together.

Overview

I am an experienced editor and proof reader. For more than 20 years I worked in travel guides, but now I'm more interested in editing fiction and long-form non-fiction. I'm particularly looking forward to getting my editorial teeth into your science fiction, horror or crime novels, but I'm happy to help out with whatever you're working on and hoping to publish. I'm an avid reader, and a collector of vintage paperbacks and comics. Other interests include cinema, music, walking, and gaming (console and board).
Services
Non-Fiction
Education & Reference Travel
Fiction
Historical Fiction Paranormal Romance
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • BA (Hons.) American Studies, 2:1, Reading University, Berkshire, 1996

Work experience

Self-employed

Feb, 2018 — Present

In the three years I've been a freelance editor, I've worked with clients from diverse areas of publishing, from large international publishing houses to individual self-publishing authors. I've worked on educational products aimed at both foreign and domestic markets, travel guides, in-house publications, and e-reader novels. I hope I can help you with your latest project.

Automobile Association

Jul, 1996 — Feb, 2018 (over 21 years)

At the AA I did editorial work on all the Lifestyle Guides publications. These include the Hotel Guide, B and B Guide, Restaurant Guide, Days Out Guide, Pub Guide and various guides to the UK. I also worked on the AA's website content. Work on the guides included proofreading, copy writing, copy editing, commissioning features and content providers, as well as working with the AA inspectors and various other third parties. I also did some picture research, quite a lot of InDesign work, and created solutions to generate complete guides from a database.

Portfolio

Riker Morgan, praised gunsmith of Copper Creek has everything a man could want. Loyal friends, a beautiful lady at his side, and peaceful existence high in the mountains of the Northeastern Territory of Arizona. Meanwhile the ever present threat of Carlo Monta... read more
The best motorcycle riding routes in Britain, tried and tested by RiDE magazine. Written by RiDE Magazine's Simon Weir and with introduction by Charlie Boorman, Bikers' Britain is all about the best roads for motorcyclists in the UK, from open throttle straigh... read more
The stereotypical image of Cornwall is captivating enough: craggy cliffs, smugglers' coves and surfers hanging ten offshore. But peek behind the nautical bunting and popular tourist resorts and you'll discover the real Cornwall - a compelling land of myth, leg... read more

Jim has 7 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Michelle Z.

Michelle Z.

Jun, 2022

Great service as usual. I have a few more projects on the go and will use Jim again. Even if they are romance. Jim gives good feedback.
Jim B.
Always a pleasure to work with Michelle. Thanks for the kind words. Feedback is very important, so I try to do my best in that area.
Kai M.

Kai M.

Apr, 2022

Jim was wonderful to work with. Happy with feedback and suggestions. Quick response time in communication. Deadlines were met, no issues
Jim B.
Thanks Kai. It was a pleasure to work with you. I really like jobs where I can learn something, and I learned quite a bit about Japan from your book, so thanks for that. Hope it does well.
theodora C.

theodora C.

Mar, 2022

Working with Jim was a most enjoyable and productive experience. I could not have been happier. he brought skill, professionalism, and intelligence to the collaboration. First of all he was an excellent reader in that he worked for a real understanding of what the book was, so that he could point out in its own terms where changes made sense. Then he had skill based on years of experience in...
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Jim B.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Theodora. I'm so glad my suggestions proved useful. I wish you the best of luck with your book, and if you decide to write another novel, I hope you'll consid...
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Utah V.

Utah V.

Nov, 2021

Jim provided me with a ton of great insight along with fixing my punctuational errors and unclear wording. I gave him a very rough manuscript that he meticulously went through and repaired 100's of errors. I can't thank him enough for his help and patience. I will definitely be contacting him again when I need help in future projects.
Jim B.
Thanks for your kind words, Utah. It was a pleasure, and I hope to work with you again. All the best!
Roman G.

Roman G.

Aug, 2021

Jim gave a thoughtful and detailed evaluation, and worked with me every step of the way while also respecting my input.

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