Jo Finchen-Parsons – Editor

I am an accurate and efficient editor providing proofreading, copyediting and development editing services.

Everyday I am fortunate enough to learn so much, sometimes about topics that are brand new to me, by editing a broad range of content including: books about technology, marketing and startups; medical articles; engineering articles; and travel blogs. Many of my clients are self-publishing authors and I am always more-than-happy to help you with any queries or concerns about editing or the publishing process. I understand that sharing your manuscript with an editor is a daunting step in the process of becoming an author so, working with you, I follow a transparent editing process, send regular concise updates, get to really know your voice and style, and always deliver to the timelines.

As Technical Editor and Proofreader at Copper Consultancy (part of RSK Group), I edit many forms of content on technical subjects such as sustainability, new energy, chemicals, electric vehicles, AI, environmental issues and planning consent. Our clients are based all over the world.

During my time as Acquisition Editor at Packt Publishing, I project managed the publication of technical tutorial books and eBooks, from the concept research stage right through to post-publication marketing activities. My main responsibilities included:

• Prioritising conflicting demands (upon leaving I had over 90 books in my active pipeline),

• Researching and writing outlines for accepted book proposals,

• Editing chapters as they were delivered by the authors and giving clear feedback to bring the writing in line with the book outline,

• Editing copy and proofreading.

I took additional responsibilities as JBoss (now WildFly) Category Manager, specialising in bringing books on the Java based application server to market. Some of my most successful projects include: 'Responsive Web Design with HTML5 and CSS3' (Development Editor) and 'MATLAB Graphics and Data Visualization Cookbook' (Acquisition Editor). One of my most enjoyable projects was 'The Game Jam Survival Guide' (Acquisition Editor); it was a fun book to work on!

Since my time at Packt Publishing, I’ve worked for a luxury accommodation provider as Product Development Manager where I honed many transferable skills in marketing and project management. Now I’ve returned to my original passion: working with the written word, reading lots and helping writers and publishers produce the most useful and clear content possible.

Personally, my favourite genres to read are fantasy, closely followed by period classics. My favourite authors (in no particular order!) are: Robert Jordan, J.R.R. Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, Jane Austen, D.H. Lawrence, and Bill Bryson.

I pride myself on having great attention to detail and providing quick responses to your queries.

Additional portfolio items:

Chipscapes – A History of Computer Chips Told Through Art, Stephen A. Emery Jr., 2019

Culture Code (employee handbook) for June Kae Design Studio, April 2020

How to Get Planning Permission – An Insider's Secrets, Martin Gaine, 2021

Intermediate-level member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.