Copyeditor and proofreader specialising in non-fiction and academic books for children and adults. I can't wait to work with you!
Overview
As your copyeditor or proofreader, I will respect your authorial voice and style, while making suggestions to improve the clarity and impact of your writing (and fixing any pesky spelling, grammar or punctuation typos). Where queries arise, I will offer my opinion, but I also value discussion and collaborative problem-solving. Together we will make sure your writing is able to reach its full potential. I will deliver your edited piece of work and a style guide for you to refer back to.
In response to my editorial work, I have been praised for my efficiency, unflappability and scrupulous attention to detail. I bring my knowledge of the publishing process and market to my editorial work, and am happy to answer any questions authors might have about their own publishing journey.
As a freelance editor, I have worked with prestigious publishers including Bloomsbury, Pearson and Routledge, as well as with individual authors intending to self-publish their work. In addition to my six years of editorial and publishing experience, I have an MA in Publishing Media and an MA in English Literature.
I specialise in non-fiction for the trade, educational, and academic markets. Alongside books and textbooks, I have worked on materials such as articles, newsletters, workbooks and other learning resources, and websites. My experience is predominantly in copyediting and proofreading; I also co-ordinate projects and liaise with authors. I am comfortable working with Word Documents, PDFs and Google Sheets; I am confident in both British and American English; I have experience with APA, Chicago, Harvard and MLA referencing styles.
Services
Non-Fiction
Art
Education & Reference
Entertainment
History
LGBTQ Non-Fiction
Psychology
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Writing & Publishing
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Certifications
MA Publishing Media
MA English Literature
Work experience
Self-employed
Sep, 2024 —
Present
I copyedit academic books on a range of subjects (including psychology, self-help, business, entertainment and art history), working with specialists in their fields. These books require rigorous editing due to their inclusion of technical information and sophisticated arguments; in particular, references require careful attention to ensure they are accurate, consistent and to style.
I have also proofread titles for Routledge.
Self-employed
Mar, 2020 —
Present
My work with Pearson has focused on KS1, KS2, GCSE, BTEC and TVET learning resources, both print and digital, across a range of academic and vocational subjects: Art and Design, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, English, Health and Beauty, History, IT, Land-based Studies, Maths, Sport Science, and Travel and Tourism.
I proofread and copyedit textbooks, learner study guides, teacher presentations and accompanying notes, activity sheets, and assessments. This work involves ensuring that text and images are accessible and engaging, age- and level-appropriate, culturally sensitive and relevant to an international audience.
Other tasks I take on include reviewing the work of the development editors on the project and co-ordinating style guides and glossaries. I previously supervised a team of authors during the creation of online quizzes for learners; this involved leading tutorials on how to use the quiz building tools, responding to author queries and ensuring quality.
Self-employed
Apr, 2019 —
Present
I have worked on seven editions of the 'Writers' & Artists' Yearbook' and 'Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook', and on several of the brands companion titles.
As a listings editor I am responsible for updating and editing over 900 listings in the Prizes, Societies and Festivals section of both Yearbooks. I also research and write 100 new listings every year. This workload demands excellent time management and meticulous attention to detail. A key part of my role is keeping abreast of developments in the publishing industry.
In previous years I have held the role of articles editor (liaising with authors to update advice and how-to articles) and proofreader (proofreading over 1,000 pages of listings and articles). I also manage all print advertising for the brand.
Moat Brae: National Centre for Children's Literature and Storytelling
Jun, 2022 —
Dec, 2022
(7 months)
My role at Moat Brae focused on encouraging literacy and a love of reading in the children who visited our centre. Many of the activity sessions and workshops I participated in were designed to support children from under-privileged backgrounds and children with disabilities. I also welcomed visitors to the centre, and shared the story of Moat Brae (where Peter Pan author J. M. Barrie spent time as a child) with them.
Self-employed
Aug, 2021 —
Present
I work with writers who are intending to self-publish and looking for editorial guidance and support. The genres I have worked on include memoir; health, lifestyle and diet; finance; and leadership. As well as providing copyediting and proofreading services, I also allow time to discuss the various self-publishing routes available and answer any questions authors may have – especially helpful for first-time self-publishers.
Self-employed
Aug, 2021 —
Aug, 2022
(about 1 year)
I copyedited and proofread study and revision materials for Junior Cycle Exams in the following subjects: Business, English, Geography, History and Science.
I also copyedited and proofread a long-form guide for newly-qualified teachers, which explained the job application process and provided advice, teaching strategies and sample learning activities.
Oxford Literary Festival
Apr, 2019 —
Apr, 2019
(1 day)
I worked as a Blackwell’s bookseller at several author events, helped with event set up and running, and assisted attendees with general information, directions and event accessibility. The timing of several events had been misprinted in the festival programme, which required a significant amount of reorganisation and problem solving to accommodate attendees. Bonding over books was the perfect way to smooth over the difficulties of the day.
London Book Festival
Mar, 2019 —
Mar, 2019
(1 day)
I ran the podcast theatre and was responsible for stage set up, assisting and providing refreshments for speakers (including Ian McEwan and David McKee), and helping guests with directions and event information. I also had the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and observe rights deals, author-agent interactions and exciting marketing activities – in particular a procession of Margaret Atwood’s handmaids protesting against the state of Gilead to publicise her 'Handmaid’s Tale' sequel 'The Testaments'.
'This book is an excellent place to start. I love it and hope your copy becomes as dog-eared with overuse as many of my old ones did.' David CohenThis bestselling Writers' & Artists' Yearbook ... read more
'Knowledge, advice, encouragement, and inspiration; this book helped turn my dream into reality.' Alice Oseman, writer-illustrator of the bestselling Heartstopper seriesCelebrating its 22nd ed... read more
'What is your best investment? Buying a copy of the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook.' Kimberley ChambersThis bestselling Writers' & Artists' Yearbook contains a wealth of information on all aspec... read more
Foreword by Alice Oseman, creator of the million-copy bestselling Heartstopper books.'This is not a book, it is a sky filled with possibility, so let its wisdom lift you and soar!' Joseph Coel... read more
'A one-stop welcome to the world of publishing ... worth its weight in gold.' Smriti HallsOver the last two decades the Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook has become the indispensable gui... read more
'WAYB remains an indispensable companion for anyone seriously committed to the profession of author, whether full-time or part-time; and as always it is particularly valued by those who are se... read more
'A definitive guide, in here you'll find everything you need' S. J. WatsonWith over 4,000 industry contacts and over eighty articles from a wide range of leading authors and publishing industr... read more
Foreword by award-winning illustrator Smriti Prasadam-Halls.The indispensable guide to writing for children of all ages from pre-school to young adults, this Yearbook provides inspirational ar... read more
Writers on Writing brings together a plethora of phrases, quotable lines, quips and putdowns about the writing process. Arranged in themes that follow the stages from idea to final publication... read more
This three-in-one guide is the perfect addition to any professional or amateur writer's bookshelf. Aimed at those who use language in their day-to-day lives, it is divided into three parts. Th... read more
The Writer's Journal Workbook is a lively prompt for creative writers looking for help in setting themselves regular creative tasks, goals and challenges. Packed with step-by-step activities, ... read more
Proofreading
Lauren has 2 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Lisa A.
Mar, 2022
Lauren M. did not just correct the grammar, punctuation, misspellings, but made me look at my manuscript from the eyes of an outsider to improve the flow and clarify concepts that had become too familiar to me. (kudos to www.reedsy.com for helping me find Lauren and facilitating an excellent ser...
Lisa was wonderful to work with. She was engaged, responsive to messages and comments, and provided helpful guidance and feedback throughout the editing process. Her instructions were clear and she...
I hired Lauren to copy edit my first non-fiction book, and she exceeded all expectations. A professional and punctual service, paying close attention to the fine details and offering excellent suggestions on ways to improve. The book seemed to flow a lot better following her edit, and she helped...
Working with Connor was a great experience. He was thoughtful and engaged, and he came prepared with questions he wanted to ask and aspects of his work he knew he wanted special attention paid to. ...
