Overview

I am an experienced copy-editor and proofreader with a keen eye for detail and strong desire to help writers make their stories polished and ready to publish! I have experience working in-house and as a freelance proofreader with HarperCollins, in-house with Penguin Random House and as a freelance editor with Bloodhound Books. I have also worked for 5 years as an editor for a medical communications agency, with a focus on manuscripts, presentations and event materials. I especially love working on crime and thriller fiction, and I have edited various women's fiction titles too.

I am friendly and approachable, and completely understand the importance for an author to find a reliable, experienced and knowledgeable editor for their work. I'm comfortable using track changes in Word and feel it's the best way for authors to revise my edits and suggestions. I'm always excited to read a new story and build a relationship with the author to make sure I can help them get their story across in the best way for the reader. I'll always be as flexible as I can be with timelines and demanding deadlines, and enjoy keeping in touch with authors to make sure they know where I'm up to with editing their work - it is after all their pride and joy!

Testimonials:
"She has been a pleasure to work with, bringing her attention to detail to every project. Her communication and people skills are excellent"
"I can highly recommend her"
-- Betsy Reavley, Founder and Director, Bloodhound Books

“I was impressed straightaway with Lydia’s hard work, care and attention. Not to mention her reliability - I was so lucky to have found an editor whom I can trust implicitly. Handing a manuscript over for editing is one of the hardest things my authors do, their work is deeply personal and it’s imperative I find someone who will treat it with care. I found that in Lydia. Her edits enhanced the writing without taking creative control away from the author. I absolutely recommend her.”
-- Kirsty Jackson, Managing Director, Cranthorpe Millner Publishers

"Lydia showed a natural and meticulous ability in her editing"
"Demonstrated considerable strength for applying herself to an editing project and methodically working through its errors and inconsistencies with admirable diligence and determination"
"Demonstrated careful consideration to the quality of the content and how the various content related to the wider project in hand"
-- Liz jennings, Associate Editorial Director, Lucid Group

Services

Copy Editing

Proofreading

Fiction

Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction

Languages

English (UK) English (US)

Certifications

CIEP Copy-editing
CIEP Proofreading
PTC Basic Proofreading
BSc Communications, Media and Society

Work experience

Freelance Editor and Proofreader

Self-employed

Oct, 2020 — Present

My freelance career began in October, allowing me the opportunity to apply my skills and experience to support publishers as needed. I am able to provide support with copy editing and proofreading manuscripts, using track changes or BSI proofreading symbols as required. The majority of my experience is in commercial fiction, specifically crime and women’s fiction, but I am keen to work on a variety of fiction or non fiction titles.

Freelance Editor

Bloodhound Books

Mar, 2018 — Mar, 2019 (about 1 year)

I have copyedited various crime and thriller and women’s fiction titles published by Bloodhound, which involved checking characterisation, plot, voice/tense and setting, in addition to checking sentence structure, spelling, grammar, punctuation and consistency. I liaised with authors when needed to clarify editor queries and points within their manuscript, to ensure timely delivery of the edited version for the publishing director.

Freelance Reader and Proofreader

Avon, HarperCollins

Nov, 2014 — Jul, 2015 (8 months)

I supported the Avon division with reading and proofreading manuscripts, and also worked in the Avon office for one month to cover annual leave as an editorial assistant. My duties included reading and reporting on submissions; proofreading copy; assisting with social media posts and competitions; administrative tasks, such as keeping and updating minutes, managing meeting room and visitor bookings, and organising incoming and outgoing post; and updating and utilising the book titles database Plan G. I demonstrated my passion for working with books in a busy, fast paced environment and my ability to work under pressure, while completing work accurately and efficiently.

Medical Editor

Lucid Group

Nov, 2015 — Oct, 2020 (almost 5 years)

My duties included copy editing a variety of materials, including manuscripts, PR articles, printed event materials, post event reports and infographics, across a range of therapy areas, including cardiovascular, rare diseases, oncology, anti infectives and women’s health. My role also involved administration tasks, including organising meetings and training sessions, styling and submitting manuscripts to journals, and liaising with freelancers to send and review work. I was the lead editor for three major clients and managed several ongoing projects at one time, delegating where necessary to junior members within the team and peer reviewing work as needed. I liaised and worked closely with writer, design and account departments to keep up to date with each project and see it through from start to finish.

Editorial intern

Penguin Random House

Mar, 2015 — Mar, 2015 (less than a minute)

My duties with the editorial team involved reading manuscript submissions and completing a submissions report for each; proofreading copy; using the Biblio3 database to find information and check copy and jackets were up to date on Amazon; completing various administrative tasks, such as photocopying and organising outgoing post; conducting research for end matter; and logging submissions in Excel. This experience enhanced my efficiency skills and keen eye for detail. It gave me valuable insight into the world of children’s fiction publishing via a highly successful and well established editorial team. I was able to demonstrate my organisational skills, as well as my strong IT skills by using Excel, Word and the in house book database to update information.