Paul Woods

Paul Woods – Editor

I'm a versatile and skilled copy editor/copywriter/ghost-writer.

Overview

I'm a versatile and skilled copy editor/copywriter/ghost-writer: I've written books to order under my own name or under pseudonyms/created authorial voices for figures as diverse as rock musicians and martial artists. I also have a proven track record of collaborating with and guiding a vast range of authors: from criminologist to rock journalists; from sports writers to occultists.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs History Music True Crime
Fiction
Historical Fiction Horror Mystery & Crime Science Fiction

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 1991 — Present

RECOMMENDATION
Paul provided an incredibly detailed and valuable editorial critique on my fiction project. From the outset he got what I was trying to do. Paul helped me with every aspect, from themes and plot to characterisation, setting and dialogue. He was very clear with both praise and criticism, and set me on a path to trying to create something both realistic and imaginative.
I would highly recommend Paul to those requiring feedback and support at any stage of a writing project, from discussion through to notes or a full edit. You can expect a thorough appraisal of your work, to learn a great deal and to progress as a writer.
CHLOE RIESS – aspiring novelist.

RECOMMENDATION
Speaking from happy experience, Paul Woods is an author's dream – both a rich source of expertise and support. He is also a pleasurable companion with a polymath's range of knowledge and disciplines. I would have struggled over my first solo literary effort without him in my corner. I can't praise him enough. If you need an editor grab him with both hands. He will steer you safely to shore.
TED HYNDS
Fifty-five years of Fleet Street experience, co-author Where There's a Will – the saga of mass killer Dr John Bodkin Adams, who escaped the noose – and Pariah, the biography of Colin Stagg, the man wrongly accused of the Rachel Nickell murder.

RECOMMENDATION
Paul worked with us on a number of different publications, both as a copy editor and as a ghost-writer. He consistently delivered timely and accurate work and, what’s more, his willingness to go beyond the call of duty when working closely with authors to improve copy has been exceptional I would recommend him as an asset to any editorial team.
Chris Mitchell, Commissioning Editor 2013-16, John Blake Publishing

RECOMMENDATION
I've employed Paul Woods as producer, researcher, writer and editor for many years. He was researcher on BAFTA award-winning film Dispatches: Inside the Animal Liberation Front (UK Channel 4) and originated, co-produced and researched the Channel 5 series Fred and Rose: The West Murders, the UK’s first multi-part true crime series featuring taped interviews with the offenders. There can be few people better at turning evidence into narrative with clear, sharp and incisive writing than Paul. It's for this reason I've entrusted him with co-writing/editing my book Dream Suspect – a study of the USA's Hillside Strangler case based on fresh evidence and analysis.
DAVID MONAGHAN
Director/producer DMPTV and Bite Films
Winner BAFTA and RTS awards
Producer BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Discovery, ABC Australia

RECOMMENDATION
Paul has worked in several publishing roles from editor-in-chief to commissioning editor, collaborating with authors in a ghost-writing capacity also. His own expertise in true crime, underground music and counterculture subjects has enabled him to give expert advice in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Both publishers and authors have found his advice sage, which to my knowledge has led to several bestselling titles plus some well-known books many readers will have come across. I would highly recommend his services as both professional and quality-assured.
JONATHAN TAPSELL Founder of Occulture – Brighton’s celebrated occult and esoteric culture festival, with speakers ranging from Colin Wilson to Howard Marks. Author of occult/supernatural studies including The Psychic Jungle and Ameth: The Life and Times of Doreen Valiente.

RECOMMENDATION
I have worked with Paul Woods for nine years on numerous books and he is the perfect combination of creative, enthusiastic and completely reliable. Paul has undertaken lots of work for Omnibus during this time, from project management, editing and proofreading to writing books on artists as diverse as George Michael (written at our request) or Damo Suzuki (which Paul pitched to Omnibus). He is always a pleasure to work with and has a comprehensive knowledge of popular culture.
DAVID BARRACLOUGH, Commissioning Editor, OMNIBUS PRESS – the world’s largest specialist publisher of music-related books.

RECOMMENDATION
I've worked with Paul on several of my books, notably Blondie: Parallel Lives and Keith Richards: Before They Make Me Run, and he's always been the consummate professional: sharp, incisive and good at making my ramblings make some kind of sense. If I was living out an obsession, Paul made it possible for the world outside to understand why. I would heartily recommend unleashing him on any suitable projects; those possibilities will be enhanced by his astute but wide-reaching musical taste.
KRIS NEEDS
Veteran rock journalist and biographer.

RECOMMENDATION
Paul’s eye for detail and rigorous editorial skills were an absolute boon during the preparation of my book We Sing a New Language. His willingness to question, to discuss, to work over the material in a collaborative fashion as well as his ability to empathise with the narrative and what was being conveyed made this the best editorial experience I’ve had in the past five years. I’d recommend him without hesitation: five books into my writing career and Paul really set the bar in terms of a positive and productive working relationship.
NICK SOULSBY, author of WE SING A NEW LANGUAGE: The Oral Discography of Thurston Moore and SWANS: Sacrifice and Transcendence.

RECOMMENDATION
I first worked with Paul when he was desk editor/copy editor on my book LONDON’S LABYRINTH, in 2012. His expertise and attention to detail helped ensure the finished book garnered very favourable reviews. He subsequently helped me develop an idea for a book about the fall and rise of Notting Hill. I was impressed with Paul’s knowledge of the counterculture that proliferated in the district during the 1960s and 1970s, and his input influenced some of the later chapters of the book, which was published under the title STREETS OF SIN by The History Press in 2015.
FIONA RULE
Writer, researcher and historian
Author of five books: The Worst Street in London, London’s Docklands, London’s Labyrinth, Streets of Sin and The Oldest House in London.
Regular contributor to TV and radio programmes.
Founder of House Histories – a company which specialises in researching the history of people’s homes.
Advanced Diploma in Local History from the University of Oxford.

Portfolio

Ed Gein -- Psycho!

Paul Anthony Woods

America may have had its fill of psychos for the last forty years, but no serial killer has inspired so many books and films (Pyscho, The Silence of the Lambs, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre) as Wisconsin's cannibalistic handyman murderer, Ed Gein. None of them h... read more
On 2 January 2013, just a day before Jim Davidson was due to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house, he found himself behind far more serious locked doors when he was arrested by the Yewtree detectives over alleged sex offences. Twelve months later, the public ... read more
Best known as an actor and one of the BBC’s Eggheads, few people would guess from his cultured exterior at the horrific early years of abuse CJ de Mooi endured.As a teenager, CJ fled from his childhood home to escape prolonged hatred and violence, and conseque... read more
At 16, Mark Time wants to become either a geologist or a Royal Marines Commando. So which does he choose? Despite his love of basalt, he chooses the career that teaches him how to kill. . . and shit in plastic bags. Knowing his weak body will have to shape up ... read more
For over fifty years, Freddie Foreman's name has commanded respect, and occasionally fear, from those who work to uphold the law - and those who operate just outside of it. With almost all of his compatriots - like the notorious Kray twins - now gone, Freddie ... read more
Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil tells the inside story of the biggest historic sex abuse case ever mounted by Greater Manchester Police - the investigation into the systematic abuse of boys at St Ambrose College in Hale Barns by chemistry teacher and church... read more
A key player in the worst prison riot in British history at Strangeways Prison in April 1990, Alan Lord was always in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was drawn to trouble like water to a sponge.After experiencing a troubled childhood during which Alan wa... read more

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