Overview
I learnt my editing craft doing an Honors in Publishing many years ago, but have since worked on numerous magazines, and for many different publishers including Van Schaik, Macmillan, Pan Macmillan and others. Most of my work comes through repeat clients or is gained through word-of-mouth. I have more than fifteen years' experience as an editor/proofreader. I particularly enjoy literary work, psychological themes, mysteries, thrillers, romance and YA. That does not mean, however, that I haven't successfully worked in other genres.
My non-fiction editing has also ranged in subject matter, but I have a special interest in psychology, cookery, travel and business. I regularly edit theses ranging from Honors level to PhD, with most referencing styles (e.g. Harvard, Chicago, APA).
As a person I am detail driven (yes, I am the person mentally correcting spelling on a menu) but respectful of the author's intention. I especially enjoy coaching and mentoring new authors and watching them succeed. I love coffee, whisky and have visited over 80 countries around the world.
Over the years I have also done speech writing, website copy (corporate and otherwise) and with a Diploma in Digital Marketing, I have also worked on blogs, social media posts and other online work.
Since many of the books I have edited are not available on Amazon, I have included a below a shortlist of some of my most recent projects:
• HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council) Review
• 21st Century Psychology for Nurses (Van Schaik)
• How to support English Second Language Learners (Van Schaik)
• One-Stop Guide to Studying Engineering in South Africa (The Clever Idea)
• The Strategic Management Process − A South African Perspective (Van Schaik)
• Simple Stylish Meals (Sharon Glass)
• Papho’s Gift (Marita van Aswegen)
My clients have included, among others:
• Engen
• First National Bank
• Guinness World Records
• Financial Mail
• Kelloggs
• Vodacom
• Colgate
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Awards
- Novel Shadow Self nominated for the Etisalat prize for the top 100 books in Africa (2015)
- Novel Shadow Self translation into Afrikaans (Skaduself) - best translation
Certifications
- MA in Creative Writing - ms. sold for publication
- Honours Degree in Publishing Studies cum laude
- BA Languages cum laude
- BA Psychology cum laude
- Alumnus of Bread Loaf Writers' Conference (Vermont, US)
- Diploma in Digital Marketing (93%)
- Honors Degree in Psychology cum laude
Work experience
Self-employed
Writing: corporate, fiction, SEO-enhanced, blogs, newsletters, technical, non-fiction, scripts for videos/speeches, US/UK English, articles
Digital Marketing: campaign strategies, online/search/digital media, advertising, optimization, data analytics, project management, video
Editing/Proofreading: online copy, theses, textbooks, novels, corporate newsletters or brochures, pitch documents, US/UK English
Paula has 16 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Arun K.
Feb, 2024
Chris D.
Aug, 2023
David F.
Aug, 2023
Dr. Jordan B. S.
Mar, 2023
Angel A.
Mar, 2023
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