Paula Marais - Editor

As both an author and editor/proofreader, I have worked on both sides of the publishing process, which has given me a keen understanding of what it is to be on the receiving end of feedback. As such, I try to be fair, consistent and kind in my engagements with writers. I usually create a style sheet for each book/series so that stylistic decisions are kept track of, and can also be shared with the next players in the process, so that the book or work can be nurtured through its entire life cycle. In addition, as an obsessive reader (usually more than 100 books a year), I have a keen sense of genre, plot and characterization, which is very useful for my fiction authors. When it comes to non-fiction, I have not only edited over 100 different academic books, theses, textbooks, cookbooks and business books but I have also written or ghostwritten several books myself.

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