Rachel Goodyear

Rachel Goodyear – Editor

Copy-editor and indexer who has worked for major UK academic publishers for over twenty-five years. Literature / arts and humanities

Overview

My view is that good style is as much about clarity and readability as it is about rules. As a copy-editor I'll work with you to ensure that your writing meets the highest editorial standards while retaining your unique voice. Although I will check your grammar meticulously and make suggestions for improvements, the final decision will always be in your hands as the author. As an academic specialist, I'm well placed to resolve any referencing and bibliographical issues and am familiar with the conventions of all the major publishing houses.


Working with me, you'll benefit from my many years of publishing experience in a variety of fields, including literary criticism, biography, reference works, music, business, history, politics, cookery and finance. I have specialist knowledge of digital publishing, having worked on a number of high-profile online projects such as the New Oxford Shakespeare, Oxford Scholarly Editions Online and the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.


As an indexer, I aim to create a user-friendly map of the text that leads readers to the information that they need clearly and efficiently. It is surprising how often the index - whether good, bad or entirely absent - gets mentioned in reviews, so it's well worth employing a professional to create one that enhances your book. I'm happy to work from your list of suggested terms or compile the index from scratch myself - either way, you will always have the chance to approve a draft version and make changes before the final index is created.


I have experience of trade publishing and helping first-time and self-publishing authors to produce work that meets professional standards. Recent projects include editing a self-help business book and writing articles on music, art and film for DEK magazine.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Education & Reference Humanities & Social Sciences
Languages
English (UK)
Certifications
  • Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading: Copy-editing 2
  • Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading: Proofreading 2

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2006 — Present

Wiley Blackwell

Nov, 2003 — Jan, 2006 (about 2 years)

Oxford University Press

Oct, 1997 — Oct, 2003 (about 6 years)

Rachel has 11 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

J.E. V.

J.E. V.

Jan, 2022

Pinned
Rachel exceeded all my expectations. Which is not easy. I won't elaborate on this. You probably wouldn't believe me, since she was so excellent in everything she did and wrote and corrected. If you need a real good editor, I strongly advise you to ask Rachel first.
Arthur M.

Arthur M.

Sep, 2021

Pinned
Second collaboration with Rachel... and it was another five-star experience. Highly recommended - looking forward to working with her again!
Isabell K.

Isabell K.

Jul, 2021

Pinned
I’ve worked with numerous editors over the years, Rachel is exceptional. She is incredibly skilled, detail-oriented, very generally knowledgeable, and obviously intelligent. She is also prompt. I cannot recommend her enough.
Dan S.

Dan S.

Jan, 2023

Rachel did a great job! Very professional.
Dan S.

Dan S.

Mar, 2022

Excellent job as always. Rachel work is very thorough and prompt.

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