Rob Colson

Rob Colson – Editor

I am an editor and project manager with 20 years' experience in illustrated non-fiction, specialising in popular science.

Overview

I am a developmental editor and copy editor. My specialist subjects include natural history, the history of science, the history of ideas, astronomy and space science, and STEM subjects for children. I am also an experienced project manager and picture researcher, used to working on tight budgets. I have worked with professional writers, academics, and first-time authors, helping them to distil their ideas and put them across to general audiences, from presenting evolution for children to explaining General Relativity to adults!


I can help authors to illustrate their ideas and make their work lively and engaging, creating a visually stunning book while keeping the costs under control. I can also advise on how to sell work in international markets. Whether you are struggling to structure your ideas or feel you just need to polish your prose, I can provide a level of help tailor-made for your needs. I am particularly keen to hear from experts in their fields seeking to reach wider audiences.


Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Earth, Space, & Environmental Sciences Geography History Life Sciences Nature
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Tall Tree Ltd

Mar, 2008 — Jul, 2023 (over 15 years)
Tall Tree were a packager specialising in illustrated non-fiction. I developed, edited and wrote books for a wide variety of clients in both adult and children's non-fiction. I managed major projects for publishers including DK, HarperCollins, Random House, MacMillan, and Hachette.

Self-employed

Jan, 2003 — Mar, 2008 (about 5 years)
For five years, I was a freelance editor and subeditor. Recurring clients included the University of London External Studies department, BBC Worldwide, and Media 10. I also worked for several local education authorities, Crossrail, and many individual authors.

Portfolio

Bone Collection: Skulls

de la Bédoyère, Camilla

Farmageddon

Lymbery, Philip

Engineers

HART-DAVIS ADAM

Mars

Sparrow, Giles

Extreme Insects

Jones, Richard

Rob has 8 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jason S.

Jason S.

May, 2025

I would like to personally thank my editor Mr. Robert Colson whose input, corrections and suggestions make me look like a competent writer in English which I am not. As an editor, Mr. Colson is a jewel. His excellent depth and breadth of knowledge about physics and sciences was instrumental in ...
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Clare C.

Clare C.

Apr, 2025

Rob was fantastic to work with. I needed a second set of eyes and a fresh perspective on my project to move it to the next phase. Rob provided both, with fantasitic insights for improvement and next steps. He was on time and very thorough in his editorial assessment with some proof reading thr...
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Aaron S.

Aaron S.

Feb, 2025

Ron was efficient, thorough, and thoughtful. Professional through and through.
Oluchi E.

Oluchi E.

Dec, 2024

Rob fact-checked and proofread our nonfiction for kids. He caught mistakes and misrepresentations we did not, so we will be coming back to him.
Ibrahim A.

Ibrahim A.

Nov, 2024

Great

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