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 13 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Siobhan G.

Siobhan G.

Jun, 2026

Rob exceeded my expectations with an accurate proofread that included some helpful suggestions for clarity in the text. Nothing gets past him. This is your professional if you want a polished book.
Melody F.

Melody F.

May, 2026

Rob provides great feedback. Will be reaching out again in the future.
Melody F.

Melody F.

Feb, 2026

Really enjoyed and appreciated the feedback from Rob.
Chris R.

Chris R.

Sep, 2025

Rob does excellent work with attention to detail. I would work with him again.
Joanna W.

Joanna W.

Aug, 2025

The review was thoughtful, took account of the context of the draft book, made helpful suggestions without being over-prescriptive, and was completed on time. Thank you very much!

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