Simone Chiara van der Merwe – Editor

I am absolutely passionate about the dissemination of good research and significant knowledge in the social sciences and humanities. I have worked with many academics to help them refine their texts before submission to large publishers. I am able to look at the 'big picture' as a reader-reviewer to help authors identify gaps in their arguments or problems in the logical flow of their texts, and I am meticulous in editing the nitty-gritty details such as referencing (both author-date and notes systems), grammar and academic style. I have extensive experience in working with authors who do not speak English as a first language and I am very well placed to assist such authors to bring their message across in English in a clearer, more idiomatic way.

My approach is always professional but also personal and supportive. I appreciate the work, time and personal investment that goes into doing research and writing non-fiction and I derive great satisfaction from being able to assist authors to bring this knowledge to readers, students and the wider public. I enjoy engaging deeply with texts and with issues and questions relevant to humanity and how we live in the world, both in the past and present.

The fields I have experience in include African studies, politics, history, language, literary studies, cultural studies, communication and more. Besides working with authors in a private capacity, I also freelance for reputable publishers and my regular clients include Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, John Murray Press, the HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council) Press, Unisa (University of South Africa) Press and the University of Cape Town. I edit and proofread various journals, including de arte, English Academy Review, Scrutiny2: Issues in English Studies in Southern Africa, and the International Journal of African Renaissance Studies. I am currently based in the UK but I have lived in South Africa for most of my life. I am fluent in English, Spanish and Afrikaans.