Overview
I’m a freelance editor and writing consultant, with over 20 years’ experience working inhouse in the magazine publishing industry. I’ve worked on and edited global, best-selling brands in the craft and women’s interest sector, with a detailed knowledge of the publishing and marketing process, and superlative eye for detail.
I decided to leave the corporate world to work more directly with creatives. I’m passionate about supporting authors to elevate their projects to the highest level, addressing any concerns along the way, and seeing you achieve the recognition you deserve.
At this time my services include copy editing and proofreading, for manuscripts that are close to completion and just looking for that final polish. (In future, I'll be getting back to working on developmental editing projects in which I can be a sounding board and offer more guided critique if your work-in-progress manuscript needs more support.) I’d be excited to help you see your book 'over the finish line' in style!
I love crafting as my personal hobby – especially knitting, sewing and embroidery, paper crafts, scrapbooking and jewellery making. In addition, my other business hustle is as a digital marketing consultant helping makers and crafters get to grips with driving sales. So you can be assured that I understand and have a genuine interest in the subject of creative arts!
Polishing your book, to let your voice shine and communicate your message with ease and authority is where I specialise. I thrive on working with authors in a close-knit relationship, with reliability, clarity and professionalism, so you can be guaranteed that your book is in safe hands.
Having come from the publishing industry, I’m not fazed by tight deadlines and prior to that, I was in academia to PhD level – where producing scientific reports and analyses, presentations and theses mean I’m no stranger to the importance of accuracy.
Excellent grammar skills, style standardisation and dedication to go above-and-beyond are strengths I know you’ll appreciate in our collaboration.
Services
Non-Fiction
Languages
Certifications
- BSc, Chemistry, University of Southampton, 1995
- Master of Research (MRes), Organic Chemistry, University of Southampton, 1996
- Studies towards PhD, Organic Chemistry, University of Bath, 1999
- Level 5 Award in Leadership and Management (ILM), 2013
Work experience
Immediate Media Co. Ltd
I managed the editorial team responsible for the UK's top-selling craft magazine.
As such, we produced content for print and digital editions, for the web, an e-newsletter, for video and various social media platforms. I was the brand face of the title, appearing at publicity events, liaising with external contributors and writers.
My key responsibilities as Editor were copy editing, proofreading, writing and commissioning features.
Future plc
I worked for Future Publishing plc (later rebranded, Future plc) on various editorial teams within the crafts and special interest magazines portfolio.
My roles included
- Editor of You Can Craft!
- Editor of Quick&Easy Stitch&Craft
- Editor of Quick&Easy Cross Stitch
- Deputy Editor of Papercraft inspirations
- Acting Operations Editor of The Knitter
- Special Projects Editor of Your Family Tree
- Special Projects Editor of Creativity!
Within each of my positions, writing and editing copy, a keen eye for spelling and grammar accuracy, house style standardisation and proofreading were all vital skills.
Portfolio
Ruth has 1 review
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Trisha H.
Jun, 2022
