Overview
I have been editing and ghostwriting non-fiction books for almost fifteen years, with everyone from first-time authors to experienced writers and journalists, and from behind-the-scenes experts to some of the leading lights in music, entertainment and sport. I work with trade publishers such as Ebury, Penguin, HarperCollins and Orion, among many more.
As a former HarperCollins in-house editor – where I worked on books by Chris Evans, Alan Partridge, Usain Bolt and John Bishop, to name-drop but a few – I have first-hand experience of what goes into making a successful book. And as a bestselling ghostwriter I can empathise with the struggles involved in writing a book – not to mention the experience of being on the other end of an editor’s comments (the truth doesn’t always have to hurt!).
I have had the pleasure of working on the memoirs of some incredible high-profile people, including Chrissie Hynde, Bruce Dickinson, Sarah Millican, Carlo Ancelotti and Guy Martin. And I’ve derived just as much satisfaction from the books of people who aren’t household names, but have an equally great story to tell. I’d never heard of Andrew Matheson or the Hollywood Brats before I edited his memoir, Sick on You, but it remains one of the books I’m most proud of working on.
I help authors turn complicated ideas and methodology into accessible reads, so that they entertain as well as inform. My work with Dr Dave Alred – performance coach to the likes of Jonny Wilkinson – on his book
The Pressure Principle and with Nick Littlehales – elite sports sleep coach to Team Sky and Real Madrid – on
Sleep is testament to that. They are industry-leading figures whose approach to their respective subjects warrants a broader audience.
Because whatever type of book it is, the story you’re telling needs to be shown in its best light to make it a success. And if I can help make your story shine too – whether that’s through a developmental edit, some editorial guidance or polishing your manuscript with a copy edit – then I’d love to hear from you.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Business & Management
Entertainment
History
Music
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Sports & Outdoors
True Crime
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Work experience
Self-employed
Apr, 2014 —
Present
I edit non-fiction books for leading trade publishers – from heavy developmental editing to light copy editing and everything in between.
I also write cover copy and ghostwrite non-fiction books for publishers such as Ebury, Penguin, HarperCollins and Orion, covering biography and memoir, sport, self-help, science, psychology, business, politics and humour – sometimes all within the same book.
HarperCollins Publishers
Oct, 2008 —
Mar, 2014
(over 5 years)
Editing and project-managing a broad spectrum of non-fiction books from delivery of manuscript to press, with authors such as Chris Evans, John Bishop, Alan Partridge, Michael Johnson and Usain Bolt.
John Blake Publishing
Mar, 2006 —
May, 2008
(about 2 years)
Editing and commissioning books, specialising in true crime, memoir and sport.
Portfolio
How one man went from gaming and making videos at home to becoming a football club owner'The bizarre new world of football' Guardian I lifted the trophy triumphantly over my head, just as I’d seen so many FA Cup, World Cup and Champions League winners do on TV... read more
Bestselling author Charlie Connelly returns with a First World War memoir of his great uncle, Edward Connelly, who was an ordinary boy sent to fight in a war the likes of which the world had never seen. But this is not just his story; it is the story of all th... read more
Skulduggery, power struggles and politics, The Private Lives of the Saints offers an original and fascinating re-examination of life in Anglo-Saxon England. Taking them from their heavenly status to the human level, Oxford art historian and BBC presenter Dr Ja... read more
‘I was never going to sleep in and take it easy, there were worms to catch.’Breaking records on the world’s biggest Wall of Death, cycling 2,745 miles across the length of the United States (while sleeping rough), attempting to be the fastest person ever on tw... read more
THE SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR Daily Mail As a young boy of eight, Jonny Bairstow was dealt a cruel blow. His father David ‘Bluey’ Bairstow, the combative and very popular wicketkeeper and captain of Yorkshire, took his own life at the age of forty-six. David lef... read more
The Sunday Times Bestseller and Number 1 Sport Book of 2016'A tale that's truly inspirational' The SunAn ordinary lad from Sheffield, Jamie Vardy has become known as an against-the-odds footballing hero the world over. Yet a few years ago, things couldn’t have... read more
The nineties was the decade when British culture reclaimed its position at the artistic centre of the world. Not since the 'Swinging Sixties' had art, comedy, fashion, film, football, literature and music interwoven into a blooming of national self-confidence.... read more
Founder of one of the most influential and successful rock bands of all time, legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has nevertheless remained an enigma. In this definitive and comprehensive biography of his life so far, Chris Salewicz draws on his own in... read more
Carlo Ancelotti is one of the greatest managers of all time, with five Champions League titles to his name. Yet his approach could not be further from the aggressive theatricals favoured by many of his rivals. His understated style has earned him the fierce lo... read more
‘James's pioneering use of food as fuel has transformed players' performances – and now he can do the same for you.' – Arsène Wenger OBEThe secret of the sports elite - and how you can eat to win in your lifeWorld-leading sports nutritionist James Collins shap... read more
Proven solutions for better nights, from the 'sleep guru' to sports stars including Cristiano RonaldoOne third of our lives are spent trying to sleep. Most us have disturbed, restless nights and rely on a cocktail of caffeine and sugar to drag us through the d... read more
''If you are struggling with exams, vivers, job interviews, work presentations, with performing in a team or individual sport - or find it difficult to interact in social situations - then this is for you' - Amazon reviewThe book on how to handle pressure from... read more
‘I was spotty, wore an anorak, had biro-engraved flared blue jeans with “purple” and “Sabbath” written on the thighs, and rode an ear-splittingly uncool moped. Oh yes, and I wanted to be a drummer...’ Bruce Dickinson – Iron Maiden’s legendary front man – is on... read more
‘One of the most important books about gay culture in recent times’ The QuietusLong-listed for the Polari First Book PrizeIn 1984 the pulsing electronics and soft vocals of Smalltown Boy would become an anthem uniting gay men. A month later, an aggressive viru... read more
'Micromastery is a triumph. I read it with delight, and instantly vowed to put more conviction into the latest thing I'm trying, which is using a plectrum when I play the guitar'Philip PullmanWant to learn how to cook? Start by making an omelette.Want to able ... read more
**MOJO MAGAZINE'S BOOK OF THE YEAR**The Hollywood Brats are the greatest band you’ve never heard of.Recording one near-perfect punk album in 1974, they were tragically ahead of their time.With only a guitar, a tatty copy of the Melody Maker and his template fo... read more
As seen on This Time with Alan Partridge on BBC One. THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERPraise for Nomad: 'Funniest book of the year' Sunday Telegraph'Alan Partridge's Nomad is almost certainly the funniest book ever written' Caitlin Moran'Sensationally funny. What br... read more
Hilarious, heartwarming and inspirational, this is the number 1 Sunday Times bestselling autobiography by comedian Sarah Millican. The funniest book of the year! *****'The naughtiest, helpiest, laughieoutloudiest and goodest book I've ever done reading on. Giv... read more
By the time she was 14, Chrissie Hynde knew she had to get out of Akron, Ohio. Her perfect ’50s American childhood upturned by a newly acquired taste for rock ’n’ roll, motorbikes and the ‘get down boys’ seen at gigs in and around Cleveland – Mitch Ryder, the ... read more
