Overview
I’m a thoughtful and supportive freelance editor with over sixteen years’ experience in the publishing industry, both in-house and freelance.
I’ve edited and overseen books to press across the spectrum; from commercial women’s fiction, crime and thrillers to celebrity and political memoirs, health and wellbeing and cookery. No matter what kind of book or genre, one thing has always been constant – guiding authors through the editorial process with as little stress as possible. I’ve worked with debut authors and well-known household names and understand that bringing a book into being is both a challenge and a joy, whether it’s your first or your fifth.
I believe taking the time and care to understand an author’s intentions lies at the heart of being a good editor. That, and a sheer love of words and language. I approach each edit as a unique journey with an author; every edit has different requirements, whether it’s to help shape the structure and narrative, or more of a final polish to tie up loose ends.
Whether you’re self-publishing, looking to secure a publisher, or simply keen to understand more about the editorial process and receive some feedback and pointers, I’d be more than happy to help.
What can I offer you and your book?
· Insight and understanding from 16+ years working in publishing. I have extensive editing experience and know how to get the best out of a piece of writing
· Empathy and understanding and an ability to get to the heart of what you’re trying to convey
· Collaboration and dedication – I’ll help you achieve the best version of your book
· A stickler for detail! A thorough understanding of grammar, syntax and punctuation.
What services do I offer?
Editorial Assessment/developmental editing:
· For Fiction this can involve plot, form, structure, pacing, characters, narrative drive and chronology. It’s easy to lose the wood for the trees when you’re trying to get your ideas down. I can help advise, whilst staying true to your tone and style.
· For Non-Fiction this also involves advising on structure, form and pacing, but will also include assessing the arguments, logic and conclusions, depending on the genre.
Copy-editing and proofreading:
· Consistency throughout (spelling, punctuation, grammar), continuity – both in terms of plot and detail and sequencing/chronology. I use the Chicago Manual of Style for US publications and The Oxford Guide to Style for UK publications
· Fact-checking Non-Fiction, if required.
_________________________________________
Author Testimonies
‘Tania was coolheaded and managed all the final details of the publication with dexterity’ — William Shawcross, author of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Counting One’s Blessings
‘Your proofreading queries were are all very sharp-eyed and excellent’ — Alain de Botton, editor of The School of Life series
‘Thank you for your meticulous attention to detail’ — Joanna Trollope, City of Friends
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Certifications
- Digital Proofreading Publishing Training Centre (2015)
- Advanced Copyediting: In-house, tailored course for Pan Mac by the Publishing Training Centre (2013)
- Rewriting and Substantive Editing course: Publishing Training Centre, Wandsworth (2012)
- Introduction to Publishing: Publishing Training Centre, Wandsworth (2006)
- Introduction to Sub-edit: PMA Training Centre, London (2007)
- BA Hons in English Studies, University of Nottingham (2004)
- BTEC Diploma in Art and Design Foundation Studies, Brookes University (2001)
Work experience
Self-employed
• Proofreading, copy-editing and editing a diverse range of fiction and non-fiction for various leading publishers
• Copywriting for both web and print. Long-form articles and web content and short-form book blurbs
• Project editing – caretaking and managing titles through the production process. Liaising with freelancers and in-house teams and working directly with authors. Keeping projects to budget.
Pan Macmillan
• Managing a team of editorial managers and desk editors
• Overseeing approximately 300 titles a year to press from copy-edit through to final files, print and digital editions
• Training the team and wider editorial staff in house style, pre-press processes, best practice and critical path
• Managing, forecasting and apportioning the freelance budget
• Implementing process improvements.
Pan Macmillan
• Managing an average of eighty titles a year to press, both print editions and ebooks
• Commissioning a pool of freelancer proofreaders, copy-editors, designers and indexers
• Copywriting, copyediting and proofing manuscripts, proofs, indexes, plate sections, cover copy and marketing material across a diverse range of non-fiction
• Project managing high-profile embargoed titles: organising and coordinating the secure transfer of files, managing extremely time-pressurised deadlines, ensuring libel changes are in place and all pre-press requirements are met
• Managing a junior desk editor and temporary contractors.
Think Books, Think Publishing
• Project managing all book titles through design and editorial from acquisition to print
• Helping to plan and manage flat-plans of four-colour illustrated books
• Managing project budgets; ensuring costs are up-to-date
• Clearing text and picture permissions and negotiating fees
• Coordinating with freelance editors, authors, illustrators and photographers; ensuring they receive material and meet deadlines
• Working with partnership clients and authors and ensuring good relationships are maintained
• Copyediting, proofreading, and checking all copy before it goes to print.
Granada Learning and Nfer Nelson Publishers
• Permissions and Rights: drawing up contracts, assessing applications, negotiating fees and processing payment through PO system
• Editorial Assistant role: project managing titles for three months before new editor started, running reports and collating data for the Schools’ Scoring Department, compiling competitor analysis reports.
Portfolio
Tania has 1 review
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Janelle H.
Dec, 2023
