Overview
I have a decade of editorial experience and specialise in non-fiction, including cookery, lifestyle, health and wellbeing. My services include copy editing, proofreading and project editing, and I can work in Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign CC and Adobe Acrobat. I have worked in-house at small, independent publishers as well as at Hachette, and have an in-depth knowledge of the publishing process.
I love working closely with authors to polish and perfect their books, and I pride myself on the great working relationships I've developed with my authors over the years. From tight deadlines to lengthy projects, I try to give every project the passion and precision it deserves.
TESTIMONIALS
'Tara is a real pleasure to work with. Always dedicated to making any book the best it can possibly be, she has excellent editorial skills as well as being calm, professional and reliable in everything she does, even when faced with tight deadlines.'
– Judith Hannam. Editorial Director, Kyle Books
'I enjoyed a really fulfilling working relationship with Tara. She spotted the potential of book we worked on in a previous text I’d made, and she sensitively helped bring this new version into being. It was important to me to work with an editor with a genuine interest in the book’s subject matter - mental health and illness – and at the same time I learned a lot about narrative-making from Tara. Her input was wise and perceptive, and I wouldn't hesitate to work with her again.'
– Kevin Braddock, author of Everything Begins with Asking for Help
Services
Non-Fiction
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits
DIY & Crafts
Health & Wellbeing
Home & Garden
Inspirational
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Certifications
- MA Creative Writing
- BA English
Work experience
Self-employed
Nov, 2019 —
Present
Kyle Books
Apr, 2012 —
Present
• Commissioning and editing books high-quality, illustrated non-fiction books on food and drink, craft, health and wellbeing.
• Working closely with authors on manuscript development.
• Copy editing, flat planning, art directing photoshoots and proofreading.
Duncan Petersen Publishing
Oct, 2010 —
Apr, 2012
(over 1 year)
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
Apr, 2010 —
Oct, 2010
(6 months)
• Writing and editing content for the Adult Social Care website.
Portfolio
Think you know vegan cooking? Lengthy, complicated recipe lists, expensive, hard-to-find ingredients, flavourless food? Think again! Let Aine Carlin, creator of popular vegan lifestyle blog Pea Soup Eats, enlighten you with her delicious recipes and straightfo... read more
'John Gregory-Smith has a passion for Turkish food - and it shows. This is a rich and inviting introduction to the authentic flavours of Turkey, presenting regional dishes and traditional food.' The Bookseller'A gorgeous mix of modern, regional and traditional... read more
The Smallholder's Handbook is a detailed manual to start, plan and manage your own smallholding. Suzie explains the level of work involved, how much space you need and how to prepare your land. There are chapters on keeping poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks an... read more
Like your dinner with a side of Madonna? Your cuisine with a pinch of Queen? Killing Me Souffle is an epic festival for your mouth that celebrates the infusion of two of life's grooviest ingredients, music and food. The greatest ever acts in music inspire 90 d... read more
'Kitchen staples and basic recipes are the nuts and bolts of every cook's kitchen. They are what I like to call the toolbox recipes. They are the flavoursome, nourishing base components and little extras that can finish a dish to make it sing.' Rid your cupboa... read more
Going vegan can be a daunting prospect. Many familiar foods and products are out of bounds, and it can be hard to know how to enjoy a healthy, tasty diet. In her new book, top vegan author Aine Carlin guides you through the process of adopting a vegan lifestyl... read more
They say you should never trust a skinny chef - but what if that skinny chef held the secret to losing weight without compromising on foodie pleasure? In her new book, executive chef Sophie Michell reveals the recipes she herself has used to lose weight despit... read more
As seen on BBC2's Dragon's Den For more than 20 years, Hanna Sillitoe suffered from severe psoriasis, eczema and acne. They dominated her life and shattered her confidence. At times she even resorted to wrapping her skin in clingfilm to stop her clothes rubbin... read more
Orange Blossom & Honey is a culinary journey across Morocco, from the souks of Marrakesh, through the Sahara, and onto the blustery shores of the Atlantic coast. In researching this book, John travelled into the heart of the High Atlas Mountains to learn the s... read more
From bestselling kids' activity author Dawn Isaac comes this exciting new volume full of creative (and occasionally outrageous) ideas for budding young scientists. Whether your child is crazy about chemistry or bananas about biology (or, let's face it, just li... read more
Packed with games, projects, crafts, experiments and gardening inspiration, 101 Things for Kids to do Outside will have your children racing out to try something new. The huge selection of ideas covers all four seasons and ranges from quick 10-minute activitie... read more
From the author of 101 Things for Kids to do Outside, which has fast become a go-to book for children and parents alike, comes this excellent new volume full of creative (and occasionally crazy) ideas for things to do when the weather is bad and you're stuck i... read more
'Packed with original ideas.' - the Telegraph on 101 Things for Kids To Do on a Rainy Day'A quarter of the price of a theme-park ticket and delivers significantly better value for money.' - the Independent on 101 Things for Kids To Do Outside From bestselling ... read more
'Holly makes exercise seem effortless and fun.' - Sadie FrostWe all want to feel fit, healthy and strong, but with today's fast-paced lifestyles it can be hard to find the time or motivation to work out. Holly Davidson is a top personal trainer who has used he... read more
'I need this book.' - Nigella Lawson 'A chummy guide to clearing your home and head.' - Jack Monroe Bursting with practical and relatable advice, this book injects enthusiasm, energy and some much-needed humour into the essential task of de-cluttering. Forget ... read more
Named one of the top 20 new cookbooks of 2018 by the Independent An exciting collection of recipes from the founders of the hugely respected Gunpowder restaurant. In this beautiful book, complete with stunning photography, Harneet, Devina and Nirmal have manag... read more
Ikigai is a traditional Japanese concept that embodies happiness in living. It is, essentially, the reason that you get up in the morning. This book is about finding your ikigai - identifying your purpose or passion and using this knowledge to achieve greater ... read more
This gorgeous little book is a joyful exploration of the many ways in which flowers can be used in a range of delicious recipes. From Rose and Lavender Cocktail Syrup to Jasmine and Green Tea Ice Cream, the ideas and flavours are subtly, deliciously floral. Sa... read more
Herbal medicine has been used for centuries, and in this thoughtful and inspiring guide, Rebecca Sullivan shares a combination of traditional wisdom and modern ideas for anyone who wants to improve their health with herbs. The Treatment section includes Ginger... read more
From Avocado and Rose Face Oil to Salt and Macadamia Hair Spritz, this handy little guide is the perfect companion for anyone who wants to save money (and the planet) by ditching chemical-filled, mass-produced beauty products and making their own natural ones ... read more
This handy little guide is the perfect companion for anyone who wants to keep their home sparklingly clean without resorting to chemical products. Rebecca draws on traditional cleaning techniques, bringing them up to date to suit the modern home. Taking the ti... read more
This book is perfect for those interested in sustainability, natural products and mindfulness. It's all about taking the time to create your own homemade products, from facemasks to floor polish and from medicinal honey to massage oil. Taking inspiration from ... read more
In a world of screens and smartphones, there is something beautifully tangible and tactile about taking a piece of paper and cutting into it with a pair of scissors. With just a few folds and snips, an old shopping list can be transformed into a fluttering but... read more
Spoil yourself without spoiling yourself! Alcohol-free drinks have never been more glamorous thanks to this stunning new book by Andrea Waters and Catherine Salway, founders of the hugely popular Redemption Bar. Learn how to make delicious, alcohol-free cockta... read more
In this beautifully compiled book, Charlie Whinney, the UK's leading expert on the topic, shares the secrets of the unique and magical craft of steam-bending. Although his creations look quite impossible, you will soon discover that wood can be made to behave ... read more
From the bestselling author of Vegan in 7. Rita Serano is a hugely popular food blogger known for her irresistible vegan recipes. A perfect companion for busy lives, Vegan for Good contains a range of multi-functional dishes to ensure vegan meals are easy to m... read more
From sofas to shelving to a stylish home bar, Pallet Style shows you how to create your own furniture using reclaimed wooden pallets. Whether you want to make something in a weekend or are embarking on a more complex bespoke piece for your home, each of Nikkit... read more
From the vibrant souks of Tripoli and Beirut to the quiet calm of the Chouf Mountains and Qadisha Valley, Lebanon is a land of bold colours, exquisite flavours and hidden beauty. For this gorgeous book, John Gregory-Smith travelled the length and breadth of th... read more
In this fascinating book, beer expert Mark Dredge dives into the history of lager, from how it was first brewed to what role was played by German monks and kings in the creation of the drink we know so well today. From the importance of 500-year-old purity law... read more
'Simple, creative ideas on what to drink when you are not drinking, from the queen of drinks.' - Anna Jones 'Exciting alternatives for alcohol-free drinking.' - Tom Kerridge Whether you're on the wagon for good or just looking to take a couple of alcohol-free ... read more
'Serious about tea yet refreshingly unpretentious, Good & Proper Tea will make you want to rediscover the glorious possibilities of the humble cup of tea.' Caffeine magazineEmilie Holmes started Good & Proper Tea with the intention of changing the tea market o... read more
'Their combined passion for fragrance is infectious, and they love teaching.' TelegraphNot only is candle making and scent development a wonderfully relaxing craft, it is also a unique way to create personalised gifts or to create a signature scent for your ow... read more
An honest guide to depression and anxiety, from rock bottom to recovery, from someone who has been through it and come out the other side. Everything Begins with Asking for Help is a frank, insightful and thought-provoking book on mental health, drawing on the... read more
