How did I get here?
Writing and editing are in my blood and come as naturally as breathing to me. By the time I was 14 I had decided where my future lay. At the tender age of 16, I left school with a handful of “O”s and started training to be a journalist on a listings magazine. I lost my job when the magazine went bust before I completed my apprenticeship. Undeterred, I took a job as a junior copywriter in an advertising agency, before moving on to become a press officer for a community arts group, while moonlighting as a writer for a listings magazine. I took a career break in my mid-20s to study for a BA in English.
A three-year spell in London as a subeditor for a number of consumer and trade publications beckoned before I headed to the bright lights of Paris and Amsterdam, where I worked as a journalist, a corporate communications specialist and a copy editor. Upon returning to the UK, I decided to turn freelance. And thus PlainText was born…
I have more than 25 years’ experience as a journalist, copywriter, editor and corporate communicator. Since turning freelance, I have worked for various publishers and many small and large companies.
Want to know more?
Some of the places I worked before PlainText:
- ING Financial Markets (Amsterdam)
senior copy editor - European Cultural Foundation (Amsterdam)
communications officer - United for Intercultural Action (Amsterdam)
communications officer - Réflexes (Paris)
journalist, section editor; international pages - Campaign
subeditor (freelance) - Auto Express
subeditor (freelance) - The Public Ledger
subeditor, acting editor - Pravda International
subeditor - Leeds Other Paper
TV critic, journalist - Edinburgh City Lynx
journalist
Full CV available on request. Samples of my work can be found elsewhere on this site.
How I like to work
I aim to provide a high-quality service at a fair price and within an agreed timeframe. As a language professional, I am committed to upholding linguistic standards and delivering quality. I abide by the Code of Practice of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders. I also adhere to the Better Payment Practice Code.
Member of the following organisations
- Society for Editors and Proofreaders (Advanced Member)
- NorthWest Business Club
- National Union of Journalists
- Chester, Ellesmere Port & Neston Business Forum
The boring stuff
Rates
All projects are priced individually according to which service you require, with no hidden extras. I am pleased to provide a free estimated quote following discussion of your needs (for editorial work, this can be done by submitting your documents to me).
For smaller jobs, there is a minimum charge of one hour.
For further information, please contact me.
Terms and Conditions
For PlainText’s Terms and Conditions, please read the T&Cs PDF document.
(You will require Adobe Acrobat Reader or an alternative PDF reader to view this file)
“Skilled, experienced and passionate about words – PlainText makes them work harder for YOU”