About me

I am an editor who loves the written word, and it has always been my dream to be part of the publication process. Since I’m not creative enough to write my own material, I revel in the fact that I can do my bit by putting the dots on the i’s and crossing the t’s for others.
I have completed three courses from the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and studied English Language and Literature at the Open University.

Services

Proofreading

Copyediting

Beta reading

Formatting

Draft2Novel: Writing a novel takes time, and self-publishing can be trickier and pricier than you might expect. To help with that, I’ve created monthly payment plans so you can write with confidence. When it’s time for beta reading, editing, formatting, and all the other stuff, you won’t have to scramble for help online.

Experience

Intermediate Member of the CIEP

Qualifications and awards

• BA English Language and Literature (Open University, UK)
• CIEP proofreading 1: Introduction
• CIEP proofreading 2: Headway
• CIEP Getting to Grips with Grammar and Punctuation

About me

I am a copyeditor and proofreader. I specialise in editing crime fiction, thrillers and mysteries. I love the suspense and plot-driven nature of these stories.

If you’re a self-publishing fiction writer, no need to worry what readers are going to think of your English, because I can smooth any rough edges off your stories before you release them into the wild.

Creative storytellers, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether your grammar, spelling or punctuation is good enough; your business is coming up with spellbinding tales that keep us gripped.

It’s my business to make sure your readers aren’t tripped up by technical errors in your English, to help them stay immersed in the story, and keep them coming back for more.

I do that by providing a user-friendly, unbiased, detailed look at your manuscript.

I also work on non-fiction. My specialist area is cookery, but I can apply my skills to a wide variety of projects in differing subject areas.

My previous work background is in financial administration, but I’ve also worked as a director for sporting and IT-related companies.

Services

• Copyediting
• Proofediting
• Proofreading (on-screen and hard copy)

Qualifications and awards

• Intermediate-Level Member of CIEP
• Proofreading 2: Headway (CIEP)
• Proofreading 3: Progress (CIEP)
• Copyediting 1:   Introduction (CIEP)
• Copyediting 2:   Headway (CIEP, passed with merit)
• Technician-Level NVQ 4/5 Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)

Recent clients

• Fiction Feedback, editorial consultancy
• Malcolm Pryce, independent author (the King of Welsh Noir)
• Heather Peck, independent author
• Maureen Gannon, independent author
• Lee Wood, independent author

Testimonials

I’m so glad I decided to go for it. I discovered that there is much more to it than simply getting your friends to spot typos; a professional eye catches things most of us are not even aware of. Even if one is not consciously aware of these details, I believe they register subliminally, much like the difference between a hand-tailored suit and one from Primark. More than anything, it is tremendously reassuring to know your manuscript has been professionally proofread and that no one will be able to tell the difference between your work and that of a high-quality mainstream publisher. Sharon was also a pleasure to work with, and I thoroughly commend her services.

Malcom Pryce, the King of Welsh Noir

Sharon was a dream to work with. The assignment was completed to the highest standard and she added to the work in a way that was extremely helpful. We will be working together again in the near future, I’m sure.

Lee Wood, independent author

It has been wonderful working experience with Sharon. Very professional in every way, excellent communication, well organised, quality work, fully satisfied, Well Done!

Amjad Riaz, independent technical author

Sharon is absolutely fantastic. I had to write a professional article for my business. She instantly understood exactly what I was looking for and gave suggestions yet allowed me to make my own decisions to still write my article in my own style correctly. As someone who really struggles with grammar, spelling, words and writing I found Bedwas Editorial Service to be extremely helpful. The proofreading service I received was amazing and the timescale and communication was superb. I would highly recommend using this service. Thank you!

Poppy Jones, business owner

About me

Seasoned journalist, linguist and editor experienced in proofreading and copyediting of English written by non-natives. I take clumsily or unclearly written text and turn it into something that reads clearly and fluently. I assume nothing and question whatever needs to be checked. I also write articles, press releases, newsletters etc. More information on what our company offers: https://nordicinternational.co.uk 

Services

• Specialist areas: maritime, financial, business.
• Writing for print and for the web.
• Proofreading and copyediting.
• Translation to/from/between the Nordic (and other) languages.

Experience

• More than 30 years’ editorial experience.
• Foreign correspondent for UK and international media in Copenhagen 1990-95.
• Various positions held in the National Union of Journalists. Currently Welsh Executive Council member.
• Member of Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, Chartered Institute of Linguists.

Qualifications and awards

• BA Hons, Scandinavian Studies.
• One of only three chartered linguists in the UK in the Danish-English language pair.
• Level 1 Mentoring, Institute of Leadership and Management.
• National Council for the Training of Journalists’ National Certificate Examination.

Recent clients

• DFDS.
• Nautilus International.
• Danish Shipping.
• Maritime Professionals (MARPRO).

Testimonials

In DFDS’ communication work, we require a large amount of translation and text editing, and nearly always very urgently. We therefore appreciate the speed, flexibility and reliability of Nordic International who also always deliver a high language quality. It helps us do our job well, that they understand our communication situation and do their job well. Having multilingual journalists and regular translators available is a flexible bonus. …I’d like you to know that we are very, very satisfied with the way you’ve managed the pressure of the last two days – it’s been invaluable for us in light of the pressure we ourselves were under.

Gert Jakobsen – Vice President, DFDS Group Communications

It’s REALLY nice of you to check it all through and let me know of the outstanding changes to be made. It’s wonderful to have such a sharp and competent co-operation partner!

Kristine Nørskov Høgsberg – Marketing Manager, Palcut A/Sweden

I am grateful to Andrew Draper of Nordic International for his invaluable assistance with proofreading my last bilingual history book. In working with Andrew I found him to be meticulous and attentive to detail, a discipline I needed to help in writing and setting out essential information clearly. The result has been a book that has been well received by my colleagues. In turn this led to invitations to lecture in Australia and New Zealand on themes from the book. In the next year the book will be published in a digital format in order to be accessed by a research community worldwide. I can safely say that without Andrew’s assistance my work would not have been so well received and would not have reached a worldwide audience. I have no hesitation in recommending the first class service he and his company are able to offer.

Paul Gwilliam, author ‘A short history of the formation of the Priory of Wales from 1877 to 1920’

About me

I offer professional, high-quality copywriting, copyediting and proofreading services and can work with you to ensure that your writing is coherent, consistent and compelling.

After graduating with a First Class Honours degree in Politics and International Relations, I worked in East Africa for several years and have written, proofread and edited copy for organisations ranging from established human rights NGOs to social enterprise start-ups, and have completed accredited training in proofreading and copyediting with the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.

Services

• Copywriting
• Copyediting
• Proofreading

Experience

I have written copy and created content for numerous organisations, including Care UK, Tearfund, Relevant Magazine, and Together Street, as well as proofreading and editing digital content for NGOs and non-profits.

I have proofread text ranging from CVs and web copy to post-graduate dissertations.

I have also proofread and edited both fiction and non-fiction, including:

• Notes From A Sacred Land: Tales Of Hope From Pakistan, and Land Of Beauty, Land Of Pain: Seeking The Soul Of Pakistan, a collection of essays on life in contemporary Pakistan by travel writer and author Matthew Vaughan.
• Wish you Were Here: 50 of the World’s Greatest Travel Destinations, by Terry Stevens, published by Graffeg.

In addition to copywriting, copyediting and proofreading, I am a published writer, my most recent piece of short fiction having been published by Ellipsis Zine: https://www.ellipsiszine.com/family-history-by-emma-lawson/

Qualifications and awards

• BA (Hons) Politics & International Relations, First Class.
• Proofreading 1, CIEP
• Proofreading 2 CIEP
• Copyediting 1, CIEP
• Copyediting 2, CIEP

Recent clients

• Graffeg Publishing
• Vivian Watson, independent author
• Emily Newlin, King Creative Marketing and Design
• Tearfund

Testimonials

I used Emma’s services to copy-edit and proofread my first two novels. She worked amazingly efficiently and provided me with the most thorough and helpful feedback, highlighting not only mistakes but also areas that needed further clarification.

Matthew Vaughan, Independent Author

Emma did a great job on a recent publication of ours. She was able to return the work digitally, which made the process efficient and speedy. She made some very useful observations which improved the quality of the publication, and was friendly and helpful throughout our conversations. Many thanks.

Peter Gill, Founder and Managing Director, Graffeg Publishing

Emma’s copywriting is well researched, effective and efficient. She has truly been a lifesaver for my business in increasing our communication with our customers!

Emily Newlin, King Creative Marketing and Design

Emma has proofread work for Hands Around the World which has been completed quickly and efficiently with clear and useful feedback on documents. We are delighted to work with Emma as we have found having a third party proofread documents is incredibly important, and highlights things that we have not picked up on in the office. We will continue to use her services. Many thanks.

Jane Powell, Hands Around The World

Thanks so much for understanding and being flexible. Your comments are so helpful, I’m glad I came to you… I felt like you had my back and that really calmed me down.

Natalie Record, postgraduate student, MSc programme

Emma was recommended to me by a good friend. Although I was fairly confident that I had done a good job on my book… I thought it would be wise to employ some professional help.

Emma was very quick to respond and at my request returned my draft text showing various alterations and recommendations. It was an education to me to realise how easy it is for simple mistakes to get through without a keen eye.

I am so glad that I used Emma’s services and would do so again without hesitation.

Vivian Watson, Independent Author

About me

I’m a professionally trained proofreader and copyeditor who you can rely on to ensure your readers aren’t stopped in their tracks by errors.

With experience in the public, private and third sectors, I can work with different audiences and purposes in mind.

I’ve edited and re-written Annual Reports & Accounts, edited expert witness medico-legal reports and worked on fiction and non-fiction, including biographies, memoirs, contemporary fiction, academic essays, art, young-adult, poetry and short stories.

With a 2:1 degree in English Literature from Cardiff University and as an intermediate member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, my trained eye will help your writing to meet a professional standard – whether you’re a first-time or experienced author, or a business looking to improve communication with clients.

I’m experienced with many genres and subjects:

• Outdoor literature: exploration, survival, mountaineering, climbing, cycling, adventure and nature.
• Contemporary fiction
• Biography/memoir
• Education: teaching resources, strategy documents, school prospectuses
• Public-sector documents and corporate reports: annual accounts, strategy, tenders
• Marketing materials: blogs, newsletters
• Medico-legal reports and expert witness documents

Services

• Copyediting – to improve sentence structure, remove awkward phrases and correct syntax. I’ll provide gentle but clear feedback and suggestions for improvement.
• Proofreading – bringing consistency and accuracy to your print or online materials

With all projects, I’ll create a bespoke style guide.

Experience

I’ve got three years’ freelance experience with a leading independent Welsh publisher. I’ve also worked with independent writers and businesses.

Combined with over 20 years as a senior communications professional in the public sector, my experience means your words will receive the attention they deserve.

You want someone who’s affordable, easy to get hold of and will meet your deadline. Work with me and you won’t be disappointed.

Training and qualifications

• Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) – intermediate member and trained in:
  • Copyediting Headway (Merit)
  • Copyediting Introduction
  • Proofreading Headway (Merit)
  • Proofreading Progress (Distinction)
  • Introduction to proofreading
• Editorial Skills for Business – The Publishing Training Company
• BA (Hons) English Literature 2:1, Cardiff University

Testimonials

Gina has brought a clear, detailed and professional approach to all the projects she has assessed and proofed for us. We look forward to working with her on new work.
Dr Richard Davies, Parthian Books 

As a new author I realised there’s so much more to presenting a manuscript professionally for final book design. This is where Gina really helped and delivered. She prepared my manuscript meticulously and also highlighted a few areas for clarification. It was the final, and very reassuring stage in the process for me. I can recommend Gina’s approach – a telephone conversation to understand the requirements followed up by a clear timetable.
D. Wild, self-published author

Gina has been working with us on a voluntary basis for three years now, proofreading our quarterly Mountain Rescue magazine. Her professional and efficient approach, and her attention to detail took us to a new level which she has continued to maintain. She is always quick to respond, and work with me to turn things round within our admittedly tight deadlines. As a very small design and production team of one, I have always espoused high production values and, thanks to Gina’s input, I am extra confident that we are producing a top-class publication that can stand proudly within the outdoor sports and emergency services sector.
Judy Whiteside, Editor & Publicity Officer, Mountain Rescue Magazine

About me

I am a freelance proofreader, offering a friendly and professional service. If you have material ready for publication, or to be posted on a website or blog, I can assist you by giving your document a final check to look for any errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar that may have slipped through, and will also check the overall style and layout for consistency throughout the material to ensure your work looks polished and professional.

I am happy to work on many different types of document, large or small, onscreen or on paper. I carry out the majority of my work on PDF, either using Adobe Acrobat’s annotation tools or the BSI proofreading symbols, but I can also work on Word documents using Track Changes.

I have experience of working with both publishers and businesses, proofreading a variety of material including non-fiction, fiction and marketing materials such as brochures and technical detailers.

I can work on a wide variety of subject matter, but offer excellent background knowledge in the areas of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences. My interests include gardening, history and nature.

Services

Proofreading

Experience

Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), formerly the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP)
Former career as a veterinary surgeon in small animal practice

Qualifications and awards

• Society for Editors and Proofreaders:
  Mentoring scheme (10/10)
  Proofreading Progress
• Publishing Training Centre:
  Basic Proofreading (Distinction)
• University of Edinburgh:
  BVM&S

Testimonials

Jodie has worked with 5m Publishing as a proofreader for Veterinary Practice magazine for about a year now. She is a delight to work with – her work is consistently of a high standard and she communicates any changes very well using the comments function on Adobe Reader. Jodie is reliable and flexible; she turns work around quickly and is understanding of tight deadlines.

Jennifer Parker, editor, Veterinary Practice magazine

I was recommended Jodie via 5m Publishing to proofread Improve International’s various prospectuses which we publish on an annual basis. Jodie has taken what was previously a painstaking task to something which is turned around in half the time without the stress. She is thorough, detailed, concise and so easy to work with. She has become my ‘go-to’ person for all technical and grammar issues regardless of the communication. She has made such a huge difference to my workload and enabled me to be confident in continuing to develop high-quality marketing materials.

Gaynor Moreton, Marketing Manager, Improve International

Jodie has proofread so many titles for us and is such an integral part of not just our process, but our team. I can always rely on her to meet every deadline, provide consistent changes, and deliver quality work. Due to her explanation of changes, I nearly always learn something too. We absolutely love working with her.

Sam Brace, Assistant Publisher, Agora Books

About me

I am a freelance copyeditor and proofreader specialising in music and humanities, but am happy to work on a wide variety of subjects.

Services

• Copyediting (on-screen and hard copy)
• Proofreading (on-screen and hard copy)

Experience

• Professional Member of the CIEP

Qualifications and awards

• PTC Basic Proofreading (Merit)
• CIEP Proofreading and Editing Music
• BA (Hons) in music
• LTCL (teaching piano and theory of music)
• CT ABRSM

Recent clients

• Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• codeMantra (Routledge)
• Wordcatcher Publishing
• PhD and Masters students from Cardiff University, Royal Academy of Music, Trinity Laban and Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (Zurich)
• Septura chamber brass ensemble
• City of Cardiff Symphony Orchestra

Testimonials

Having worked with a wide variety of freelance proofreaders in my 7 years working in the publishing industry, I personally would have no reservations in recommending Karen’s work which was of high standard.

Commissioning editor, Taylor & Francis

Karen was recommended to me to proofread my PhD thesis and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Karen was extremely diligent with the task in hand, always happy to answer my many, many questions, and completed the job within schedule and to a standard I could never have achieved alone. In fact, her devotion to the work went far beyond the words themselves; her seemingly encyclopaedic knowledge of all things written aided me in producing a beautifully presented thesis which was attractive to look at and as clear and well articulated as possible! I cannot recommend her highly enough. Thank you, Karen!

Matthew Bromley, PhD candidate, Cardiff

About me

I am an experienced publishing professional and language assessment specialist with over 10 years’ experience in the language industry: copyediting, proofreading, language assessment subject management, English language teaching and Spanish-to-English translation. I have a passion for words and an eye for detail.

I have worked both in-house and as a freelancer and specialise in non-fiction texts.

Always keeping the reader in mind, I ensure that your work is clear, precise and compelling while respecting your natural voice.

Services

• Proofreading
• Copyediting
• Editing and localising translated texts (Spanish to English)
• Language assessment item writing and revision

Specialist areas

• Children’s picture books
• Education
• History
• Languages
• Medicine

Experience

I am a Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP).

Qualifications and CPD

Copy Editing (Publishing Training Centre)
Medical Editing (SfEP, now CIEP)
Basic Proofreading (Publishing Training Centre)
Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL)
BA (Hons) in History

About me

I’m an editor and proofreader specialising in historical fiction.

I work on all historical periods, from prehistory to contemporary history, and on all subgenres of historical fiction, including action/adventure, crime/mystery/thriller, family sagas, and romance. I also work on historical fiction for children and young adults.

You can find out more about me on my website.

Services

• Manuscript critiques
• Developmental editing
• Line and copy-editing
• Proofreading

Experience

I am a Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), formerly the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP).

Training and Qualifications

• Essential Copy-editing, Publishing Training Centre (Merit)
• Developmental Editing of Fiction (Intermediate and Advanced), Editorial Freelancers Association
• Introduction to Fiction Editing, SfEP
• Editing with Word, SfEP
• Introduction to Copy-editing, SfEP
• Grammar at Work, Publishing Training Centre
• Basic Proofreading, Publishing Training Centre (Merit)
• PG Diploma in Organic Agriculture
• 2:1 (Joint Honours) Archaeology and Environmental Management

More about Sarah

When I’m not editing historical fiction (or reading it for pleasure) I enjoy baking and gardening.