Why work with me?
Because I'm qualified
I hold a BSc (Hons) degree in human biology with health science. My university education included creative writing, where I honed style and narrative techniques. As for my editorial training, I've been schooled by industry giants: the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and the Publishing Training Centre (PTC).
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... And I'm experienced
I have been writing, editing and proofreading in one form or another since 1997. My journey began as a layout artist and proofreader, before I moved onto freelance copyediting and proofreading for book publishers. I began specialising in medical editing in 2009, and, since then, I've worked on over a thousand medico-legal reports, copyedited medical textbooks for Cambridge University Press and worked in many therapy areas on medical communications and education materials.
... But mainly, because I'm a voracious reader
I read while brushing my teeth. I read in queues and in waiting rooms. I listen to audiobooks in the car, in the shower and while cooking. Stephen King said, 'If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time, or the tools, to write'. I believe the same is true for editors. Yes, qualifications and experience are important, but a good editor needs to have read widely. Every book has its own lessons to teach on style and structure, as well as spelling, punctuation and grammar. And that’s more valuable than any course.
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Life Sciences (human biology)
DipHE Health Sciences
CertHE Natural Sciences
CertHE Social Sciences
DipHE Creative Writing
THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
Medical Editing
Copyediting
Editing with Word
CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF EDITING AND PROOFREADING (CIEP)
Adobe Tools for Editors
Editing
Author Queries
PUBLISHING TRAINING CENTRE (PTC)
It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside Jo. Her skills in medical copyediting and proofing are second to none. She has an excellent work ethic and was extremely efficient in what was a very busy and pressured environment. I would not hesitate in recommending Jo. Anyone working with her will benefit greatly from her skillset but perhaps even more so from being around her wonderful personality.
Gillian Smith, business owner at G.S. Virtual Assistants
Location
I'm based in Manchester, UK, along with my constant companion, Rosie the dog. However, you don't need to be near Manchester to work with me: I work with clients worldwide via phone, email and video calls.
Jo edits medico-legal reports for us and has done for many years. She works with our house style, is confident to make the decisions needed for the edit and has excellent proofreading skills. She is very organised, communicates well, and works to our deadlines. We are very happy to have her as part of our wider team.