Alexandra D.

Have you created some text that you'd like a second pair of eyes to look over, checking the sense and refining it with perfect grammar and spelling? Or maybe English isn't your first language, and you'd like some help to make your copy read like it was written by a native speaker? Either way, you've come to the right place! My speciality is working with texts both long and short, and from all backgrounds, fixing the typos and tweaking phrases or sentences to help the flow of the language. My default is British English, but I'm happy to work in different styles (such as US English) or follow a set style guide. I started editing shortly after finishing my degree at Oxford 25 years ago, and am now a full-time freelancer working on all sorts of projects from my home office. I have a flexible but focused attitude to work and am often available for quick turnaround projects. I frequently work with people who don't have English as a mother tongue, and will put in the effort to make sure your text sounds like it's been written by a native speaker. I work primarily in British English but am happy to adapt to US/Australian styles where needed. What sort of projects do I work on? • Magazine/catalogue/marketing publication work In the past I have worked as a subeditor for major UK magazines including BBC Good Food, Food & Travel, Lonely Planet Traveller, Good Housekeeping and Vogue; and as a subeditor/proofreader for customer publications and catalogues for major brands including Marks & Spencer, English Heritage, Aston Martin and P&O Cruises. I now take on similar proofreading and editing projects from home, using Word, Google Docs or PDFs as required. I hold a diploma in Magazine Editorial from the London School of Publishing. • Book proofreading and copy-editing I have copy-edited and proofread numerous books, including novels for Lindbak + Lindbak, travel guides for Wild Things Publishing and lifestyle titles for Summersdale (an imprint of Hachette UK) and Flame Tree Publishing, as well as books for self-publishing clients. My specialities are travel, food and other lifestyle subjects, but I will happily take on most subjects as I love learning about new things! I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders (CIEP) and have passed core training in both copy-editing and proofreading. • Academic editing/proofreading I hold Masters degrees from both Oxford University and the University of London and have worked on several thesis/dissertation submissions and journal articles for UK universities and other institutions around Europe. I have completed both the CIEP’s Proofreading Theses and Dissertations course and Proofreading Academy's Academic Proofreading course so I have a good understanding of the language style required, the various referencing systems and the ethical considerations involved this academic work. • Content writing My content writing work is mostly in the travel sphere – I have written hundreds of accommodation descriptions, area guides and blog articles for Pitchup (one of Europe's leading OTAs) as well as tour descriptions for companies such as WithLocals. These all rely on finding a balance between interesting reading, accurate details and SEO optimisation. I have taken several SEMRush courses and the extensive Udemy SEO/Local SEO course, which have given me great insight into optimising text for SEO. • Other editing/proofreading projects Almost anything you can suggest! Upwork has so far sent me: websites, calendars, promotional brochures, job applications, CVs… if it has words, I can proofread it!