PROFILE
I’m a creative editor with a strong appreciation of the commercial and branding aims of a magazine or website. I can take a publication from drawing board to (highly) finished product with the minimum of fuss and maximum of style, and crucially I can deliver on time and on budget.
With more than 14 years’ experience in magazines and websites, the last seven at deputy and senior editor level, I have quantifiable experience of adding value to a brand. As Editor of Where London I grew its readership and added new publications. I managed content on our website and helped develop and maintain an iPhone app.
Currently I’m Senior Editor at the architecture and design website Arkitexture with responsibility for writing a range of features which are both SEO-friendly and of interest to a sophisticated, knowledgeable audience. I’ve also worked on some fantastic short-term projects this year: I was part of Rhubarbfool‘s team working with The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum to create a new handbook for them (ready in time for Easter 2015 despite a detailed review process). I also co-created a highly successful art show in June 2015, which you can read all about here.
As a writer I can create sharp, sparkling and informative copy on anything from heritage brands to top tips for entertaining toddlers. I am a fast and accurate sub editor and proofer with a good line in snappy heads.
I also create wikipedia entries on an ad hoc basis – please email me for more information.
SKILLS
Fast and accurate writer and proofer.
Magazine management and development.
Client liaison, representation and negotiation.
Proficient with InDesign, InCopy and Quark Xpress.
Proficient with WordPress and standard content management systems.
Basic Japanese and French.
Strong contacts in tourism, hospitality, travel and dining.
EXPERIENCE
Editor, Arkitexture – August 2014-
Responsibility for writing a range of features which are both SEO-friendly and of interest to a sophisticated, knowledgeable audience.
Editor, Royal Wings –January-July 2014
Editor of Royal Jordanian’s inflight magazine. I completed a major redesign which aligned the magazine with the airline’s comprehensive rebranding.
Freelance Editor, Writer and Sub Editor – 2013-
Editorial pitch and presentation for Rhubarb Fool Content Creative, including editing Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum’s new guidebook plus copy writing for Westfield and Selfridges. I continued writing features, with work in IN London, IN London Arabic edition, kingsroad.com, Where London Chinese Edition and thelondonword.co.uk.
Editor, Where London, Morris Visitor Publications — 2010-2012
Where is a global brand offering visitor guides in four and five-star hotels plus other business and luxury destinations. Within the Where London stable I managed not only the main monthly magazine but also its biannual Russian and Chinese supplements. I was involved in the Chinese magazine’s inception and creation, while also extending the brand’s reach by helping to develop an iPhone app. I developed custom copy for major retail and credit companies including China UnionPay and Chanel, and helped manage those relationships. I wrote features and listings, subbed and proofed the magazine, plus created content for www.wheretraveler.com. I also regularly represented MVP and Where at events: raising the brand’s profile by working with concierges, partners and advertisers was an important part of the company ethos.
Editor, London Planner, Morris Visitor Publications — 2008-2010
London Planner is VisitBritain and London & Partners’ official visitor guide, distributed worldwide. As Editor I oversaw every aspect of each issue, from flat-planning, page layout and feature selection to selecting covers and cover lines, within a very tight budget. I wrote features and reviews on every aspect of London life and events, created and checked listings with meticulous accuracy, read proofs and signed off. My role also included walking the delicate path between the needs of our contract partners and the desires of our advertisers.
Deputy Editor, Where London, Morris Visitor Publications —2006-2010
I wrote and proofed both features and listings for the Where-branded magazines, with an emphasis on museums, galleries, events and dining. I was also responsible for online content at www.wheretraveler.com.
Freelance Writer and Sub Editor — 2003-2005
I worked for magazines including OK!, Mizz, New, X-Elements, The Sunday Age (Australia), Horse And Hound and Top Of The Pops.
Senior Sub Editor and Writer, Hot Stars, Northern & Shell — 2002-2003
While working as a sub editor on OK! I was picked to work on the launch of Hot Stars, a stand-alone publication aimed at taking on Heat. While it now resides inside OK! as its TV pages, it was invaluable experience in how to develop a magazine from concept to reality.
Sub Editor, OK!, Northern & Shell — 2001-2002
I was one of a team of five tasked with subbing and proofing OK!. I learned how to work carefully, accurately and discreetly while under extreme pressure.
Editorial Assistant, Heritage Magazine, Romsey Publishing (now Archant) — 1999-2001
Part of a team of three, I received an excellent grounding in all areas of magazine production. I also deputised for the Editor when he was away.
EDUCATION
University Of Birmingham — 1995-1999. 2:1 in English and Japanese.
Nanzan University, Nagoya, Japan — 1997-1998. A full scholarship to study Japanese Language and Literature, in competition with seven other UK universities.
St. Edward’s School, Oxford — 1992-1994. A, A, C at A level.