About

Favourite books:

A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving

Rebecca, by Daphne Du Maurier

A Room of One’s Own, by Virginia Woolf

I founded Wrate’s Editing Services in 2013 after being disappointed by the quality of some self-published books I’d read. Although the books were obviously interesting and well thought out (otherwise I wouldn’t have bought them in the first place), they were let down by their lack of readability. My aim is therefore simple; to make sure that your book is the very best it can be, and not to leave your readers feeling disappointed.

I began my career as a journalist after graduating from Lancaster University with a BA(Hons) in Philosophy. My first job was Junior Reporter with the Hackney Gazette in East London. I later settled in Crystal Palace, south-east London, and in the decade since then, as well as editing books, I have written for a variety of national newspapers and magazines. See my In the Press page for examples of my published work.

Favourite books:

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

The A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R. R. Martin

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

I embarked upon my career in proofreading after graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons). You could be forgiven for thinking that all those law textbooks would have scared me off books forever, but nothing could be further from the truth. I genuinely enjoy the satisfaction of returning a thoroughly-proofed project, knowing that all those mistakes and typos will never again see the light of day. I’ve worked with a wide variety of projects, from novels to CVs to blogs and everything in between. I try to steer clear of law textbooks, though.

Favourite books:

Birdsong, by Sebastian Faulkes

The Ice Twins, by S.K. Tremayne

Inspector Morse Series, by Colin Dexter

I did my degree in journalism and since then have built my 22-year career working in newspapers, press agencies, and magazines.

I have held several deputy features editor and features editor roles, which have honed my keen eye for grammatical errors and typos. I like to think that a mistake has little chance of getting past my scrutiny.

As a keen reader myself, I find that proofreading the hard work and dream projects of authors is not only enjoyable but a privilege, too.

Favourite books:

Persuasion, by Jane Austin

The Harry Hole series, by Jo Nesbo

The Cormoran Strike Mysteries, by Robert Galbraith

I’ve been assisting authors for over 7 years, and I love helping them get their books out of their heads and into print. I have worked with a range of business owners, as well as authors of self-help and fiction. I live in Kent with my son and enjoy a range of pursuits, including skiing, swimming, sailing, reading a good book and drinking prosecco.

Favourite books:

Covenant With Death, by John Harris

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, by Louis de Bernieres

Cutting for Stone, by Abraham Verghese

I served a 5-year trade apprenticeship as a hot-metal compositor back in the mid-60s. On completion of my apprenticeship, I travelled widely and also trained as a book designer. As a sales manager working for Europe’s largest book printer, I headed up the company’s small press division, which specialises in working with authors and self-publishers. My expertise comes in being able to immediately relate to authors and self-publishers who are keen to get their books laid out and produced to a high professional standard.

Favourite books:

Catherine, by Anya Seaton

Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell

The Jack Reacher Book Series, by Lee Child

I trained as a graphic designer in Brighton and East Ham, and have 30 years’ experience in the industry. Throughout my career I have worked for book publishing companies as well as newspaper and magazine groups, including Trinity Mirror. In my spare time I am studying for an MA in drawing at the University of the Arts in London, which is ranked in the world’s top 5 art and design universities.