About Us

Danielle
Editor and Publisher

I began my career with words after graduating from Lancaster University with a BA (Hons) in Philosophy and gaining an NCTJ qualification in journalism. My first position was Junior Reporter with the Hackney Gazette in East London and I have subsequently written for national magazines and newspapers, both as a full-time staff member and on a freelance basis. I founded Wrate’s Editing Services in 2013 after being disappointed by the quality of some of the self-published books on the market.

Danielle’s top three

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

James
Designer

I have been designing books for 20 years for publishers including Profile Books, Tate and British Museum Press. I’ve worked with authors including Mary Beard, Simon Garfield, David Olusoga and Francis Bourgeois. I was brought up in London in a house full of books and love to read.

James’s top three

The Crow Road by Ian Banks

Poseidon’s Gold by Lindsey Davis

The Reverse of the Medal by Patrick O’Brian

Rachel
Designer and Illustrator

I worked for over 20 years as a graphic designer in the world of magazines and advertising, for titles including Woman’s Own, OK!, Marie Claire and Homes & Gardens. In 2019, I fulfilled a lifetime ambition by gaining a BA (Hons) in Illustration from the University of East London, and I now combine my skills to produce posters and book covers. Every idea starts with a sketch, and my favourite medium is coloured pencil. I produce the finished artwork digitally but always with an analog, painterly feel.

Rachel’s top three

House of the Spirits by Isabelle Allende

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Abby
Proofreader

I embarked on 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.

Abby’s top three

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

Wendy
Proofreader

For many years I worked as the chief sub editor on a leading national women’s magazine, where I learnt the value of concise writing – making every word count. I have since worked on fiction and lifestyle titles for Wrate’s Editing Services and for publishers of craft, travel and education books, among others.

Wendy’s top three

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Duerr

Notes from an Exhibition by Patrick Gale

French Braid by Anne Tyler

Steve
eBook Creator

I have 25 years’ extensive experience within the book and publishing industry. Having originally trained in typesetting, I have accrued invaluable experience in design, book and print processes, digital conversions and metadata throughout my career working on notable projects, including one famous wizard!

Steve’s top three

Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose

The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Alexa
Designer

I have been typesetting and creating book covers for over 12 years. My extensive experience means I understand the importance of eye-catching design whilst knowing what makes books sell. I pride myself on my ability to make even the most complicated business-style book easy to read with a clear and professional layout.

Alexa’s top three

Persuasion by Jane Austin

The Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbo

The Cormoran Strike Mysteries by Robert Galbraith

Assisting authors from draft to publication.

Professionally Publish Your Manuscript

While writing a book is undeniably challenging, publishing one doesn’t have to be. Let Danielle and her expert team help you to create something you can be truly proud of.

Contact Danielle

Please tell me about your project, and I will be in touch with you soon.

About Us

Assisting authors from draft to publication.

Professionally Publish Your Manuscript

Contact Danielle

Wrate's Self-Publishing Editing