Ed Heel | Editor and proofreader
- [email protected]
- Organisation
- Ed the Ed
- Job title
- Freelance Copy Editor and Proofreader
- Membership Grade
- Professional Member
About Ed
I've been freelancing since 2020. Before that, I worked as an editor at The Open University for about 18 months and as a proofreader at an academic journals typesetter for a similar period.
Apart from this, I spent about 15 years as a technical writer, working mainly on software documentation. As part of this work, I also did plenty of editing and proofreading.
Regarding tools, I'm familiar with Office and Oxygen XML Author.
Apart from the specialisms listed in this profile, I'd also love to work on plain English content aimed at the general public and anything related to music, which I love.
Experience
As an editor and proofreader, I've worked on a variety of material for a variety of organisations, including the following:
- His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services: copy-editing inspection reports
- The Open University: copy-editing or proofreading online course content – everything from earth science to philosophy!
- Elsevier Science: proofreading journal papers – everything from oncology to meat science!
- In Easy Steps: copy-editing and formatting a high-street brand of computer books
As a technical writer, I've worked on documentation for various companies, including Sophos and GE Aviation.
Qualifications
- Essential Copy-editing, Publishing Training Centre, 2020–2021 – Final grade: 84%
- Efficient Editing: Strategies and Tactics, CIEP, 2021
- Working with Authors, Publishing Training Centre, 2021
- Introduction to Publishing, Publishing Training Centre, 2020
- BSc Computer Science, Coventry University, 1989–1994
- HND Engineering, Nene College, 1987–1989
Testimonials
Ed’s editorial work was always of a very high standard and you could always rely on him to help out when resource was scarce. He built great relationships with Academics, Senior Project Managers and other work colleagues whilst carrying out his day-to-day duties.
I would highly recommend Ed to anyone looking for a freelancer who can fit right in and hit the ground running.
Vanessa Moore, Resource Manager, The Open University
Ed edited a research report to the highest standard. He noticed some inconsistencies between sections of the report, suggesting ways to better align them, and made some really helpful suggestions for restructuring. … He recommended changes to our work throughout to make sure it was as accessible for the public as possible and easy to read to make sure we got our message across.
Cerys Gibson, Senior Social Researcher, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services
I worked with Ed over a few months on two of my Open University engineering modules. During that time I always found Ed to be incredibly professional and approachable, displaying excellent attention to detail, and I, and other colleagues, enjoyed working with him very much. At times we had very tight deadlines and Ed always delivered. Actually one of the best copy editors I've had the pleasure of working with and I would highly recommend him.
Abi Lewis, Engineering Curriculum Manager, The Open University
His accuracy borders on the legendary. If you have ever seen an advertisement asking for someone who can "spot a typo at a thousand paces", they were clearly thinking of Ed.
Paul Oldfield, Documentation Manager, Sophos
Service
Specialisms
Disclaimer note
The CIEP Directory of Editorial Services should be considered a point of first contact and prospective clients must satisfy themselves that members are capable of the work on offer. The Institute cannot be held responsible for the quality of work provided by any member listed in the directory. The members themselves are responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of their entries in the Directory and the CIEP has not made any attempt to vet them. The institute cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the Directory. Inclusion in the Directory as a freelance does not necessarily mean that the member is self-employed as defined by HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions.