| Jane Simmonds | Non-fiction editor, proofreader and developmental editor
- [email protected]
- Organisation
- Jane Simmonds Editorial
- Membership Grade
- Advanced Professional Member
About Jane
I'm a highly experienced independent copyeditor, proofreader and developmental editor. I work on a wide range of non-fiction titles for clients including general and academic publishers, businesses, charities and self-publishing authors, on subjects ranging from gardening to business, from history to psychology.
I am versatile, efficient and enthusiastic, focusing on excellent client communication, and producing work to an extremely high standard within deadlines.
How can I help you?
- I offer developmental editing, copyediting and proofreading and can work on your material at any stage, from first draft to the final stages before publication.
- I specialise in non-fiction, both print and digital, including adults’, children’s, academic and travel titles, websites, and business materials.
- I work with publishers, businesses, charitable organisations and authors who wish to self-publish or prepare their work for agents and publishers.
- I can help you to clarify the purpose of your text and get its message across.
- I offer web editing - including working directly on the site in WordPress.
Sometimes it's hard to know exactly which service you need for your project. Get in touch to chat about what will work for you.
Subjects
Gardening, horticulture, botany
Biography, autobiography, memoir
Business and marketing
Academic humanities (history, art, architecture, literature, psychology)
Education
"How to" guides
Yoga
General science
Natural history, conservation, ecology
Travel
Media
Books, academic books, illustrated books, how to books, journals, company literature, training materials, business materials, websites, multi-author books, travel guides.
Specialised software
InDesign, Word, WordPress, Adobe Acrobat Reader, MailChimp.
Qualifications and training
Training courses: Web editing (CIEP) 2020; References (SfEP) 2017; On-screen editing 2 (SfEP) 2015; Copy-editing 2 (SfEP) 2014; WordPress workshop 2014.
Conferences: CIEP conference 2020–24; SfEP conference 2016, 2019; SfEP Southwest mini-conference 2018.
Academic qualifications: BA English Language and Literature (University of Manchester, 2.1); Certificate in Ecology and Conservation (Birkbeck, Merit).
Experience
Independent copyeditor and proofreader since 1998; senior editor, DK Publishing, 1990–98; assistant editor, Europa Publications, 1989–90.
Recent clients
Publishers: Right Book Company, Dorling Kindersley, Princeton University Press, Thameside Media, Neon Squid, Routledge/T&F, CUP, Palgrave Macmillan, Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
Independent and self-publishing authors, and students.
Websites: EAG Tax, National Handwriting Association, Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Walthamstow Montessori School, Newhouse Farm Cottages.
Educational training resources/charities: Thrive, National Handwriting Association.
What my clients say
"I must thank you for the wonderfully careful and sustained corrections. You've improved the accuracy of text and notes immeasurably.” Sir Brian Vickers, Thomas Kyd: A Dramatist Restored
“A massive, massive thanks for all your help. Looking back I don’t think we could have got it over the line and certainly to the finish we have without you.” Independent author
“I really can’t thank you enough for your patience and skill with this book … you have provided the sparkle and expertise.” Margaret Rice, The Henry Bagwell Story; Merchants and Mayors in Tudor Exeter
“It has been a huge pleasure working with Jane on this. Her encouraging and appreciative style coupled with her insightful comments and ideas really inspired me.” Joan van den Brink, responding to a developmental edit of The Three Companions
“Jane is a superb copyeditor who can handle large book projects with complicated academic apparatus and various kinds of formatting. Her work is clear and precise.” Lawrence Venuti, Professor Emeritus of English, Temple University, Philadelphia
“Jane is a reliable and responsive freelancer. She has done an excellent job of proofreading our training resources. I would not hesitate to use her again.” Lisa Fraley, Thrive
“I have always found Jane a thoughtful and thorough proofreader, making a wide range of comments on everything from spelling to font format. Her ability to work from digital spreads is particularly helpful – especially when projects have a tight schedule.” Toby Mann, DK Publishing
"Sincerest thanks for this. I am delighted with your feedback and comments." Jayne Thompson, journal article on parental engagement
"Your advice and suggestions were clear and showed a good understanding of the subject matter at hand (architectural design, history and theory). The work was always delivered on time. More importantly, the amendments respected the author's writing style, and served to enhance the final piece." Dr Constance Lau, Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture, University of Westminster, London
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.