Mrs Julie Hopkins-O'Keeffe |

Web
https://clearenglish.uk/

Featured

I'm a freelance traditional copyeditor, proofreader and writer specialising in clear English. I prefer the term 'clear English' over the more traditional 'plain English' because 'plain English' has the negative connotation of being 'boring' – and our beautiful language is anything but!

I have been working on materials and content as an editor, proofreader and writer for 30 years. Having worked on elearning content and materials for the past 10 years, I understand how both online and printed learning and teaching materials need to be written and laid out in order to be 100 per cent effective for English language readers of all abilities (including SEND) and diverse cultural backgrounds.

I am dedicated to ensuring the English I produce clear, concise, compelling and, obviously, correct, as well as fully inclusive. 

• Elearning and teaching materials with a clear understanding of learning pedagogy
• Alt text, captioning, summarising and paraphrasing
• Marketing, advertising, PR and both internal and external communications 
• Prospectuses, leaflets, flyers, menus, etc. 

Please note that I do not work on student theses, dissertations, etc.

Contact me today at [email protected]

www.clearenglish.uk/

Media

• MS Office (Word using Track Changes and Comments)
• PDF (Full Adobe editing tools)
• Online learning software and Content Management Systems (CMS)
• PerfectIt

I do not work on XML platforms.

Qualifications and awards

BA (Hons) English Language and Literature (1st)

CIEP Advanced Professional Member since 2019

Experience

30 years' editorial experience, including full-time, in-house editorial roles. Freelance since 2013. Previously owner of OneStop Editorial Services (closed October 2023), now owner of Clear English Ltd.

• 10 years' experience of editing and proofreading online learning courses for The Open University as a Trusted Freelance Resource; also an approved freelance editor/proofreader for the Education and Training Foundation (ETF)
• Technical content editor - 10 years' experience of bid/tender editing
• Creative copywriter/editor – worked as a senior creative editor for Hallmark Cards UK and recently edited a series of content questions for a highly acclaimed new board game 
• Also worked in PR, marketing, communications and advertising, and as a newspaper features writer.

Recent training

• Word for practical editing (CIEP) 2022–23
• Referencing (CIEP) 2021
• PerfectIt (Cadman Training) 2020
• PDF Mark Ups (CIEP) 2020
• Grammar Matters (The Open University OpenLearn course) 2019
• Brush Up Your Grammar (SfEP) 2018
• Online Content Editing (Online Content Training) 2017
• Proofreading: Progress (SfEP) 2016
• Proofreading 1: Introduction (SfEP) 2014
• Copy-editing 1: Introduction (SfEP) 2015

Recent clients

• The Education & Training Foundation (ETF) – Taken on in 2023 as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader, working initially on its T Level Professional Development online courses. The ETF supports teachers and leaders across the further education and training sector to help achieve professional development goals for the benefit of learners and employers across England. To date have worked on courses including Business & Administration, Finance & Accounting, and Construction & The Built Environment.

• Two Brothers Games – League of the Lexicon board game – Proofread several different iterations of questions as well as branding and packaging for the company's award-winning and critically acclaimed board game.

• Hattons Model Railways (Widnes, Cheshire) – Editorial consultant working with the MD and Customer Services (CX) teams to create and implement a vibrant, direct, concise and clear new tone of voice across the company. Also reviewed and advised on CX staff's email communications in terms of their language clarity, efficiency and effectiveness.

• The Open University Learning & Training Solutions (LTS) – the University's publishing division) -  Trusted, Preferred Freelancer since 2013 across many of its global online learning modules/courses on platforms including OpenLearn and FutureLearn. 2021 update: Full in-house training as an OU senior editor (Digital Development Editor (DDE) ): trained in working across the OU's online learning platforms including OpenLearn, Moodle and FutureLearn; learned how to mark up texts in Word and then convert these instructions into structured tagging in oXygen, the OU's proprietory xml software, and how to further edit for late changes within it; trained to publish completed online courses live. 

• SmartPE Proofreading and editing 'SmartCards' for GCSE learners.

• John Harvey Murray - developmental and full copy-editing crime thriller and historical fictional manuscripts.
• Structo literary magazine - short turnaround proofread over weekend.
• Wiley Group Publishing - edit and rewrite academic teaching and learning document including section rewrite for Wiley Researcher Academy.
• Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Manchester, UK (creative agency within law firm)
• Private publishers (self-publishing).
• Cengage Learning educational sector publisher.
• WordsWorks (copywriting agency), Stockport, UK.
• BidPerfect Ltd Bid and tender support organisation.

testimonials

I worked with Julie for 12 months on range of high profile and high value tenders within the engineering consultancy business. During that time, I found Julie to be very approachable and professional for each of the technical bids that she supported. Her 'plain English' approach helped transform my style of writing, which I believe strengthened the quality and appeal of our bids for our diverse client base. In addition to providing high quality advice and guidance on constructing documents, Julie is an expert proof reader. I am impressed with her positive attitude when providing feedback on documents, such that she doesn't just 'correct' errors, but takes the time to explain her findings which has helped me become a more attentive and consistent author on future documents. I can highly recommend Julie to manage and support all manner of editing and proof reading services, particularly for technical tenders, presentations and sales information material such as posters and leaflets. It was a pleasure to work with Julie because it's not often you find someone who is this technically competent with such a warm personality. Thanks Julie!

Russell Green BEng, MSc., CEng., MIMMM Nuclear Engineer

Julie recently carried out a proofread of my Illustrated Russian Grammar manuscript. I found her very easy to work with, professional and helpful throughout the job. Julie was able to turn the work around within my tight deadline. I would not hesitate to recommend Julie to any other authors looking for a professional edit.

Goutta Snetkov, Committee at Russian Teachers' Group UK

Julie has edited my novel Double Entry. She has been friendly but professional throughout and has made many helpful suggestions for better wording as well as correcting errors of grammar and punctuation, educating me in modern best practice on the way. She has pointed out a few inconsistencies in the plot. She has adhered to agreed timescales in spite of my indiscipline. 

I hope she will be available when the sequel is ready. 
 

John Harvey Murray writing as Geoffrey Monmouth, Author.

We recently commissioned Julie to undertake the copy editing of a 9,500 word academic book chapter to be published by IGI Global in 2018. I’m assuming Julie did not have any detailed background relating to the topic in question (multidisciplinary learning), however she appeared to have no problem picking up the context of the chapter and applying her own expertise, as well as the publisher’s guidelines around referencing (APA) and formatting. 
 
Julie has a very high level of professionalism – she was prompt in providing a quote for the work and maintained a very timely and clear level of communication with me (as one of the authors) throughout the task. I was extremely pleased with the standard of work that Julie produced for us, in particular her explanations around where changes were required to the grammar and seeking clarification from me on queries, where required.  The work also involved some additional editing towards the final stages of the task which Julie went out of her way to complete in order to meet our deadline.
 
I would definitely recommend Julie to other colleagues and although my area of work does not require a great deal of copy editing work, I would certainly seek to use Julie’s services again in the future.
 
 

Helen Cooke
Senior Manager, Curriculum Innovation
The Open University

You simply couldn't go anywhere else to get such a level of knowledge on anything English and language based. Julie's ability to cut through muddy copy and come up with clear and sparkling text is fantastic. As a lead graphic designer I Worked with Julie on 3 years worth of projects that ranged from terribly technical nuclear documentation to communications and marketing material, so much of what she was has rubbed on to my own world. When working with clients it has given me an ability to go forward with suggestions for copy changes to tidy up the overall design of a page, advert and whole project. The dreaded listed bullet point that can become short punchy comments. Over-worded lines can be cut back to the core requirements and a more content and visually rich piece is developed. I would have no hesitation in recommending Julie and would happily bring her to be brought in on a client's project for advice on editing and rewriting.

Robert Birkehnead, Charger Graphics

Julie Hopkins is an excellent editor. Having worked with Julie for over two years I believe her work both influences and excels the company profile in the nuclear market. I would highly recommend Julie for any editorial works within a technical industry.

Trish Maloney, Bid Writer, Galliford Try

Julie was recommended by a colleague who had worked with her previously. He stated that she was quick, efficient and thorough and I have to say she did not disappoint. The work she took on was highly intricate with a tight deadline to meet. 

In the first instance Julie was asked to do a sense-check and review of a 90, 000 word document, but on further investigation it was established that a full copy edit was required. Julie’s level of professionalism and professional courtesy was of the highest level. She took on the copy-edit, although it was outside of the scope that had originally been set, and turned it around in excellent time. This was not a rushed piece of work. She asked key questions about how I would like the work presented, what my deadline was, and she was honest when informing me of when she could have the work returned to me.

Julie ensured that she queried any points that were vague or ambiguous and even conversed with the author and clients who had commissioned the work, to ensure that they were happy with what was produced.

Julie was also able to assist me when I really needed an editor to proofread a separate 90, 000 word document that was part of the same project. I had initially anticipated working with an in-house member of staff but when that fell through I turned to Julie who went above and beyond the work she had initially agreed to do, and as I had come to expect from her, returned a well formatted, clear document for the academic to work with.

For future projects, Julie is the first freelance editor I will approach. The level of service she provides, her skills and attention to detail, and her friendly and helpful manner  are the best I have ever experienced.

Aniis Le Neve,

Project Manager 

LTI OMIL - Corporate & Commercial 
Learning and Teaching Solutions
The Open University

I am pleased to provide a brief testimonial for the editorial work I have received from OneStop Editorial Services. Julie’s keen eye for grammar, punctuation, and our ‘house style’ has greatly enhanced the clarity and coherence of the piece. Julie consistently delivers high-quality edits while respecting our voice. Julie’s professionalism, promptness, and open communication have made the entire editing process seamless and enjoyable. I highly recommend her editorial services to anyone seeking a skilled and dedicated professional to bring their written work to its fullest potential.

Cathy Gowling,

Project Manager,
Corporate and Commercial, Learner and Discovery Services,

The Open University

Julie was conscientious, flexible and friendly to work with. She has a keen eye and went above and beyond to ensure our copy was error-free. 

Joshua Blackburn,

Founder, Two Brothers Games