Lisa Cordaro |

I help people to achieve clear and engaging communication. 

Your writing is important. It's your legacy, and it matters.

I work with independent non-fiction authors and self-publishers, publishers, businesses and organisations. Friendly, accurate and expert editing and advice.

As well as line and copy-editing and proofreading, I provide manuscript assessment and critique, development and structural editing to authors planning to self-publish or who are looking to query agents and/or publishers for a book deal, or their contracted publishers.

I help authors repurpose content. If you have content that you would like to publish in book format, I can support you through the process, shaping and editing it to create a great product.

I also offer consultancy on self-publishing, book concept ideation and house style creation.

MEDIA

• agency communications
• articles
• books
• blogs
• B2B and B2C
• company and corporate literature
• journals
• marketing and promotional content
• online content
• papers
• presentations
• reports
• research and policy
• training and educational materials
• websites

Please note that I am exclusively a non-fiction editor.

I do not take on student coursework, dissertations, fiction writing, poetry or novels.

SUBJECTS

• architecture and urbanism
• banking and finance
• biography and memoir
• built environment
• business, management and organisation
• careers and professional development
• charities
• cinema, film and TV
• communications
• culture and cultural studies
• food and gastronomy
• health, fitness and wellness
• history (European)
• investment, venture capital, founder and start-up
• leadership and organisation
• media and new media
• personal development
• photography
• policy, analysis and regulation (national and international)
• politics and government
• popular music
• professional education and training
• property and property development
• social sciences/studies
• travel
• visual culture

My portfolio is available at my website.

Please note: I DO NOT take on manuscripts containing the following:

• PTSD, trauma and dissociation
• tragic accident
• loss, bereavement and grief
• abuse and survival
• rape and sexual violence/abuse
• coercive control and domestic violence
• violence
• self-harm
• BDSM and kink
• horror and gore
• suicide and suicidal ideation
• alcohol or substance abuse
• addiction and recovery
• body dysmorphia
• disordered eating
• murder
• terrorism and active shooter attacks
• abduction, kidnapping and internment
• crime and prison stories
• human trafficking
• war stories
• animal cruelty
• hypnosis/hypnotherapy
• mind control, cults
• the paranormal
• New World Order and conspiracy theory
• political extremism and activism
• extremist religious practice or activism

CLIENTS

Past and present clients include:

• Independent authors and private clients
• Sage Publications
• Nuffield Trust
• RAND Europe
• Intellect Books
• Pearson Business and Professional
• Igloo Books
• IEMA
• Academic Editing Ltd
• Bloomsbury Professional
• Practical Inspiration Publishing
• Institute for Government
• Out of House Publishing (for Manchester University Press, Routledge, Ashgate Publishing, Gower Publishing, I.B. Tauris)
• Sue Richardson Associates
• Matthew Batchelor Communications (for HM Government Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission)
• Balloon View
• Rethink Press
• The Right Book Company
• Action for Children
• Family and Parenting Institute
• King's College London
• University of Birmingham
• Policy Press
• Wordwright (for Learning and Skills Council, Ofsted, National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), National College for Teaching and Leadership)

TESTIMONIALS

"My wonderful editor, Lisa Cordaro, shaped this into the helpful guide it was always meant to be: her insights and experience have been invaluable."

Julia Elliott Brown, author

Raise: The Female Founder's Guide to Securing Investment

(Enter the Arena Publishing, 2022)

Shortlisted, Business Book Awards 2023, Specialist Business Books category

Amazon bestseller, Venture Capital category

"I would like to pay special thanks to my editor, Lisa Cordaro. Writing a book for the first time and handing it over to someone else for scrutiny is a daunting prospect.

From the very first communication we had, Lisa was able to grasp the vision I had for the project. Her encouragement, professionalism and sharp business acumen have helped to make this book far better than it otherwise would have been."

Dave Holloway, author

Wonder Leads: Remarkable Lead Generation for Positive Small Businesses

(Jolly Funnel Press, 2020)

Silver Medal Award Winner, Axiom Business Book Awards 2021, Sales category

Shortlisted, Business Book Awards 2021, Sales and Marketing category

2x Amazon bestseller, Sales and Marketing category

"Lisa did a wonderful job on my new book, The Servant Leader’s Manifesto. She really made the book pop and brought out the best from my drafting!"

Omar L. Harris, author

The Servant Leader’s Manifesto

(Intent Books, 2020)

"Lisa was a great resource and she helped me to improve my manuscript. She took it to the next level and gave such helpful insights and shared comments that have been ever so useful. She is very quick to respond, very diligent and she works very structured. She sticks to deadlines and really makes an effort to understand the concept of the book, the audience and also thinks of writing it in ways to help sell the book.

I would strongly recommend Lisa to anyone who has the ambition to finalise their management book manuscript. Guaranteed your manuscript will be in very good hands."

Barbara Koenen-Geerdink, author

Beyond Billable Hours: Your Guide to Career Success in Professional Services Firms

(Independently published, 2020)

"Lisa proved invaluable as the editor of my book, Madagascar Unknown: Adventures Off the Beaten Track.

What was initially a travel journal was transformed into a book with Lisa’s editorial input. As an experienced editor, she was able to pinpoint where I needed to make changes to the content and detail of the manuscript, and where to make it more colourful and free-flowing for the reader.

After the initial changes she worked extremely hard on the copy and line edit, and made the resultant manuscript something to be proud of.

All through the process she was professional, objective and very easy to communicate with. I would recommend her."

Charlie Barrett, author

Madagascar Unknown: Adventures Off the Beaten Track

(Amazon Kindle, 2019)

"Lisa is an extremely knowledgeable and supportive editor. As a first-time author, I was unsure what to expect and nervous about receiving feedback; however, I need not have been concerned. Lisa is sensitive to potential concerns, and communicates in a professional, honest yet considerate fashion. Lisa's advice and guidance were superb, and helped guide my book into a much better place.

I learned a great deal from Lisa, which I know has improved my writing. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her, and highly recommend her services."

Kate Minchin, author

Always Time for Coffee: A Down-to-Earth Guide for Frontline Managers, Team Leaders and Supervisors

(Amazon, Kobo and print, 2019)

"It’s the first time I’ve worked with an editor and I have felt safe and in good hands with Lisa. She’s gone way beyond the call of duty in her work on the manuscript, and her communication throughout has been excellent."

Pilar Orti, co-author (with Maya Middlemiss)

Thinking Remote: Inspiration for Leaders of Distributed Teams

(Amazon Kindle and print, 2019)

"I had written cookery books before but this was my first food history. I knew I needed an editor to smooth out my occasionally ragged English, but hadn't realised how valuable Lisa would be in improving the flow of the narrative and reworking the text to make the meaning clearer.

My email queries were answered promptly, and the finished manuscript accurately reflects the changes we made.

Lisa and I had an initial conversation where we talked about the book and who the potential audience would be. I was impressed how carefully Lisa listened to my answers and thought then that she would be an excellent editor.

I was proved right."

David Smith, author

The Cooking Colonel of Madras

(Lulu, 2018)

"I worked with Lisa when she edited an e-book of mine. It was the first piece of work like this that I had completed, and also the first time I had worked with an editor, so I was a bit nervous about the whole process.

I needn't have been, because Lisa ensured the whole process went smoothly from start to finish. Lisa talked the process through before starting work, and answered any questions I had patiently and thoroughly. The actual edits were fantastic, and her style was so easy to work with.

I would not hesitate to recommend Lisa, and would most definitely work with her again."

Lildonia McNally Lawrence, co-author (with Cory McNally)

How to Buy a Property: A Simple Guide for Millennials

(Amazon Kindle and print, 2017)

"I have gone through your work and I’m very pleased with what you have done with the text. I can tell you put a lot of thought and work into it. I think your comments and queries are very clear.

Thanks again for your hard work! I look forward to the possibility of working with you again."

Kelly Mundt-Czerkawska, managing editor

Sue Richardson Associates Ltd

"Lisa was endlessly patient and conscientious with a very complex project: I was impressed by her professional approach and the quality of her editorial interventions. I have no hesitation recommending her as a copy-editor."

Alison Jones, CEO and publisher

Practical Inspiration Publishing

"Lisa worked with me to develop and copy edit my non-fiction sample chapters manuscript prior to submission to an interested publisher. There were two phases, a collaborative development editing phase and a technical copy edit. Lisa’s approach to both phases was first class. Her technical copy edit was exemplary, turning what I had thought was a decent manuscript into a much tighter, more professional, clearer draft. I accepted every change she suggested and every query was spot on.

Prior to that, in the development edit, she revealed an in-depth understanding of the brief and helped me reshape the manuscript by combining diplomacy and reassurance with complete honesty and directness as to what was needed.

She is a first-class editor with great collaboration skills and I would work with her again without hesitation. She knows what you want to say, even if you can’t quite say it yourself."

Howard Walwyn, author

Clear Business English for Financial Services Professionals

(manuscript in submission)

"In 2016 Lisa reviewed my unfinished manuscript of the first biography of Victorian pioneer photographer Robert Howlett. Lisa’s approach was professional and full of empathy, with suggestions for improvement made with tact and diplomacy, and responses received quickly. Her observations were objective, explained with a clear focus on how the suggested amendment would enhance the prospect of publication. The critique was balanced, acknowledging successful passages and highlighting where improvements were required.

Lisa’s knowledge and understanding of the publishing world is clear, and her insights consistently given into where my biography may fit the specific criteria of this demanding professional sector.

My confidence was boosted by her friendly, supportive approach, leaving the critique as a pleasant and extremely valuable experience. I acted on all her suggestions, producing a greatly improved version on which to base a synopsis aimed at a potential publisher.

With Lisa’s support, any manuscript stands a much better chance of success – I wholeheartedly recommend her excellent services."

Rose Teanby ARPS, photographer and author

Robert Howlett: The Man Who Made Brunel

(manuscript in submission)

"My book is very important to me. It is about my area of expertise, something I am passionate about. I need it to speak in my voice. I also need it to be indistinguishable from the trade published books on the shelf next to it: not just in physical appearance, but in the quality of the text. It needed an expert eye, a critical eye, cast over all manner of things you do not (probably should not) think about when you are writing.

After two-and-a-half years of research and writing, being challenged like that is itself a challenge. It can get pretty intense at times, particularly when it comes to cutting/reworking sentences you may have laboured over for hours. Out of that heat comes something stronger than what went into it.

Suffice it to say that Lisa proved more than adept at working with both text and author. The ideal expert critical friend."

Ian A. Marsh, author

If it is So Good to Talk, Why is it So Hard?

(Matador, 2018)

"I very much enjoyed working with Lisa and thanks to her editing, my travel memoir was greatly improved. She simplified and shortened text where necessary and gave clear, useful feedback. Lisa always responded quickly to any questions I had, and communicated in a thoughtful and sensitive manner.

I would strongly recommend her services to anyone in need."

Carolyn Daniels, author

Dusty Sandals and Backpacks: A Mother and Daughter's Adventures in India and Nepal

(Amazon Kindle and print, 2018)

"I had the pleasure of working with Lisa recently on a small project to get my book proposal into good shape to submit to an interested agent. Her responsiveness and attention to detail, and the way she handled giving me feedback so sensitively, confirmed she was the right person to do my manuscript review.

Sadly, Lisa decided not to take on the work as she felt she was not quite the right person for the human interest story I had written, but went to great lengths to put me in touch with other copy-editors she felt were better placed to help me.

This level of support shows integrity and huge professionalism, and in a business world where many are too busy to offer this level of support. It is very much valued. I have no hesitation in recommending Lisa."

Elaine Halligan, London Director of The Parent Practice and author

My Child's Different: The Lessons Learned from One Family's Struggle to Unlock Their Son's Potential

(Crown House Publishing, 2018)

"I’ve been meaning to get in contact with you for a while now to let you know how pleased I was with the proofreading job you did for me. You paid very close attention to my brief and did everything (and more!) that I asked of you. Your queries for the author and myself were very thoughtful and considered.

Overall I am very satisfied that you have improved the book immensely, and the author has been very pleased as he did acknowledge that he’s not a natural writer, although he’s obviously an expert on his subject.

I would be more than happy to work with you again and to recommend you to my colleagues."

Laura Blake, senior project editor, major professional and education publishing house

"We’re grateful for your work and input on all the corrections and amendments we’ve made. Many thanks for a great edit and proof."

Dr Ian Scott and Dr Henry Thompson, University of Manchester, authors

The Cinema of Oliver Stone: Art, Authorship and Activism

(Manchester University Press, 2016)

"Lisa Cordaro has shown the merit of using a good proofreader by her accuracy, fast turnaround, and sensitivity to my books’ subject. Lisa has corrected typos, spelling, grammar, formatting and inconsistencies for two of my books: The Black Stars of Ghana and Empire Road, both of which were improved by her expertise.

I am pleased to endorse Lisa’s skills, and warmly recommend her."

Alan Whelan, travel writer

The Black Stars of Ghana: A Motorcycle Adventure in West Africa

(Inkstand Press, 2012)

Empire Road: Lake Victoria by Motorcycle

(Inkstand Press, 2015)

"I've had a chance to review your corrections and work on this project. Many thanks for such a thorough job! ... I've been super impressed by your work and will feed back to the rest of the team here."

Natasha Whelan, senior project editor, major professional and business publishing house

"I took delivery of the books yesterday and made my first sale today. The feedback so far is most complimentary. Thank you for your major part in making the book so readable.

Please accept my most heartfelt thanks for your superb editing work."

Alison R. Russell, author

Are You Chasing Rainbows?

(Balloon View, 2013)

EXPERIENCE

Freelance since 2000

11 years in-house in editorial and production at major international publishers (Kluwer, Sage Publications, Hobsons Publishing PLC)

RECENT TRAINING AND CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Writing, Editing, and Communicating in Architecture (ACES), 2023

Exploring Craft: A Masterclass in Copyediting from the Author of Dreyer’s English (Benjamin Dreyer and National Press Club Journalism Institute), 2023

ChatGPT: The Threat, The Promise, and its Effects on the Editing Industry (ACES), 2023

ChatGPT for Editors: Leveraging AI to Transform Your Workflow and Upgrade Your Efficiency (ACES), 2023

Artificial Intelligence in Publishing (Reedsy), 2023

Facts Matter: Ensuring Credibility Through Editing (ACES), 2023

An Editor’s Guide to Assessing and Addressing Problematic Content (ACES), 2023

ALLi Self-Publishing Conference (Alliance of Independent Authors), 2023

AI + News: How Journalists Can (and Should) Start using AI in Their Work (National Press Club Journalism Institute), 2023

Generative AI, Copyright and Publishing (Reedsy), 2023

How to Query Non-fiction: An Agent Explains (Reedsy) (2023)

Working with Self-publishing Authors (ACES masterclass), 2022

More about Singular They: Editor's Use of Comprehensive Style Guides to Make Decisions about this Shifting Pronoun (ACES), 2022

MS Word Heroics (Editors Guild), 2022

Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) Self-Publishing Conference, 2022

Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) Self-Publishing Conference, 2021

Non-fiction: Place and People - Masterclass with Rory MacLean (Arvon Foundation), 2021

Query Letter Masterclass (Jane Friedman), 2021

Headlines That Work: How to Capture Readers’ Attention on Any Platform (ACES), 2021

Editing in a Multilingual World (ACES), 2021

Small Changes, Big Difference (ACES), 2021

Grammar Arcana (ACES masterclass), 2020

Storywriting (Creative Warehouse), 2020

Enforcing House Styles: Customizing PerfectIt for Advanced Users (ACES), 2020

PerfectIt 4: Introduction (Cadman Training Services), 2020

Editing Cookbooks: The Little Things Matter (ACES masterclass), 2020

How Google Can Help You Verify Content and Write Stronger Headlines (American Copy Editors Society, ACES), 2020

Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) Self-Publishing Conference, 2020

National Creative Writing Industry Conference (NCWIC), 2020

The Editor's Place in Ebook Development (Editors Canada), 2019

Editing for the Web (Copyediting.com/Erin Brenner), 2019

PerfectIt 3: Introduction and Advanced (Cadman Training Services), 2018

Macro Workshop (SfEP), 2018

Editing with Word (SfEP), 2018

Seth Godin's Freelancer Course (Udemy), 2015

Feature Writing (Guardian Masterclasses), 2013

Stock Photography (Royal Photographic Society), 2013

Travel Writing (Arvon Foundation), 2011

Food Writing (Arvon Foundation), 2011

For a full list, please see my website.

SOFTWARE

Windows 10 Professional

Office Professional 2016 (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Adobe Reader DC

Photoshop Elements 15

• Editor
• Proofreader

• Non-fiction
• Architecture
• Art & culture
• Biography, autobiography & memoir
• Business & finance
• Communications
• Diet & nutrition
• Education & training
• Food & cooking
• Health, fitness & wellness
• Media studies
• Narrative non-fiction
• Photography
• Political science
• Public policy
• Publishing
• Social sciences
• Television, film & radio
• Travel & tourism