Ms Wendy Hobson | Non-fiction leisure book publishing, especially cookery, crafts and wellbeing
- [email protected]
- Website
- wendyhobson.co.uk
- Membership Grade
- Advanced Professional Member
About Wendy
With many years' experience in non-fiction leisure book publishing, I can tailor work to your specific requirements in order to get the best results.
Described as flexible, imaginative, practical and professional, I have two main specialities: cookery and communication.
Editing cookery books: I have worked on cookery books for many years for some of the most prestigious cookery publishers and not a few high-profile authors, as well as many other talented but less illustrious cooks, chefs and foodies. I have recently completed the CIEP guidelines: Editing recipes and cookbooks.
Communication: I can take a complex subject and organise and write text that conveys the message in a language that less-expert readers can understand. This could be writing from scratch or troubleshooting difficult manuscripts. If you have a manuscript that is not up to scratch, send it my way and I can guide an inexperienced author to bring it up to standard; undertake a heavy edit; or do a complete rewrite, if that is what is needed.
Of my latest book on Mindfulness, one reader was kind enough to say:
‘I just wanted to congratulate you on such a perfect book on Mindfulness. It is so simple to understand and beautifully written and presented. I have hundreds of self-help books, this is one in my favourite pile. I will cherish this great book. I love it.’
I can suppport your projects
If you say 'yes' to any of these questions, send me a few details and we’ll see how I can help.
- Are you looking for an experienced cookery editor?
- Do you need an experienced editor to take control of a disorganised manuscript?
- Are you exasperated by recipes that don't work?
- Is your step-by-step guide tripping you up?
- Do you have an author who knows their subject but is not as strong in their written English?
- Are you trying to coax a book out of a nervous or inexperienced author?
- Does your text contain the information you need but no style?
- Would it be helpful to have a detailed flatplan, synopsis or objective report?
- Is working in layout (in InDesign) high on your agenda?
I can bring you a manuscript that pleases
the author – who didn’t know they could write so well
the publisher – who has high standards to maintain
and the reader – who needs clear information or instructions to get a job done.
A selection of recent clients
- Hardie Grant
- Pavilion
- Welbeck
- Constable & Robinson
- Arcturus
- The Book Consultancy
- Foulsham
- Saga Healthcare
- Fight Bladder Cancer
Many years' experience both in-house and freelance
- Freelance editorial consultant (since 2011)
- Editorial director at Foulsham Publishing (1995–2011)
- Freelance editor (1982–1995)
- Managing editor at Rodale Press (1981–82)
- Senior editor at Purnell Books (1978–81)
- Educational publicity manager at Oxford University Press (1976–77)
- Editorial assistant at Macmillan Education (1975–76)
Qualifications and awards
- BA (Hons) English Language and Literature
- In-house trainer for editorial staff
- Adobe InDesign training (2015)
Software
Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator
Testimonials
An excellent editor and it’s a joy to work with her.
Grace Cheetham, publisher, Nourish
Thank you for being the warmest, most intelligent and patient editor that any author could wish for. I can’t think of anyone I would trust more with my intentions.
Nisha Katona, author of Pimp my Rice
What an amazing job you’ve done! I’m so thrilled with it, thank you so, so much. I’ll be in touch with the next book before I spend several weeks trying to perfect it myself. Thanks again for such a brilliant job.
Deborah Taylor, Book-launch your Business
Very organised, and has the ability to sort out problems while remaining calm and focused … approachable … I very much enjoy working under her clear and decisive leadership.
Helen Stevens, SfEP Marketing and PR director (2010–12)
Service(s)
Specialisms
Client types
Associated skills
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.