During a 15-year career, I have collaborated on more than 350 titles, as either a proofreader, typesetter or project manager.
As a Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading and a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors, I offer a reliable, accurate service to publishers and self-published authors.
Titles worked on include Amazon bestsellers, such as The Ultimate Small Business Marketing Book by Dee Blick and Feel It to Heal It by Caroline Purvey, as well as Goodbye Glossophobia by Esther Stanhope, awarded Highly Commended at the Business Book Awards 2020 and Live Happy by Rebecca Myers, winner at the Janey Loves Platinum Awards 2024
SPECIALISMS
I have experience in many genres, including the following:
• Non-fiction: particularly anthologies, business, self-help, biographies/memoirs, and personal development
• Fiction: adult, contemporary
EXPERIENCE
Proofreader, Typesetter (print and eBook) and Audiobook Proof Listener – FREELANCE (August 2020 – present)
Working with various clients at different stages of the book editorial and production process, including independent authors and publishers, such as Book Brilliance Publishing and Conscious Dreams Publishing. I also proofread documents and reports for businesses.
As of 2022, I have been an associate proofreader and typesetter for Jessica Kate Brown Publications.
Since March 2024, I have been an audiobook proof listener for Monkeynut Audiobooks & Sound.
Production Manager – FILAMENT PUBLISHING (July 2009 – July 2020)
During my 11 years at Filament, I collaborated on more than 275 titles as either a proofreader, typesetter or project manager. From October 2018 to May 2020, I was a co-director of the company.
Newsletter Editor – MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY, CROYDON BRANCH (July 2009 – April 2013)
Responsible for planning, producing, and editing 10 newsletters a year for over 300 members and associates in the Croydon area.
Freelance Proofreader (August 2008 – July 2009)
Proofreading books and websites for private clients, on-screen and on paper.
TRAINING
2024, Proofreading PDFs: A complete guide for editors , The Publishing Training Centre
2023 – 2024, Copyright for Editorial Professionals, Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading
2019 – 2020, Essential Copy-Editing: Editorial Skills Two, The Publishing Training Centre
2019 – 2020, Essential Grammar, The Publishing Training Centre
2019, Editing with Word, Society for Editors & Proofreaders
2018, What is Copy-Editing?, The Publishing Training Centre
2010, Professional Copy-Editing, Society for Editors & Proofreaders (one-day workshop)
2009, Introduction to Copy-Editing, Society for Editors & Proofreaders (one-day workshop)
2007 – 2008, Basic Proofreading: Editorial Skills One, The Publishing Training Centre
TESTIMONIALS
“I have worked with Zara on many book projects and I really don't know what I would have done without her skills and expert knowledge. Zara is brilliant at what she does but, what's more, she is truly wonderful to work with – I trust her completely and wouldn't be without her when choosing my book team. She is simply fabulous!”
— Jessica Brown
Founder & Managing Editor, Jessica Kate Brown Publications
"For more than 10 years, Zara has proofread for us (newsletters and website). She is meticulous and extremely thorough. She not only spots the errors, but kindly suggests small changes that make a big difference to the clarity of our communication. Her attention to detail is faultless and we would be lost without her skills. We can’t recommend her highly enough."
— Dr Robin Dover
Chair, CVSAUK (Registered Charity 1045723)
"Zara Thatcher has been involved in the creation process of all six of my books in the past and she will be involved in any future books I write, mainly because Zara is 100% reliable and honest, and delivers exactly what you require every time. I continually refer people to her for typesetting and proofreading."
— Barry Phillips
Owner of Knowledge Is King
"Zara has been an indispensable part of my book publishing journey. Her meticulous attention to detail and keen editorial insight ensured that Futurize Yourself and my second book, The Futures Effect, were not only grammatically correct but also consistent.
Proofreading is often overlooked or now left to AI, but Zara’s human touch, expertise, and ability to view your book from a reader’s perspective have been crucial in creating a professional and engaging final product that I’ve been very proud of.
I highly recommend her services to any author who wants to ensure their words and message are conveyed clearly and without ambiguity."
— Tom Meyers
Osteopath D.O. OSD, MSc. Ost., Body-centred Stress Coach, Wellbeing Futurist, Space Health Enthusiast and Author of Futurize Yourself and The Futures Effect
“It has been my pleasure to have Zara Thatcher as a key member of Filament Publishing for eleven years. During this time she has demonstrated that she is a very capable administrator and project manager, as well as being an accurate proofreader and book designer. She has been reliable and a pleasure to have in the office.”
— Chris Day
Managing Director, Filament Publishing
“Zara has an eye for detail. She understands what you're trying to say and politely corrects you without changing the meaning or making your feel bad. As someone who's semi dyslexic, I really needed Zara's help when I wrote my (award-winning) book Goodbye Glossophobia. She is brilliant.”
— Esther Stanhope
The Impact Guru, author of Goodbye Glossophobia, awarded Highly Commended at the Business Book Awards 2020
“Zara is a dedicated publishing professional who joyfully and expertly contributes to every project she works on. In her capacity as head of the Production Department at Filament Publishing, I would be nowhere without Zara's tireless devotion to her craft. Any team would be fortunate indeed to have Zara as a key member.”
— Peter Moon
Author
"I can't thank you enough for the outstanding work you have done on my book, Dear Dad. Your creativity, style and ideas have really enabled the book to become something to be admired and cherished.
I am extremely pleased with the results. All your hard work and efforts over the last few months have really helped me to move forward without worry or concern. The tailored and professional services I have received is more than I could have ever hoped for. I have always felt supported and heard along with excellent and expert advice. I have been able to achieve my dream and ultimate goal."
— Virginia McFeeley
Author
"Just saying a massive thank you for all your patience and hard work towards the book."
— Deborah Kormi
Author
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.