CV
Summary
A freelance writer and sub-editor with long experience in newspapers and magazines, as well as in PR/corporate communications. I specialise in the homes/tableware/housewares area but my background as a newspaper reporter makes me equally at home doing human interest or women's interest features. I'm a good sub and I am also experienced in writing press releases and promotional material. I am fast, reliable, organised and used to meeting deadlines and working to a brief. I am National Council for the Training of Journalists-qualified and am a member of the National Union of Journalists.
Current Work
I specialise in writing for and/or editing various business-to-business magazines for the homes and interiors sectors. I have excellent knowledge and contacts across various home products-related sectors (including cookware, ceramics, glassware, gifts, collectables, greeting cards, party products, calendars, and to a lesser extent furniture and garden). I write, commission, sub, liaise with layout artists and proof-read as required.
Editor, Progressive Party (6 issues a year)Editor, Progressive Calendars (3 issues a year)
Editor, Training Source Book [training guide for housewares retailers] (1 issue a year)
Features contributor, Progressive Housewares (6 issues a year)
News contributor, Progressive Greetings (12 issues a year)
Sub-editor, Interiors Monthly, 3 days per month (12 issues a year)
As well as these publications, part of the Max Publishing stable, I have also in recent years been a contributor to Tableware International magazine, Furnishing magazine, (DMG) and to the now-defunct XOP (Xmas, Outdoor & Party) International (published by French company Helios).
Previous Jobs
April 2002-April 2003:Editor, Tableware International
August 1994-April 2002: Deputy Editor, Tableware International
August 1988-August 1994: Assistant Editor, Midland Bank corporate communications
April 1986-August 1988: Writer, British Telecom corporate communications
July 1982-April 1986: Reporter, Hemel Hempstead Mail and Herts Advertiser
Qualifications
NCTJ Proficiency Certificate in Newspaper Journalism
NVQ in Periodical Journalism
BAIE Diploma in Industrial Editing
CAM Diploma in Public Relations
CAM Certificate in Communication Studies
BA Hons Humanities (English & History)
3 A levels (English, History, French)
8 O levels
Skills
Writing - My style is lively, easy-to-read and accurate, with impeccable spelling and grammar. I'm equally at home with news and features and once won DMG World Media's £1,000 Feature Writer of the Year award.
Subbing - great at turning sows' ears into silk purses, especially when dealing with contributors who are foreign or who are not trained journalists. For two years until 2005 I did regular sub-editing shifts on the news desks of first the London Evening Standard then the Daily Mirror.
Commissioning - skilled in making clear to the meanest intelligence what is required. I have commissioned features about everything from visual merchandising and homewares fashion trends to economic issues and business strategy.
Magazine administration - I am well-organised and comfortable with the 'management' side of magazine production, including scheduling forward features, commissioning, setting up interviews, organising trips, supervising designers, flatplanning and instructing payment of freelances.
Computer and design skills - Though now pc-based, I have worked on Apple Mac (Quark CopyDesk and Quark Xpress). In my prime I was quite a whiz at Quark - though I'm now a bit rusty, I retain an 'eye for what looks good on a page and how text and pics can be attractively presented.
Interests
Walking/navigating/the outdoors, pub quizzes, family history, playing squash, creative writing. Member of the Ramblers' Association, National Trust, the Campaign for Real Ale and a local peace group.