Alison Kuznets, Editor in Aberystwyth, UK

Overview

Editor, researcher and copy-writer with years of experience working on non-fiction titles in subjects as varied as travel, sustainability, anthropology and strawbale building. I worked as a commissioning editor at an award-winning sustainability publisher before moving into the freelance world, which enabled me to travel whilst working with fantastic authors on some very interesting projects. As a commissioning editor I assessed hundreds of query letters and book proposals, selecting those with the best potential to take to publication. I worked closely with authors at the development stage, helping to structure and focus their work. In my freelance work I have continued this developmental editing as well as putting my "eagle eyes" to use in copy-editing (including fact-checking) and proofreading a variety of texts from academic papers to blog posts and books.

I work closely with authors at all stages of the editing process from the big picture to the all-important details. I am happy to be flexible in my approach to giving feedback and edits and believe it is important to be clear from the start about what an author wants to get from the process. Writing can be a lonely enterprise but I aim to make the editing experience collaborative and joyful, resulting in work the author is proud is their best.

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Proofreading

Non-Fiction

History Life Sciences Nature Sociology Travel

Languages

English (UK)

Certifications

CELTA
TOPIK Level 4 (Korean Language Proficiency, Intermediate)

Work experience

Freelance editor, researcher, writer, project coordinator

Self-employed

Jul, 2013 — Present

Commissioning Editor

Earthscan Ltd

Jul, 2009 — Apr, 2011 (almost 2 years)

Earthscan was a world-leading, award-winning sustainability publisher for over 20 years. As Commissioning Editor I was responsible for project managing the publication of over twenty titles a year (working part-time whilst completing a Masters degree), overseeing each stage from initial conception to publication and beyond, keeping each book within budget and deadline. I worked with academics, professionals and NGOs across a range of subjects from risk to behaviour change and communication.

I managed all back-list titles in my areas and maintained strategic overview of my list, developing new subject areas and innovative publishing projects. This required excellent research skills and knowledge of the subjects and markets as well as smart business sense.

Strong written communication skills were essential for all areas of work including: close work with authors on structure and content; writing copy for marketing materials and book covers; negotiating contracts with authors and funding organisations; and writing tenders for UN publication contracts.

Editorial Assistant/ Assistant Editor

Earthscan Ltd

Nov, 2006 — Jul, 2009 (over 2 years)

* Administrative and creative work on hundreds of books.
* Liaising with authors, editors, freelancers, sales, marketing and production colleagues.
* Maintaining the publishing schedule and keeping it on track.
* Drafting and editing book cover copy.
* Image research and book cover design