Writer and development editor
BETTER THINKING, BETTER CONNECTION
As a writer and editor, my work centres on finding or helping other people find the best way to communicate something. This means focusing first on purpose, because clear intent drives the kind of writing that really engages an audience. Without good thinking, content won’t really connect – and professional experience tells me that holds true for everything, from a novel to an annual report. Boiled right down: Why should always drive How.
I write thoughtful content for websites, non-fiction books, exhibitions, reports and other forms of text-based output. I work hard to identify then thread together the right information, ideas and stories to appeal to different audiences, using an intelligent yet straightforward style. With over 20 years’ professional experience as an editor as well as a writer, I am also expert in developing other people’s text-based content. On projects as diverse as a novel and an educational toolkit, I work with both organisations and individuals to help them get really clear on what they need to say, and how best to say it.
I live and work in Norwich but my clients are also in London, elsewhere in the UK and, sometimes, further afield. I mostly work in the heritage, not-for-profit, publishing and visual arts sectors; I also take on commercial commissions. I not only write websites, develop book concepts, evaluate manuscripts and edit copy, I also create exhibition texts, write toolkits, generate content plans, think up slogans, consult on branding, etc. – anything where words need to do an excellent job of communicating something. I welcome this variety as it helps me maintain a flexible and well-rounded approach to what I do. But whatever kind of project I take on, I am always motivated by what well-chosen words can do to help support both people and positive change.