Meet your editor
Hi, I’m Rachael!
An editor, proofreader and writer with over 25 years’ experience making words clear, inclusive and ready to share.
I specialise in academic, non-fiction and technical editing, especially crafts, textiles, fashion history, travel and social sciences. I’ve worked with all sorts of brands, editing for clients like Bloomsbury, David & Charles and Rowan, and writing for publications including Ply Magazine, The Journal for Spinners, Weavers and Dyers and The Knitter. I’ve also worked with lots of fantastic independent authors and designers who want to self-publish their work.
What I love most is making the editing process easy, calm and collaborative. Editing isn’t just about finding mistakes (we all make them). It’s about shaping your words so they do the job they’re meant to do. I’ll work with you so you feel confident about what you’ve written and excited to share it.
I’m also a Professional member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), so you know you’re in safe, experienced hands.
Experience in numbers
My guiding principles
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Specialist terms have their place, especially in academic or technical work, but I’ll always recommend plain language where possible. That doesn’t mean stripping out your personality. It just means untangling over-complicated sentences and jargon, so your message is easy to understand.
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Language matters, and I care deeply about how it’s used. That’s why I’ll make sure your words are inclusive and up-to-date with changing conventions. If something needs attention, I’ll gently flag it and suggest a more suitable alternative. I’ll also keep an eye out for things that might unintentionally exclude people in your audience.
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I’m here to support your work, not rewrite it. I’ll always respect your voice and intentions. My suggestions are there to help with clarity, consistency and accessibility. I’ll let you know whether something must change (like a factual or spelling error) or could change to make things clearer.
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I stick to what I’ve promised and keep communication clear. If anything shifts, I’ll let you know as soon as possible. You’ll never get radio silence from me.
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I never assume. If I’m not sure what something means, I’ll ask you. I love learning from the brilliant people I work with because it helps me to improve how I edit, read and think.
Creativity that’s dyed in the wool
When I’m not editing, I’m usually elbow-deep in hand-dyed sustainable yarn and fibre for my other business, Cat & Sparrow.
I’ve been dyeing natural, locally sourced yarn and fibres since 2012, using non-toxic acid dyes that produce beautiful, rich, joyful colours. I love to knit, crochet, spin and weave too.
I stock beautiful fibre and yarn blends, a range of gorgeous silks, and 3D-printed tools and spindles.
Whether it’s your words or your yarn, I make every project look and feel its very best.
Got a project in mind?
If you're looking for editing support, I’m just a message away. Let’s chat about how I can help.