Increase the impact of your words

Highly experienced copyeditor, developmental editor and proofreader

Welcome!

I’m a specialist in non-fiction and information text, both print and digital, working with mainstream and academic publishers, independent authors, businesses, charities and other organisations. I offer editorial support to ensure your message is clear and reaches your intended readers. I can help to develop and polish your non-fiction text from your first draft to the final stages before publication.

How I can help you

Copyediting

A range of editorial solutions to help your text shine
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Developmental editing

Working with you from the early stages on the structure of your text

Proofreading

The final stage after your text has been copyedited and laid out into pages

Web editing

Content editing for websites to ensure the text is readable, clear and well-organised

Find out which of my Editorial Services works for you and your text.

Why work with me?

  • I always respect your words and your aims.
  • As an Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, I follow their Code of Practice. 
  • Over 30 years experience in publishing, in-house and freelance. I’ve been an independent editorial professional since 1998.
  • I work in Word, InDesign and WordPress. I also mark up PDFs.
  • My approach is friendly and encouraging yet meticulous, with a focus on excellent client communication and producing work to an extremely high standard within deadlines.

Specialist areas

I work on a wide range of subjects, but these are areas in which I have particular experience:

  • Gardening, horticulture, botany
  • Academic humanities (history, art, architecture, literature, psychology)
  • Business and marketing
  • Biography, autobiography, memoir
  • Education
  • “How to” guides
  • Natural history, conservation, ecology

What my clients say

A massive massive thanks for all your help. Looking back I don’t think we could have got it over the line and certainly to the finish we have without you.
Independent author
I must thank you for the wonderfully careful and sustained corrections. You’ve improved the accuracy of text and notes immeasurably.
Sir Brian Vickers
Author of Thomas Kyd: A Dramatist Restored
I have always found Jane a thoughtful and thorough proofreader, making a wide range of comments on everything from spelling to font format. Her ability to work from digital spreads is particularly helpful – especially when projects have a tight schedule.
Toby Mann
DK
It has been a huge pleasure working with Jane on this. Her encouraging and appreciative style coupled with her insightful comments and ideas really inspired me.
Joan van den Brink
Responding to a developmental edit of The Three Companions
I really can’t thank you enough for your patience and skill with this book … you have provided the sparkle and expertise
Margaret Rice
Author of The Henry Bagwell Story and Merchants and Mayors
Sincerest thanks for this.  I am delighted with your feedback and comments.
Jayne Thompson
Author of a journal article on parental engagement
Jane Simmonds is a superb copyeditor who can handle large book projects with complicated academic apparatus and various kinds of formatting. Her work is clear and precise.
Lawrence Venuti
Professor Emeritus of English, Temple University, Philadelphia
Jane is a reliable and responsive freelancer. She has done an excellent job of proofreading our training resources. I would not hesitate to use Jane again.
Lisa Fraley
Thrive Approach
Your advice and suggestions were clear and showed a good understanding of the subject matter at hand (architectural design, history and theory). The work was always delivered on time. More importantly, the amendments respected the author’s writing style, and served to enhance the final piece.
Dr Constance Lau
Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture, University of Westminster, London
Contact me to discuss your project Titles I’ve worked on

About

I have a passion for conveying information in a concise and elegant way. An independent editor since 1998, I relish new challenges and the wide variety of work that I take on, and I enjoy building up relationships with new clients and working with returning clients. I read widely, ranging from nature writing to craft and gardening books, from literary fiction to science fiction and poetry. My home is in Devon with my family, and I enjoy walking, yoga, growing vegetables and trips to the beach.

Image of Jane, editor. She is a white woman standing outside with a hedge behind her

Qualifications

  • Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP, formerly SfEP) 
  • Certificate in Ecology and Conservation, Birkbeck College, London, 1994–97
  • BA (Hons) English Language and Literature, University of Manchester, 1984–87
Training and professional development
  • CIEP conferences 2019–23
  • Web editing, CIEP 2020
  • Club Ed Developmental Editing for Non-fiction, 2019
  • References, SfEP 2017
  • On-screen editing 2, SfEP 2015
  • Copyediting 2, SfEP 2014
  • WordPress workshop, Exeter Phoenix 2014