Let’s get to the point. I won’t keep you guessing about my rates. Prices start from £380 a day.

Most of my clients come to me with projects that last for more than one day, so normally I give a fixed project fee. I often contract with clients for a fixed term if you need ongoing support.

A few dos:

  • I ask for a brief before starting work (I like to get a steer from my clients and get under the skin of what’s needed and why)

  • I often ask for a deposit or part-payment before I begin if you’re a new client (I’ll make an exception for a referral or if I know where you live) ;-)

  • I charge a cancellation fee if the work is withdrawn after commission (50% of the total fee).

A few don’ts:

  • I don’t price by the word (often the fewer the words, the more vital the message eg, a brand strapline. Short copy does not equal a cheaper rate)

  • I don’t give free writing samples (in the same way as I don’t ask my dentist for a free tooth extraction… ouch!)

  • I won’t give the game away by publicising your project before you have. I’m happy to sign an NDA if you want our work to be clandestine (I signed the Official Secrets Act for a former employer).

My educational background and professional development

I have more than 20 years’ experience, but you never stop learning. Here are some courses and professional qualifications I’ve taken since my uni days many moons ago.

The National Council for the Training of Journalists distance learning courses:

  • Basics of Subediting

  • Interviewing Skills

  • Writing for the Periodical Press

  • Sharpening your English

Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading distance learning courses:

  • Plain English for Editors

  • Word for Practical Editing

  • References

Two Educare/National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), courses covering the basics of child protection awareness and safeguarding.

Advanced Feature Writing Workshop, City University — tutored by the author and journalist Melissa Benn.

Production Team Workshop with BBC Training — really good fun, but don’t let me loose on the subtitles!

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, BA Hons 2.1, University College of Wales — oh, the halcyon days of being a carefree student in my cariad Wales! A highlight was performing at Theatr Clywd* at the same time as Sir Anthony Hopkins starring in Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya… we were doing the slightly unhinged Howard Barker version.

Professional memberships

I was a professional member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) from 2016 to 2025 and still follow the CIEP’s Code of Practice, which outlines standards of best practice for members to maintain and encourage good professional relationships. As a member of the CIEP’s volunteer social media team from 2017 to 2020, I worked on the Twitter team and nurtured the CIEP’s LinkedIn profile – boosting follower numbers to over 20,000 through regular engagement. I was also an active member of its environmental policy working group (EPWG) from 2021 to 2023. Some of my favourite projects include:

  • the A–Z of useful environmental terms for editors

  • the production of the CIEP’s Environmental and Energy Policy

  • an infographic for CIEP members, 15 ways to make your editorial business more eco-friendly

  • a blog post on what eco-anxiety means

  • a blog post introducing the EPWG

I was a professional member of the Professional Copywriters’ Network for five years (2016 to 2021), the UK’s largest association for commercial copywriters.

*Theatr is the Welsh spelling – not a typo. ;-)

Get in touch and I’ll get a wriggle on.

  This is the small print, but not particularly scary. Take a look at my terms and conditions. By engaging my services, you’re agreeing that we will treat each other fairly. It’s all common-sense stuff.