I am a freelance proofreader, copy-editor and writer with a love of language, a passion for the natural world and a keen eye for detail.

With degrees in Zoology and Animal Behaviour, I spent five years working as a writer, proofreader and editor for the ARKive website, an initiative of the charity Wildscreen. This involved producing high-quality profiles on endangered species, as well as topic pages, blogs, news articles and education resources. I also marked and edited species profiles submitted by undergraduate and graduate students, and helped to run various social media channels.

In 2012, I decided to turn my editing skills into a freelance career. I am based in the Forest of Dean, UK, but most of my work is done online, meaning I can help you wherever you are located.

You can find out more about the services I offer on my services page.

Experience and qualifications

I specialise in zoology, natural history and science, and am familiar with scientific writing and terminology, as well as with writing for a non-scientific audience. In addition to my zoology and animal behaviour degrees, I have a range of survey, research and conservation experience in the UK and in the tropics.

My clients include publishers, wildlife organisations, conservation groups, students and self-publishing authors, and I work on a range of material, from detailed species monographs to general interest science books and field guides, and from magazines and reports to student theses. My writing experience includes articles for BBC Wildlife and Bird Watching, as well as a variety of online content. As a writer myself, I understand what an author’s work means to them, so will work with you to help polish your writing while also being sensitive to your unique creative style.

I have been a Professional Member of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders, now the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, and have undertaken a number of training courses in proofreading and editing, including passing the Publishing Training Centre’s Basic Proofreading course with Distinction. You can find out more about my experience and what clients say about me on my portfolio pages.

Other interests

I am a keen naturalist with a passion for wildlife, and can often be found out and about in the countryside or in my garden, ready to photograph and write about what I find. I am also a busy mum of two small children, so muddy puddles and tree climbing also now feature on many of my walks!

I have a love of art and craft, and run a small business selling nature-themed artwork and gifts in my online shop, Nature Crafts. I’m also an avid reader of fiction, particularly fantasy, and have written a couple of unpublished short stories for children.