history editor for hire

Although I have worked on publications of many kinds, my particular specialism is as a history editor, also encompassing related subjects such as landscape, topography, walking and psychogeography (see subject list below). I now only work on non-fiction.

Visit my business website to hire me.

Over 30+ years in publishing I have copy edited many books (fiction and non-fiction, but I now only work on the latter) and been editor of five newsstand magazines (including four history magazines). I’m a writer of history-related books and articles, including co-writing a popular history newsletter. I have done the typesetting/formatting/layout (pick your preferred term!) for hundreds of books, ebooks and magazines. I also provide up-to-date advice on self-publishing. My business, Prepare to Publish Ltd, also offers a full book production service from first draft to press. I also publish history-related books for suitable authors.

If you’ve reached at least the first draft stage, I’d love to hear about your book and help you take it forward for publication, whether you are self-publishing or taking it to agents or traditional publishers.

Editorial roles

Present:

Editor, Discover Your Ancestors genealogy/social history magazine (and spinoff books), Discover Your Ancestors Publishing (2011–present); also typesetting in InDesign
Editor, Local History News – journal of the British Association for Local History (2023–present)
Editor/publisher, Northern Earth – journal about archaeology, folklore, psychogeography and our relationship with landscape (2025–present)
Production manager (project management, copy editing and typesetting/formatting in Indesign), The Right Book Company (2019–present)
Typesetter/formatter in Indesign and Vellum, Edward Everett Root (2021–present)
Copy editor/proofreader and typesetter, Watkins Books (2023–present)
Copy editor and typesetter (books and magazines), Hawker Publications (1999–present)
Freelance editor and typesetter for many other publishers, organisations and private individuals.

Past:

Project manager, copy editor and typesetter/formatter, Unbound (2017–2022)
Executive editor, Your Family History magazine, Dennis Publishing (2015–2018)
Writer, Your Family Tree (Future Publishing, 2005–2015)
Fiction editor, Osiris Press (2005–2008)
Associate/acting editor, Interviewer and Negotiator magazines, Inside Communications/Trinity Mirror (1999–2003)
Associate editor, The Chalkface Project (1999–2000)
Assistant editor, Methodist Recorder newspaper (1996–1998)
Editor, PCW Plus magazine, Future Publishing (1995–1996)