Developing successful textbooks with school and university publishers

Development editing
Even the most experienced author can benefit from an analytical read of their manuscript. I work with publishers and authors to develop textbooks that help students learn and persuade lecturers and teachers to adopt. Focusing on the market needs for your specific project, I sensitively coach authors to develop strong competitive features, an appropriate writing style and level for the audience, adherence to the syllabus and effective pedagogical features.

Line editing/ rewriting
For authors needing a little more help or for projects on a tight timescale I provide a more hands-on line editing (or rewriting) service in addition to development editing.

Market research
Insightful market research can be invaluable to publishers. Whether you want to enter a new market, maximise sales of a new edition or improve your online learning platform, carefully tailored market research will help you understand your customers’ needs. I can take you through the whole research process, including designing the research, finding and managing reviewers, analysing the results and providing a written summary and recommendations.

Project management
A successful book and its timely delivery relies on effective project management. Whether it is a multi-contributor handbook or a textbook with tight deadlines, I will guide the project from initial idea to manuscript submission, working with you, your authors and your reviewers to manage the process smoothly and to deadlines.
Experience
  • Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders.
  • Over fifteen years of publishing experience, both freelance and in-house.
  • Clients include OUP, Collins, Pearson, SAGE, Cambridge University Press and CORE (Curriculum Open-access Resources in Economics).
  • Commissioning Editor for Psychology, Cambridge University Press (2008–2016); Development Editor, Pearson (2006–2008).
  • Qualified market researcher (Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research Practice) with skills in a variety of methods, including detailed peer review, short and long answer questionnaires, telephone and face-to-face interviews, surveys and focus groups.
  • Textbook development from GCSE to undergraduate level for the UK and international markets.
  • Wide range of subjects covered including psychology, law, sociology, politics, education, nursing, business studies and economics.
Do you need help with a project? Get in touch to discuss how we could work together.
For more examples of projects I've worked on, click here.
Hetty is a joy to work with... She is reliable, can be depended on to meet deadlines ... and [is] extremely conscientious about ensuring high quality content. I would highly recommend Hetty for any similar projects.
Lucy Cooper, Collins Learning
Hetty is methodical, thorough, professional, and calm in the face of unexpected challenges...Hetty’s level of engagement with the project and skill at working with academic authors was very impressive throughout.
Thomas Young, OUP
Hetty collaborated with us on one of our most high-profile Business textbooks: her work was simply excellent. Hetty’s expert editing skills helped us achieve a remarkable level of consistency and clarity across the chapters.
Nicola Hartley, OUP
For more testimonials, click here.