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  • Do you need help communicating complex civil engineering stories?
  • Want to tease out engaging case studies from dense technical detail
  • Don't have time to update and refresh your website content?
  • Need a press release that will catch the attention of the editor?
  • Looking for someone to research your company's history and put together a commemorative book?
  • Or do you just want to bring in freelance editing and publishing support for specific projects or occasional publications? 


I have 35 years' experience in business-to-business technical publishing - the vast majority in the international civil and structural engineering sector. Having spent two decades at the helm of a highly-regarded international bridge engineering magazine, where I was responsible for the title and its associated websites, awards programmes, conferences and other products, I have unrivalled experience in all aspects of print and digital publishing. 


Twenty years of editing technical copy translated from other languages enables me to correctly identify bridge-specific engineering terms in a number of European languages, and to eliminate the common pitfalls in technical translations.    

Technical writer, editor & publishing project manager

MY SERVICES

Project reports, case studies & press releases











Information from background papers, online research, interviews and site visits is combined into a clear and concise case study or project report, working closely with clients to ensure the copy aligns with the corporate brand and tone of voice. 


    My knowledge of civil engineering and my understanding of the construction industry enables me to quickly establish the key facts and interesting points of any project, from a modest footbridge to a major transportation link. Case study articles or site reports can be prepared for submission to specialist journals, for publication in an in-house magazine or website, or for submission as part of a bid.

    Press releases can be drafted at the same time, as part of my one-stop shop service. 


    I am adept at writing personal or company profiles, reporting on conference presentations or round-table events, and even carrying out research for historical articles using company archives.

    Technical editing & proof-reading











    Twenty years' experience as an editor in business-to-business publishing has given me the ability to rapidly root out and eliminate ambiguity, to make clarity the top priority, and to edit and proof-read articles, conference papers, bid documents or website articles to ensure that they are accurate, grammatically correct, have a consistent style, and are appropriate to the intended audience.


      With my knowledge of the engineering sector and its technical jargon, I can ensure that copy is understood by its audience, and that it is clear, readable and engaging while conveying complex technical information and underlining your corporate message and reflecting the desired tone of voice. 





      Publishing & social media consultancy












      Do you need advice on publishing a commemorative book, or want help with presenting your brand effectively on social media? I have experience in developing books and other standalone publications all the way from archive research to final publication.


      I also have several years' experience in using social media platforms Twitter and Linked In in a business context. I will advise on pitching your brand effectively; assist your team to develop posts that will increase your engagement and raise your profile, and provide customised guidance on how to efficiently and effectively exploit the opportunities that social media offers.


        I work with other freelancer professionals who provide graphic design, print production and website design services; we can help you develop a corporate style for your publications or online presence, or apply your existing style to whatever you are looking to publish.

        MY PORTFOLIO

        My experience ranges from traditional technical journalism, researching and writing news stories, conference reports, book reviews and technical articles, to full development, archive research, writing and production of commemorative books for corporate clients.


        Links to some recent articles and book excerpts are included below. 


        My articles are published in New Civil Engineer, Bridge design & engineering, The Construction Index, The Structural Engineer, Transportation Professional, Construction News, Ground Engineering, Building, Modus, Overseas Magazine. 


        Corporate clients include VSL International, Expedition Engineering, Mott MacDonald, Freyssinet, Bridge Owners' Forum, and the Get It Right Initiative. 


        ABOUT ME

        I am an experienced journalist and technical writer with a strong background in civil and structural engineering, including 20 years in the international bridge design and construction publishing sector as editor of Bridge design & engineering.

         

        I have a degree in civil engineering from London's Imperial College, and worked in the industry before moving into journalism and business-to-business publishing.

         

        I am a graduate member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, and the International Association for Bridge & Structural Engineering.

         

        I have worked in magazine and book publishing for more than 30 years, and also have a strong pedigree in conference programme development, having been responsible for the speaker programmes at the annual Bridges and Bridges Scotland events for the last five years.

         

        I have developed, researched, written and project-managed three books, all of them related to the bridge engineering and project management industry. All work including client liaison, budget management, picture research, template design, copy amends and print production was guided and overseen by me.

          FEES


          I  prefer to quote on a case-by-case basis, as projects can vary hugely depending on the amount of information that is already available, the extent of research necessary, the number of people I need to contact or interview, the length of copy required, and the number of revisions that clients require.


          For a new client I would begin by providing an estimate based on the time I expect the project to take, and an hourly rate for any additional work. Once we are accustomed to working together, we can agree a fee for similar work.


          Please contact me for a no-obligation quote.


          STANDARD DAY RATE £550




          RESEARCH & WRITING


          Case studies/project reports/press releases


          One day will generally be sufficient to research and write a case study of up to 1000 words, using basic information supplied by the client and obtained through online research, and carrying out one phone interview with key contacts (eg project engineer). Includes two sets of amends.


          Any extra work not initially briefed such as major rewrites or extra interviews will be charged pro rata. To draft a press release about the same project will take up to half a day extra.


          PROOF-READING & EDITING


          Conference papers, article drafts, technical documents, bid documents, brochures etc


          Estimates for proof-reading and editing can only be given on a case-by-case basis as the time required will vary depending on the length, format and content of the document, the quality of the writing, and the extent of the editing required.


          CONSULTANCY


          Company brochures, commemorative books, flyers, annual reports - all printed and digital publications


          Full publishing consultancy services, from working with you to discuss your requirements, to developing the design, layout, content and printing specifications for your publications.