Jonathan H
London, UK
“I value complete concision above all else.”
Specialist subjects:
Editing formats:
Education:
BA English Literature
University of Cambridge
2010–2014
Favorite referencing style
I find APA style to be the most concise in-text citation format, and its reference list is the most readable.
Why I became an editor
I studied English literature at university where I wrote, proofread, and edited countless academic essays as well as two dissertations. Upon graduating, I worked as a marketing copywriter and then in publishing, where I am to this day.
I have been working with language and writing, in one form or another, for the past ten years. My post-university career put me in editorial contact with everything from literary prose to company sales reports.
Being a proofreader and editor allows me to continuously develop my knowledge of the English language, while hopefully reading some interesting work along the way!
Background and experience
Upon graduating from university, I worked in corporate marketing, where I spent my time immersed in all manner of copy-focused work: website content, press releases, case studies, etc.
After a year in marketing, I decided that my writing and language skills would be better suited to a publishing house (not to mention the free books I could get my hands on!). I have since spent many happy years working in the publishing industry, working with contracts and selling books to foreign publishers. I get to read books for a living and would not change it for the world.
Why I love proofreading and editing
I believe it is vital to perpetually remain a student in order to flourish as a proofreader and editor.
My time at university taught me to love and nurture concise, well-presented prose with clearly referenced argumentation. I am driven to never be satisfied with how much I know about the English language.
I love to read anything literature related, perhaps with a healthy dose of philosophy and/or history thrown in, too.
Favorite book:
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Hobbies:
I work in publishing and can often be found with my nose in a book — for work or for pleasure. I play the classical and electric guitar, sitar, and mandolin, but sadly don’t gig as often as I used to.
I have recently taken up Latin (for fun). I find the language learning process to be like that of music: hugely beneficial for strengthening both memory and mental dexterity.
Editing tips:
My mindset is not to read to spot mistakes, but to read "actively." By this, I mean I am not merely skimming for errors, but rather asking myself, "What is this word/punctuation mark doing and is it correct?" This mindset will ruthlessly eliminate all superfluous text and produce a tighter document for the client.
