I have written engaging and informative content for 20
years, working for some of Europe’s biggest and most
innovative media companies. With the ability to create
compelling content goes an understanding of how to
present it, drawn from years of experience as an editor
and production journalist. My work has encompassed
helping to launch genre-defining consumer magazine Heat,
providing live web commentary on international football
matches for UEFA, researching and creating new launches,
writing and taking a number of original book projects to
market and proofreading membership publications for the
National Union of Teachers.
In everything I do, the ability to be a constructive and reliable team player is essential, and I view teamwork as a key part of the creative process. I work equally well behind the scenes as I do liaising face-to-face with clients and customers, and I have worked successfully for major corporations and small publishers.
In everything I do, the ability to be a constructive and reliable team player is essential, and I view teamwork as a key part of the creative process. I work equally well behind the scenes as I do liaising face-to-face with clients and customers, and I have worked successfully for major corporations and small publishers.
Magazines
Production
Teaching
Corporate
Organisations
Magazines
The Sun TV mag As Deputy Chief Sub-editor I helped the magazine consolidate The Sun's position as the top-selling newspaper in the UK.
Heat I was Deputy Chief Sub-editor on EMAP's biggest launch, and helped recruit staff. I also wrote a number of features and reviews, including interviews with TV legends David Soul and Melvin Hayes.
What's on TV I worked as Deputy Chief Sub-editor on IPC's mass market TV listings title. I had to make sure information was accurate and consistent, and liaise closely with TV scheduling departments.
Take a Break I learnt the art of true-life journalism on the top-selling newsstand magazine in the UK, (circulation 2 million copies a week). Over three years I got to know when to rewrite copy and when to adopt a soft touch, how to negotiate legal obstacles and, most of all, how to maximise impact without cheating the reader.
Spirit & Destiny and Fate & Fortune Recruited by a former colleague to help launch two magazines featuring astrology, psychics, mystic phenomena and spiritual and physical wellbeing. I ran the subs’ desk and helped recruit staff as both titles were quickly established in their markets.
In the Know Bauer approached me to help develop and launch a new type of woman's weekly. I designed the production system, recruited staff and ran the subs desk, working very closely with the Editor as part of the company's new development unit.
Blakebeck Publications I was employed as Deputy Editor at this innovative business-to-business publisher which aimed to bring consumer magazine standards of insightful writing and glamorous design to the often dry business sector. I helped successfully launch a new magazine, Checkout Fresh, aimed at the fresh produce market. As a result of my work, I was the first western journalist to be invited to Cuba to write a location piece about the country’s grapefruit industry.
Full House I was taken on by the Editor to build a subs' department and help recruit the editorial team for Burda Media's attempt to launch into the UK with this real life title.
Local Government Chronicle I learnt the basics of news reporting, feature writing, page layout and weekly production. I also ran the regular Public Finance supplement.
Time Out I worked on the London-based group's series of consumer guides, researching and checking copy and training staff.
Freelance shifts have included stints on Employee Benefits, Mixmag, Take a Break Specials, Prima Baby & Pregnancy and the News of the World Sunday magazine.
The Sun TV mag As Deputy Chief Sub-editor I helped the magazine consolidate The Sun's position as the top-selling newspaper in the UK.
Heat I was Deputy Chief Sub-editor on EMAP's biggest launch, and helped recruit staff. I also wrote a number of features and reviews, including interviews with TV legends David Soul and Melvin Hayes.
What's on TV I worked as Deputy Chief Sub-editor on IPC's mass market TV listings title. I had to make sure information was accurate and consistent, and liaise closely with TV scheduling departments.
Take a Break I learnt the art of true-life journalism on the top-selling newsstand magazine in the UK, (circulation 2 million copies a week). Over three years I got to know when to rewrite copy and when to adopt a soft touch, how to negotiate legal obstacles and, most of all, how to maximise impact without cheating the reader.
Spirit & Destiny and Fate & Fortune Recruited by a former colleague to help launch two magazines featuring astrology, psychics, mystic phenomena and spiritual and physical wellbeing. I ran the subs’ desk and helped recruit staff as both titles were quickly established in their markets.
In the Know Bauer approached me to help develop and launch a new type of woman's weekly. I designed the production system, recruited staff and ran the subs desk, working very closely with the Editor as part of the company's new development unit.
Blakebeck Publications I was employed as Deputy Editor at this innovative business-to-business publisher which aimed to bring consumer magazine standards of insightful writing and glamorous design to the often dry business sector. I helped successfully launch a new magazine, Checkout Fresh, aimed at the fresh produce market. As a result of my work, I was the first western journalist to be invited to Cuba to write a location piece about the country’s grapefruit industry.
Full House I was taken on by the Editor to build a subs' department and help recruit the editorial team for Burda Media's attempt to launch into the UK with this real life title.
Local Government Chronicle I learnt the basics of news reporting, feature writing, page layout and weekly production. I also ran the regular Public Finance supplement.
Time Out I worked on the London-based group's series of consumer guides, researching and checking copy and training staff.
Freelance shifts have included stints on Employee Benefits, Mixmag, Take a Break Specials, Prima Baby & Pregnancy and the News of the World Sunday magazine.
Production
Spirit & Destiny/Fate & Fortune While working as Chief Sub-editor on these titles at Bauer, I was approached by the IT department to manage the introduction of Adobe InDesign page make-up software as a company pilot project. Working closely with the magazine's art director, in house repro and Adobe’s software engineers we learnt the system, wrote our own training programmes and phased in the new software without disrupting the production schedule. The success of the project led to Adobe InDesign being adopted across the company.
In the Know The launch of this news-led 'third way' women's weekly was Bauer's first experience of short lead-time publishing, and my job was to ensure the editorial team had maximum flexibility, while ensuring high quality results. I designed and implemented the production schedule and acted as a link between all departments on the magazine.
UEFA My first extended work on a website meant I had to learn not only how to use new software, but also how to approach a 24-hour interactive environment. Material had to be produced quickly, accurately and frequently. On top of my writing and editing skills, I was also required to contribute ideas and material to feed the constant demand for new material. This was a high-pressure but hugely enjoyable environment which opened up new ways of working.
Local Government Chronicle I worked as a layout sub on the weekly's news pages and proofread and checked feature pages alongside the art department. I also produced the monthly Public Finance supplement, commissioning material, ensuring the schedule was followed, laying out and checking pages and liaising with print and repro houses. I also ran a number of printed daily news bulletins at conferences.
The First Post I spent two days working on the subs desk of this daily web digest in order to learn more about the demands placed on content management system and the organisation needed to ensure a daily website engages the reader and functions efficiently.
Spirit & Destiny/Fate & Fortune While working as Chief Sub-editor on these titles at Bauer, I was approached by the IT department to manage the introduction of Adobe InDesign page make-up software as a company pilot project. Working closely with the magazine's art director, in house repro and Adobe’s software engineers we learnt the system, wrote our own training programmes and phased in the new software without disrupting the production schedule. The success of the project led to Adobe InDesign being adopted across the company.
In the Know The launch of this news-led 'third way' women's weekly was Bauer's first experience of short lead-time publishing, and my job was to ensure the editorial team had maximum flexibility, while ensuring high quality results. I designed and implemented the production schedule and acted as a link between all departments on the magazine.
UEFA My first extended work on a website meant I had to learn not only how to use new software, but also how to approach a 24-hour interactive environment. Material had to be produced quickly, accurately and frequently. On top of my writing and editing skills, I was also required to contribute ideas and material to feed the constant demand for new material. This was a high-pressure but hugely enjoyable environment which opened up new ways of working.
Local Government Chronicle I worked as a layout sub on the weekly's news pages and proofread and checked feature pages alongside the art department. I also produced the monthly Public Finance supplement, commissioning material, ensuring the schedule was followed, laying out and checking pages and liaising with print and repro houses. I also ran a number of printed daily news bulletins at conferences.
The First Post I spent two days working on the subs desk of this daily web digest in order to learn more about the demands placed on content management system and the organisation needed to ensure a daily website engages the reader and functions efficiently.
Teaching
In October 2008 I began teaching on an exciting new
course at the former London College of Printing,
now the
London College of
Communication
and part of the University of the Arts, London.
Employed as an Associate Lecturer, I am running a
unit called Production for Media Convergence on the
Foundation Journalism degree.
Traditionally, production journalism teaching has been platform-specific, with students taught how to edit and publish for print, online and for broadcast. But the industry is changing and it’s important for students to be equipped with the range of skills necessary to publish across a number of platforms. Like many in the industry, the LCC is finding its way as far as how to balance teaching the traditional journalistic demands of storytelling with giving production journalists the technical skills and understanding necessary to succeed in a multimedia age. The course puts the LCC website, itself part of a live editorial project that students create themselves in print and on the web, at the centre of the learning process.
Working with a team of tutors and the course director, I am writing the course programme and teaching weekly sessions. I also lead a second year unit in which students participate in a series of convergence production workshops to create their own stories across web, print, audio and radio platforms to a set brief and to deadline. These workshops are another new departure for the LCC course and they are already proving very popular.
The FDA course and its new content was highly commended by the external examiner, who noted in particular the flair and commitment of the teaching staff and the high quality of assessment and work produced.
I am also delivering a series of talks to the Sports Journalism final year BA students, working alongside a team including The Guardian’s Denis Campbell and Mark Perryman from Philosophy Football.
National Union of Journalists I pitched and helped write the first course in basic handling of Adobe InDesign for the union's training department. Once this was approved, I was part of a two-person team that taught the one-day course, and I remain on the union's list of tutors. A number of new proposals for subbing and production courses are currently being considered.
Other I have also designed and delivered a number of short, informal training sessions to production staff.
Traditionally, production journalism teaching has been platform-specific, with students taught how to edit and publish for print, online and for broadcast. But the industry is changing and it’s important for students to be equipped with the range of skills necessary to publish across a number of platforms. Like many in the industry, the LCC is finding its way as far as how to balance teaching the traditional journalistic demands of storytelling with giving production journalists the technical skills and understanding necessary to succeed in a multimedia age. The course puts the LCC website, itself part of a live editorial project that students create themselves in print and on the web, at the centre of the learning process.
Working with a team of tutors and the course director, I am writing the course programme and teaching weekly sessions. I also lead a second year unit in which students participate in a series of convergence production workshops to create their own stories across web, print, audio and radio platforms to a set brief and to deadline. These workshops are another new departure for the LCC course and they are already proving very popular.
The FDA course and its new content was highly commended by the external examiner, who noted in particular the flair and commitment of the teaching staff and the high quality of assessment and work produced.
I am also delivering a series of talks to the Sports Journalism final year BA students, working alongside a team including The Guardian’s Denis Campbell and Mark Perryman from Philosophy Football.
National Union of Journalists I pitched and helped write the first course in basic handling of Adobe InDesign for the union's training department. Once this was approved, I was part of a two-person team that taught the one-day course, and I remain on the union's list of tutors. A number of new proposals for subbing and production courses are currently being considered.
Other I have also designed and delivered a number of short, informal training sessions to production staff.
Corporate
To mark
Tottenham
Hotspur's
125th anniversary, the club commissioned
Kraken Sport & Media
to produce a limited edition publication, billed as
"the biggest and best ever book on the club".
Produced to top-end production values and retailing
at a premium price, The
Tottenham Hotspur Opus
was delivered on time and to spec. As Editorial
Consultant, my job was to help ensure the book
lived up to its billing. I wrote and commissioned
material, and provided general advice across the
project. This was a demanding brief which needed to
meet a high-profile client's corporate demands
while also appealing to a general audience.
The Tottenham Hotspur FA Cup Final squad players' committee approached me to produce the souvenir brochure for a charity dinner at The Dorchester Hotel to mark the 25th anniversary of the club’s Cup Final victory. Working with sportswriting colleague Adam Powley, I wrote, co-ordinated and helped produce a 24-page glossy publication featuring interviews and colour pieces that was presented to guests who attended the £125 a head event.
When retailer WH Smith moved into publishing, John Brown Contract Publishing was asked to deliver a series of lifestyle guides. I was Chief Sub-editor responsible for producing two titles a month. I helped draw up original ideas for publication, wrote features and managed production schedules, ensuring the client’s brief was followed.
I was a senior editor for UEFA on euro2000.org, the official website of the 2000 European Football Championships. Based on-site in Rotterdam for a month, I wrote and edited news stories, features and analysis for the site’s round-the-clock coverage, and provided live web commentary on a number of the tournament’s games. At the end of the tournament, euro2000.org had received more than 1 billion hits, a record for a sports competition website at the time.
Working under the direction of Chevron's Corporate Affairs Office, I proofread the quarterly magazine issued to Chevron employees in Europe.
The Tottenham Hotspur FA Cup Final squad players' committee approached me to produce the souvenir brochure for a charity dinner at The Dorchester Hotel to mark the 25th anniversary of the club’s Cup Final victory. Working with sportswriting colleague Adam Powley, I wrote, co-ordinated and helped produce a 24-page glossy publication featuring interviews and colour pieces that was presented to guests who attended the £125 a head event.
When retailer WH Smith moved into publishing, John Brown Contract Publishing was asked to deliver a series of lifestyle guides. I was Chief Sub-editor responsible for producing two titles a month. I helped draw up original ideas for publication, wrote features and managed production schedules, ensuring the client’s brief was followed.
I was a senior editor for UEFA on euro2000.org, the official website of the 2000 European Football Championships. Based on-site in Rotterdam for a month, I wrote and edited news stories, features and analysis for the site’s round-the-clock coverage, and provided live web commentary on a number of the tournament’s games. At the end of the tournament, euro2000.org had received more than 1 billion hits, a record for a sports competition website at the time.
Working under the direction of Chevron's Corporate Affairs Office, I proofread the quarterly magazine issued to Chevron employees in Europe.
Membership organisations
National Union of Teachers I researched, wrote and produced a 16-page information pack for new members, and an eight-page tabloid newspaper to promote the union's pay campaign. I’ve proofread and provided advice on a number of membership publications including the annual members’ handbook, and a pamphlet providing teachers with advice on dealing with refugee children produced in partnership with the United Nations.
Holocaust Educational Trust Working closely with the Trust and the NUT, I edited original material, structured and proofread a 24-page publication aimed at nine-year-old school children. This was a complex project which had to be managed between two organisations and meet a rigorous set of educational guidelines. The subject matter had to be dealt with in an effective but appropriate manner for the age-group.
Marx Memorial Library I researched Library archives and interviewed the chief librarian to showcase the Library's work for a brochure issued to mark the 75th anniversary of the Marx Memorial Library's establishment. The brochure aimed to celebrate an important institution, and also to promote the Library as a living resource rather than a museum.
National Union of Teachers I researched, wrote and produced a 16-page information pack for new members, and an eight-page tabloid newspaper to promote the union's pay campaign. I’ve proofread and provided advice on a number of membership publications including the annual members’ handbook, and a pamphlet providing teachers with advice on dealing with refugee children produced in partnership with the United Nations.
Holocaust Educational Trust Working closely with the Trust and the NUT, I edited original material, structured and proofread a 24-page publication aimed at nine-year-old school children. This was a complex project which had to be managed between two organisations and meet a rigorous set of educational guidelines. The subject matter had to be dealt with in an effective but appropriate manner for the age-group.
Marx Memorial Library I researched Library archives and interviewed the chief librarian to showcase the Library's work for a brochure issued to mark the 75th anniversary of the Marx Memorial Library's establishment. The brochure aimed to celebrate an important institution, and also to promote the Library as a living resource rather than a museum.