Experience
Here is a rundown of my work experience before going freelance in November 2001. As you will see (if you can be bothered to read it all!), I have an unusual combination of editorial, design and technical skills, which enables me to take a broad overview of information and publishing projects, and make an informed decision on the most appropriate format and medium.
I have a very high level of IT skills, and am very familiar with both Windows and Mac OS operating systems. I am an expert user of most publishing software, including InDesign, Quark XPress, Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat.
I also have extensive experience of web development, and am very familiar with HTML, Javascript and PHP, as well development tools including GoLive, Fireworks and Flash.
October 1999 to November 2001: Publishing director at National Council for One Parent Families, 255 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2LX, UK
Annual salary: £30,000
Responsibilities
- planning the coverage of NCOPF’s publications and information services, and the most appropriate medium and format for delivering them
- reviewing the format of all publications, recommending and, where agreed, delivering new approaches to the dissemination of information
- developing and managing the publications budget (around £130,000 a year direct costs, plus staff salaries, training, equipment and overheads)
- developing and managing the web site and other electronic information services
- managing one member of staff
- ensuring publications are accurate, timely, relevant, attractive and easy to read
- devising and managing a rolling schedule for the writing and production of publications, including allocating work and supervising working to deadlines
- arranging the design and production of printed and electronic publications, producing specifications, monitoring progress and controlling costs.
- ensuring that publications are evaluated by those who use them and that this information is used to inform future plans.
April 1994 to October 1999: Design and production manager at Cambridge Training and Development Ltd, Lincoln House, The Paddocks, 347 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DH, UK
Responsibilities
- managing the design and production of printed, multimedia and web-based projects: commissioning, briefing and liaising with external editors, designers, printers, programmers, CD manufacturers
- setting schedules and budgets, monitoring progress; financial reporting
- managing three production staff
- writing and editing copy for web sites, publicity materials, packaging etc.
- graphic and interface design for printed, multimedia and web-based products
- devising and implementing house style and managing the corporate identity
- devising and implementing new production systems; advising on developments in publishing technology.
May 1991 to March 1994: Production editor then Editor at the National Extension College, 18 Brooklands Avenue, Cambridge CB2 2HN
Responsibilities
- commissioning and supporting authors and assessing initial manuscripts
- managing projects to camera ready copy: commissioning, briefing and liaising with external editors, designers, typesetters, etc.; passing for press
- designing and producing covers and text for publications
- editing for level, content, approach and style; copyediting and proofreading
- writing copy for back covers, catalogues and other publicity purposes
- managing revisions of outdated courses and materials: commissioning authors, editors, designers, typesetters, etc.; liaising and progress chasing; designing and producing artwork for both text and covers
- carrying out corrections for reprints and course maintenance
- managing the backlist
- general administration.
April 1989 to April 1991: Project assistant then Projects editor at Cambridge Training and Development Ltd
Responsibilities
- assisting the managing editor by: editing and copyediting scripts for open learning and other training materials; commissioning, briefing, supporting and progress chasing freelance writers, editors, illustrators, designers, typesetters, printers and others
- proofreading, subediting and marking up scripts for typesetting
- implementing agreed designs on a desktop-publishing system
- advising on design and production issues
- general administration
- assisting other members of staff in using computer equipment.
