About

I am a writer, editor, historian and keen archer. I hold a Master’s in History from The Open University, where I specialised in the relationship between crime, poverty and gender in the Victorian period.

After completing my degree, I completed a proofreading course and began to work for an editing agency, for whom I have worked since June 2021. I have continued my professional development by undertaking courses in editing and developmental editing and joining the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.

I am a writer of historical fiction/non-fiction and true crime, so I completely understand the struggles and frustrations writers face when writing a manuscript. I am currently working on a dual timeline novel, set in ancient and modern Pompeii.

Where my love for writing began

I can't really remember when I first wanted to become a writer, but I was young (very young). My maternal grandmother was a prolific reader, sometimes reading three books a week, and I think she really instilled in me a love of the written word. She encouraged me to read what is now my favourite book, Sunset Song, when I was 14.

Where my love for history began

My parents took me to museums a lot, and I grew to be fascinated by the periods and people I was reading about. When I was 16, I began to volunteer at NTS The Georgian House in Edinburgh, where I played Helen Lamont, the youngest daughter of the original owners of the house. 

After I left school

It probably won't surprise you that I decided to study history at uni. I started off doing Scottish History, but, after I did a course called British Society from 1600–2000, I changed my focus to social history. I went on to do a Master's, where I specialised in the relationship between crime, poverty and gender.

In the big, bad world

Once I finished my Master's, I did a TEFL and proofreading qualification before I started to freelance as an editor. I launched Cracked Spine Editing in January 2023 and haven't looked back since. 

Why 'Cracked Spine Editing'?

I know there are some people who don't like cracking the spine of a book, but, to me, a cracked spine means a book is being well read. And what author doesn't want their book to be well read?

Education

BA (Hons) in History (The Open University)

Master's in History (The Open University)

Courses

Plain English for Editors (Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading)

California Institue of Advertising, Communications and Marketing (CIACM) Mass Marketing Qualification (MMQ)

Developmental Editing: Fiction Theory (Liminal Pages)

Developmental Editing: In Practice (Liminal Pages)

Becoming an Editor (Knowadays)

Becoming a Proofread (Proofreading Academy) 

How To Market Fiction (The Writers' Bureau)

Novel and Short Story Writing (The Writers' Bureau)

Let’s work together.

Interested in working together? Fill out some info, and I will be in touch shortly.