Hayley H
Worcestershire, UK
“The perfect book is just waiting for the perfect author.”
Specialist subjects:
Editing formats:
Education:
Favorite referencing style
APA, for no other reason than it's the one I have worked with the most, so I feel like we are friends now.
Why I became an editor
Proofreading and editing is something I have always had an interest in. It combines my love of reading with my love of tidying up! It is worlds away from my busy and noisy day job in a GP surgery, and I really enjoy the satisfaction it brings.
Background and experience
I have worked in a GP surgery for 12 years and so have great medical knowledge and management experience. For the last few years, I have written and edited a monthly NHS newsletter that is distributed to all patients of local GP surgeries. I also write and edit a monthly internal employee newsletter. Both newsletters have to look professional, read well, and be accurate. I took a proofreading course in 2019/2020 and have been providing regular editing services ever since.
Why I love proofreading and editing
I am a very organised and methodical person. There is nothing I love more than having a good tidy and a clear out: tidy house, tidy mind! But this also applies to work. I get great satisfaction from tidying up a piece of work and making it the best it can be. I am a huge bookworm, and our house is full of books (my husband is a children's book illustrator and author, too). I love to read anything; it's relaxing and helps me to switch off after a non-stop day.
Favorite book:
The Humans by Matt Haig. It is about how disgusted an undercover alien is by the acts and attitudes of the human race. Although he soon becomes quite attached to his Earth family, which makes it difficult to complete his task of assassinating them.
Hobbies:
When I'm not proofreading, I like to...read more! I adore books of all kinds. When my eyes start feeling a bit strained, I like to do yoga, bake, and play with my son.
Editing tips:
I like to work one paragraph at a time. Edit it, proofread it, move on to the next paragraph. And then, when the entire document is done, I read it all again! I usually find I have missed something, so that final check is crucial.
