It inspired me to self-publish, but use professionals for the more in-depth activities

I think at the moment I need readers and comments on what I’m writing. Then I might be able to move on to the next stage. That’s my own personal predicament and something that became clearer to me by considering publication routes at all. At least I know the possibilities now.

An absolutely invaluable course for any aspiring author/writer scribbling away whose objective is ‘to be published’. For those with some knowledge of the process, the course neatly collates all topics. For the novice, Alison’s commonsense explanations and logical approach are readily understandable.

I feel I possess far more knowledge about the different routes to publication and the advantages and possible pitfalls of each particular route. Alison’s obvious subject knowledge has been acquired over many years of professional experience in the editing field and she was generous in sharing that knowledge. I really enjoyed the sessions and was disappointed when the course ended.

Alison delivers a course full of expert knowledge for the aspiring writer.

 I have been very impressed with your professionalism and your ability to get on with things. I feel I can rely on you and am very happy to recommend you to others. The whole process has given me a number of ideas to pursue … Thanks again Alison and I’m looking forward to working together again in the future.

Edit, layout and publish –  Argue Like Lawyer: How to Inform, Influence and Persuade (A Lawyer’s Perspective)

Simon Coath, lawyer and trainer

I’m told it’s difficult to find a real gem. I’ve got one!

Thank you once again …

Edited, typeset, helped with POD upload and setting up website

R.B. Cameron, author of Moonrunner

Working with Alison has been a delight.  She is punctual, competent and does not decry my serial revelations of mistakes in copy.  In fact, she finds those I missed, and she fixes them, no grumbling

Design and layout of English/Spanish poetry book

Joseph Polacco, author of A Life’s Rambles/Ramblas de una Vida

‘A big thanks to Alison Shakspeare for pulling the mass of information together and making a dream a reality!‘

Book to celebrate 125 years of Briton Ferry Rugby Club

Martyn Bate

‘Very, very reassuring having you lifting the text.…Everything very good – and I am in the process of submitting. You’re excellent.’

Copy editing multi-author article for Orbit

Erik Thorstensen, academic

‘Thanks for all your help. You’ve been really professional and I’d happily use your services again.’

Book and cover layout, formatting ebook, setting up POD account and getting Losing the Plot on Amazon

Richard Grainger, author of Losing The Plot

‘I like it a lot. You kept the stylistic part and streamlined where it was needed.’

Copy edits of three books

Paul McQueen, author of Hotlifestyle—Essential Basics; Everybody Loves Money; Brexit Chronicles

‘First of all let me thank you for your very thoughtful and thorough editing.’

Copy editing multi-author volume, National Pathways to Low Carbon Emission Economies

Kurt Hübner, author and volume editor

‘Brilliant, thanks so much. I wish everyone was as efficient as you!’

Website design and updates

Crediton Town Team

‘I know you’re up to the job skills wise, putting ebooks together (with all content supplied) to look professional & pretty. And I’d prefer to work with someone I already know if you’re up for it?’ ‘It looks fab! Please do go ahead for whatever is next!’

Proofreading, design of books and documentation, conversion to ebook

Polly Hale, author of The Fit Mum Formula; Eat Drink and Be Slim

‘You’ve really helped us make the deadline here.’ ‘It would be great if you had the availability to do at least three during that span.’

Copy editing in InDesign of business reports

Moot

‘I look forward to working with you again.’

Academic copy editing for Routledge

Saxon Graphics

‘Thanks, have approved and passed for processing.’

Business report copy editing

Smithers Information

‘Thanks ever so much … I’ll send another one to be edited after this one.’ ‘Thank you very much for the work. Lots more expected … so watch this space.’ ‘The site looks lovely.’

Academic copy editing for a variety of publishing houses, including Springer; new WordPress website design

Povey Editorial

‘Many thanks for all your editorial efforts and for juggling jobs around so that you could prioritise Incredible Edibles – very much appreciated!’

Copy editing on PDF

Dorling Kindersley

‘You are at the top of our editors list.’ ‘Many  thanks for these files for Edward Elgar Research Handbook (and well ahead of  schedule).’ 

Copy editing for academic publishers

4word

‘Brilliant! Thanks so much for getting through this before your holiday.’ ‘I have more books if you’re ready for another. If not, could you let me know when you’re likely to be free again.’

Copy editing for academic publications

Bourchier

‘I am happy to recommend Alison. She did an excellent job of managing a challenging project involving a suite of documents that needed to be turned around quickly.’

Formatting set of booklets for WHO on TB assessment; logo development

Hilary Cadman, Cadman Editing Services / Cadman Training

‘I do like what you did for the cover. That’s a good template I can see myself using.’ ‘Perfect! Thank you so much for your help (and patience)!’

Branding package for real estate business in US: logo, colour scheme, stationery and website items

Anna Tamaoka, Proprietor, Peppercorn Properties

‘I am impressed by what you said about the contribution to Western medicine, architecture, mathematics and astronomy its what i came across in my research and was amazed and it made me want to explore more. It really encouraged me and I was amazed that you kind of picked up on that.’

Copywriting article for Flair, issue 26, after telephone interview

Nahida Mahmood, designer

‘That is brilliant, well done. Great reading. It goes in as it is!’

Copywriting and copy editing articles on sewing

Liz Keegan, Editor, Flair Magazine

‘Oooh, you did get in the zone, Alison! It fits the bill perfectly – it’s exactly what we need.  Thank you so much.’ ‘I’ll take a gallon of that creative juice too please! Well done.’

Writing product descriptions

Michael Oakshott, Director, Oakshott Fabrics

‘Can you please supply a short introduction for Instagram? I’ll let you decide what best to write.’

Copywriting for business

Tim Squance, Bespoak Furniture & Joinery

‘Thanks Alison you are a star! Looks great.’

New WordPress website design

David Oliver, Oliver’s Bakery

‘The new site looks great … Love the Reviews and Awards page … Love the slider.’

New WordPress website

John F. McDonald

‘Thank you so much for trekking all the way up here to show me how to make changes to my website. It was much appreciated and meant that I could start to put some real meat on the bones.’

New WordPress website

Kay Hawkins, Monument Editorial Services

‘Oh wow! Just what the doctor ordered.’

New WordPress website

Lou Ayre, Black Dog Eggs

‘Dear Alison, It has been a pleasure working with you. I am overwhelmed by the book, so a big Scottish thank you.’

Copy editing autobiography; book and cover design

Richard Glass, The Long Journey

‘I would like to say thank you for the book and cover. I do not mind admitting that I was a little bit emotional when I saw what you had done; after all the hard work to finally see it looking like a book was fantastic … I would like to say how much I value all the help and support you have given me.’

Development editing, copy editing, book and cover design

Andrew Walker, author of Following The Star

‘Thank you for this. I am very happy for you to send your invoice over.’

Thesis edit

Craig Newbery-Jones, author of Constructing a Popular Image: The Press Representation of the Bar in the Nineteenth Century

‘The book is great. Thank you for all your hard work.’

Copy editing, book layout

Keith Brown, Mere Kaffir

‘Thanks for Part 3.  It looks good’

Academic editing for SAGE

Sunrise Setting