Hi, I’m Rachel.
I have been working with words since 2012.
I’m a South African editor, currently based in the UAE. As a full time editor with a contract and trade publisher, I manage lists of illustrated non-fiction titles from development to publication and distribution. I focus on fiction, non-fiction, general interest and business publications.
I’m also a regular consultant editor with an indie trade publisher focussed on first-time fiction and non-fiction authors in the UAE. I work closely with writers through developmental and structural editing processes, as well as writing mentorships, to hone their style, find their voices and tell their stories.
As a freelance and consultant editor, however, I work with writers and publishers all over the world. I offer the full gamut of editorial services, though my main area of interest is developmental and structural editing for fiction and non-fiction, writing mentorships/coaching and facilitating writing courses.
My interest and expertise is in developmental and substantive editing for fiction and non-fiction, though I’m also highly skilled in editing for academic and research publications.
I am also a member of the editorial committee for Calabash literary magazine, for which I assess submissions, mentor writers to develop their work and work with the other editors to oversee the publication of the magazine.
I hold a BA in English and History, a BA Hons in English Literature, a MA in Creative Writing, as well as certificates in editing and editorial project management.
I am passionate about stories in all their forms and dedicated to helping writers find their voices.
Clients and testimonials.
My clients include fiction and non-fiction authors, poets, academics and researchers, educators, technology and health care professionals, entrepreneurs, consultants, and more.
I have been sub-contracted to work on projects by the WHO, NEPI at ICAP, NORHED, CORHED and the Training for Health Equity Network (THEnet).
Integrity, focus, and reliability are a few of the skills Rachel demonstrates as a consultant editor. Rachel has a great deal of experience in the UAE and the wider MENA region and I have always enjoyed working with her.
— Walid, CEO of Hala.
Rachel is a thorough, attentive and patient editor. She has assisted me in my own writing with a guiding hand that is unmatched. Her feedback is always constructive, considerate and meaningful.
— Leah, ShulaSocial.
Rachel is my go-to editor. Rachel has an unmatched eye for detail and the big picture. I know I can totally trust her to transform writing from incoherent to logical, consistent, and compelling.
— Lyn, consultant in program development, director and research.
I have worked with some independent editors before and the results haven't been great, but Rachel really surprised me. Her inputs have improved my sci-fi manuscript tenfold and I'm blown away by her professionalism, her patience with me, and her diligence. Working together on my manuscript gave me the clarity I needed and helped me realize the necessary steps required to polish up my work to a professional standard. I would, without a doubt, recommend her.
— Anton, science-fiction author.
Rachel took a complex process and data rich research priority setting workshop report and turned it into a beautifully presented, well organized, crisply expressed document. This report for the ReAct Africa Antimicrobial Resistance, Stewardship and Conservancy research priority setting workshop had excellent feedback from the many participants. Rachel’s professional, organized approach and blended scientific and process writing style was accomplished in record time. Thank you Rachel.
— Vernon, clinical psychologist and consultant.
My profile.
Freelance editor, writer and researcher.
2012-present
Editor, Calabash literary magazine.
2020-2021
Editor, Cambridge Editing and Proofreading.
2020-2021
Technical writer.
2015-2021
Proofreading volunteer, Distributed Proofreaders.
2020-Present
Research assistant.
2014-2015
Historical material transcription volunteer, Smithsonian Institute.
2020-Present.
University tutor, English.
2013-2015
MA, Creative Writing.
University of the Witwatersrand
Certificate, editing.
University of Cape Town.
BA Honours, English Literature
University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Certificate, editorial project management.
The Publishing Training Centre.
BA, English Literature and Historical Studies
University of KwaZulu-Natal.