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Words that move

Non-fiction editorial services for clear, accessible English that is publication-ready.

Editing and translation services for social impact organisations

You're doing work that makes a difference. But when your report gets buried in someone's inbox or your campaign falls flat, it's often not the message that's the problem – it's how it's communicated.

Maybe your team writes in multiple languages. Maybe English isn't everyone's first language. Or maybe you're just too close to the work to see where your writing loses clarity.

That's where I come in.

I'm an editor and translator with 20+ years working with organisations like yours. I've turned technical reports into engaging reads, made multilingual content sing in English, and ensured my clients’ words land with the people who need to hear them.

I specialise in international development, education and food security, which means I already speak your language (even before I translate it).

Sharper sentences, stronger outcomes

  • Reduce risk of misunderstanding

  • Improve trust and credibility

  • Protect your reputation

  • Engage your readership

  • Increase impact

  • Save time.

UNESCO-IIEP

Working on a document with a short deadline, you have been responsive and diligent. When copy editing this atypical document you have worked to our instructions, and your attention to detail - especially for repetitive changes in the text - was greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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Miruna Cocian, Project Manager at Groupe Luminess

We’ve been working with Philippa a project concerning the editing and proofreading of various texts in the financial sector, for the European Banking Authority. Given that the original texts are written by non-native English speakers, they require a very thorough revision, a task which Philippa fulfilled in a very professional manner (in terms of quality of the proofreading and editing, as well as availability to take on every task, immediate responsiveness to requests, on-time delivery of edited texts). We are very honoured and pleased to have such an amazing collaboration. It is very important to our company to be able to rely on professionals such as Philippa and we hope to be able to add more projects to our collaboration.

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A customised service

In need of a rock-steady word worker who can ensure your content is culturally appropriate?

I’m the wordsmith for you if you want someone who:

  • is an expert in the food, education and international development sectors

  • is able to convey your message in a way that encourages the right reactions and actions without missing a beat.

Copy-editing

English language editing that perfectly preserves your voice.

I check your written words at sentence level for consistency, clarity, correctness and completeness.

An MOT for writing: I tune up your reports and publications to improve clarity and readability, and help inspire action by the right people.

Content writing and translation

Human-centred cross-cultural communication.

I transform your French, Spanish and Portuguese materials into powerful English writing that mirrors the original language message and connects with the reader without losing any of its impact.

How can I help you?

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Substantive editing and rewriting

When your message needs more than a polish.

I work with you to transform complex or unclear content into persuasive, well-structured writing that moves your audience to action.

You won’t get a one-size-fits-all approach from me.

I offer specialist support that is flexible enough to tailor these services to exactly what you need: translation for one project, rewriting, editing or proofreading for another.

Or a combination of both.

Typical projects

Impact reports that read cleanly and accurately, donor‑facing pages that compel action without jargon, policy briefs that survive close scrutiny, and web copy that sounds like you across cultures.

For example: an annual report for an NGO with tight deadlines and complex data; a set of education case studies requiring translation and editorial polish; a food systems briefing that needed a thorough terminology review and sensitivity edit.


Specialist fields

International development

Climate change and the environment, agriculture, food policy, food systems, food security and food safety, HACCP guidelines, public policy, governance, urban development, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, trade, economics, campaigns and policy, poverty, disaster emergency and relief, civil conflict, human rights, gender equality, religious oppression, ethnic minorities, community rights-based development, corruption and transparency.

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Governance and public policy

White papers, HACCP guidelines, public policy, governance, urban development, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, trade, economics, campaigns and policy.

Education and training

Editorial content, blog posts, learning materials, digital content, interactive materials, language learning, modern languages, ELT materials, textbooks.

Fiction and non-fiction book translations and edits

I am also an emerging literary translator of fiction and non-fiction, with experience of translating non-fiction books on current affairs and politics. Fiction projects to date include a short story about the Valais canton in Switzerland and a short children’s book.

Luís Lázaro Matos – The Pond Skater, Kodoji Press (2021).

David Favrod – Gaijin Omoide Poroporo Hikari, Kodoji Press (2022).

Latest resources:

From draft to done: editing and translation that earns trust

You have more important things to do than debating whether a sentence needs a semicolon or a full stop. Or whether the English version faithfully reflects the original.

I’ll ensure your final copy retains the original voice and impact, in idiomatic, culturally sound English that lands with your audience.

All with spot-on grammar and punctuation.

Philippa Hammond is an editor and translator offering human-centred language services. She serves international charities, consultancies, think-tanks and NGOs, helping them preserve their voice with clear, accessible English.

Je parle français. Eu falo português. Yo hablo español.

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