Editor and proofreader for NGos, charities and consultancies
Non-fiction proofreading, copy-editing and substantive editing services
Whether your work is focused on food systems, climate change and sustainability, education or gender equality, your content deserves the same care and attention, with your unique voice and reputation kept intact.
You’re doing work that makes a difference, but your written materials need to work harder to cut through the noise.
I help charities, think-tanks and international organisations get their publications just right.
Your editorial safety net.
International organisations
Charities
Policymakers
Food sector businesses and institutes
EU-based consultancies
Social enterprises
Multi-author research reports
Grant proposals/bids
Website copy
Training materials
Corporate communications
Policy guidance
British English
Plain English specialist
From draft to done: an MOT for your writing
Maybe your team writes in multiple languages, producing multi-author documents. Maybe you're just too close to the work to see where the writing loses clarity.
Frankly, you have more important things to do than debating whether a sentence needs a semicolon or a full stop.
That’s when external editorial support can make all the difference – fresh eyes to catch what you’ve missed.
With my help, working drafts and multi-author documents become clear, cohesive publications that connect with readers and inspire action.
Let me handle the editorial heavy lifting so you can focus on your mission.
Editing and proofreading services
International development, food, education and public policy
All editing projects include (if required):
• a detailed letter from the editor; and/or
• a project style sheet.
Copy-editing
Editing to clarify meaning, ensure coherence and flow and refine language.
Refine flow
Clarify arguments
Tighten sentences
Resolve inconsistencies
Rework non-idiomatic phrasing
Implement house style and tone
Check for accuracy
Tidy bibliographies and citations
Correct grammar and punctuation.
Optional extras:
Fact-checking
Creation of style guide
Result
Copy that reads cleanly and accurately and survives close scrutiny, but still sounds like you.
Substantive editing
For when your writing needs a reshape more than a polish.
Expose weak arguments
Close logic gaps
Rewrite sections that miss the mark
Suggest heavy edits when content meanders
Recommend expansions where critical points have been glossed over.
Result
Content that builds a clear, compelling case and delivers your message with the impact it deserves.
Proofreading
For the final stage of the workflow, when fewer changes are expected to the text.
Correct any final grammar, punctuation and spelling errors
Check page numbers and cross-references
Spot inconsistencies.
Optional:
Proof-editing: between proofreading and a ‘light’ copy-edit. One pass only.
Result
Perfectly polished material, with peace of mind that your manuscript is ready for publication.
What changes when you work with a specialist development sector editor?
No more worrying about whether your message is clear, your structure works, or your terminology is consistent and accessible.
✅Improved readability.
✅Clarity of complex and sector-specific concepts/technical jargon.
✅Application of Plain English principles.
✅Accessible language.
✅No risk of cross-cultural missteps.
✅Human-centred English that fits the context.
✅Your voice and style shine through (I never impose my own preferences).
Testimonials from happy customers
Director, International Correspondents in Education, Barcelona
‘Philippa is professional, punctual, nice to work with and good at what she does! Thoughtful, meticulous editing.’
Project manager, Human European Consultancy
‘Besides the quality of the language edit, her knowledge about the English language and her eye for detail, Philippa is quick and easy to communicate with.
We’re really happy about Philippa’s work for us, and there is nothing we would like her to change!’
Groupe Luminess
‘Our texts written by non-native English speakers for the European Banking Authority require very thorough revision. In addition to the quality of her proofreading and editing, she was highly responsive to requests and ensured on-time delivery. This is very important to our company.’
How we can work together
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1. Consultation
We discuss what you need, and I ask you about your house style and the ‘brief’. That’s how I get to know your organisation, tone of voice and values.
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2. Agreement
We establish a timescale that ensures important targets are met. Confidentiality and on-time delivery are a standard part of every project.
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3. The work
Behind the scenes, I work methodically, using tracked changes and multiple drafts. I liase with you to clarify terms, concepts and phrasing when needed.
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4. Delivery
What you get back: publication-ready copy, together with clear notes explaining stylistic decisions and any open questions.
FAQs
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This will depend on my availability and yours, but I can usually edit around 1,000 words per hour.
For proofreading, this can rise to 2,000 words per hour.
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Each job gets a customised quotation according to your needs. You may simply require a summary or, in a copy-editing project, some degree of rewriting.
This is because each job will require a customised quotation according to your needs. You may simply require a summary translation or, in a copy-editing project, some degree of rewriting, for example.
To give you an idea, though, I usually charge by the hour for editing, starting from £40 per hour.
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I most definitely can! Let’s discuss the purpose you want to achieve from the translation/writing/revision project, and I’ll advise you.
Please fill out my contact form here and we’ll take it from there.