MY CV
I’m a freelance feature writer with more than 20 years’ experience in the national press.
As well as writing lifestyle features and interviews for a range of newspapers and magazines, I also create and edit copy for brands, charities and businesses, and can be consulted on all aspects of editorial content.
Additionally, I am currently working in a freelance comms and fundraising role at the Lotus Flower charity, which supports women and girl conflict survivors.
Previously, I have worked as an Editorial Manager in the marketing division of the world’s biggest leisure and tourism company. Before embarking on my freelance career, I was Editor of a major women’s weekly title, and have also worked as a digital editor within the UK’s largest online magazine publishing house.
In every area of my work, I am meticulous about grammar, accuracy and tone of voice, and always ensure copy reads well and is legally sound. I can work to the tightest of deadlines while always remaining calm, and have a can-do approach – whether I’m working on a magazine launch, a media campaign or a 2,000-word feature.
Between 2017 and 2021, I was also the Course Leader in Magazine Journalism & Production at the University of Gloucestershire.
Profile
Skills & Qualifications
Senior NCTJ qualification
BA Hons in English; University of Kent, 1996-9
100 wpm shorthand
Trained in CMS
Freelance journalist/ content editor
March 2013 - present
I write features, interviews and news stories for titles including The Sun, The Mirror, Daily Mail, Independent, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Express, The People, Red, Marie Claire, Grazia, Look, Fabulous, new!, Hello!, OK!, Candis, Best, Woman’s Own and Woman.
Outside of journalism, I am a content editor for brands and charities. This includes writing commercial and marketing copy, blogs, press releases, case studies and social media posts, as well as website copy.
Course Leader, Magazine Journalism & Production, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham
September 2017 - August 2021
Editorial Manager (Acting) - TUI
October 2015 - April 2016
As Acting Editorial Manager at travel firm TUI, incorporating Thomson and First Choice holidays, I managed a team of 13 writers on a freelance basis.
Author
October 2014
I wrote a major British biography of singer Beyoncé for Hodder & Stoughton, which was also published in China, Australia, Germany and France. In addition, I ghostwrote a celebrity autobiography.
Digital Editor (Acting) - Hearst Magazines
September 2014 - May 2015
I edited Hearst’s BestDaily website on a freelance basis, which comprised celebrity news, health, beauty and fashion. This required thorough knowledge of Content Management Systems, social media and SEO.
Editor - Northern & Shell
March 2011 - March 2013
As Editor of the women’s weekly, Star, I led a team of 25 and was responsible for editing and planning content across more than 100 pages each week. This involved commissioning features, managing strict budgets, implementing sales strategies, working with Advertising, and liaising with PRs.
Prior to becoming Editor, I was News Editor, Assistant Editor and then Deputy Editor, all between the years 2004-2011.
Feature writer - Sunday Mirror
August 2002 - December 2003
News Editor - Surrey Mirror Group
May 2001 - August 2002
Work
history