The details and the big picture

Copyediting, proofreading, developmental editing and editorial project management from the Wye Valley, Herefordshire

- Expert editorial support for third sector and public sector organisations, publishers, businesses and authors of non-fiction -

What can I offer you?

A bespoke editorial service that sees the big-picture issues while pinpointing every little detail. With over 16 years’ experience in publishing, I provide a steady hand and broad expertise on editorial projects ranging from individual articles to multi-million-word encyclopedias.

Who do I work with?

Wordstitch is a small editorial business with big perspectives. I work globally with third sector and public sector organisations, publishers, businesses and non-fiction authors to help them deliver some of their most prestigious publications.

What do I work on?

All things non-fiction, including reports, papers, books, educational materials, articles, websites, encyclopedias and catalogues. Specialist topics include charities, peace processes, digital and technology, business and leadership, media and culture, futures, history, education, and the social sciences, but a broad bank of experience means I can turn my hand to most non-technical subjects.

I get particularly excited about in-depth edits and large, complex projects where I can really add value.

Who am I?

My name is Hazel Bird and I founded Wordstitch Editorial in 2009. I’m an artsy spreadsheetoholic who enjoys blending nuanced editing with a structured approach to solve clients’ problems. I’ve navigated my way through over 65 million words’ worth of projects and worked with thousands of authors. I’m an Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute for Editing and Proofreading and a member of ACES: The Society for Editing, and am also certified as a PRINCE2 Practitioner. I've been described as ‘superhuman’ and a ‘secret weapon', but until Tony Stark comes calling I’m dedicating my superpowers to text-based endeavours.

Services

Paper proofs with red markings and a red pen, with a laptop in the background

Copyediting and proofreading

Scrutinising every detail of a text to ensure clarity, accuracy, consistency and appropriate use of language, enhancing the flow and sense where required. Checking that all tables, figures, references and other special elements are complete.

Coloured folders full of paper, shown end on

Developmental
editing AND LINE EDITING

Working on broad aspects of a text – such as its structure, flow, tone and referencing –  to ensure that they are optimised for your target audience. Ensuring that the text will address whatever need or idea led your readers to pick up your publication.

Transparent screen showing a Gantt-style project plan with a hand pointing

Editorial project management

Proactively managing the delivery of a text-based project over multiple stages according to your requirements. Coordinating suppliers and stakeholders, anticipating and troubleshooting problems, and keeping you informed of progress.

Testimonials

Once again you have done the impossible!

– production editor, Wiley Blackwell

Hazel is an exceptional editor. She has an incredible eye for detail and makes suggestions for cuts and amendments to the texts which vastly improve the flow and strength of the prose. Her queries were always thoughtful and considered and have been extremely useful for the authors. This was a complicated project with lots of different elements, but Hazel handled everything in a calm and professional way which made the whole process smooth and stress-free. It's been a pleasure to work with someone as skilled as Hazel. Thank you.

– Emily Pedder, The Academic Edit

Hazel has been my secret weapon for more book projects than I can remember. Seriously, I don’t know how she does it; she spots things I would never have seen in a million years. I wouldn’t even consider sending one of my books to print without Hazel working her magic on it first.

Paul Choy, international documentary photographer and author

Bringing any publication to market is always a challenge and part of that challenge is never really knowing who you are going to end up working with. We have been delighted with the service provided by Wordstitch Editorial. They have been consummately professional, have a can-do (and will-sort) attitude and they have protected us from a lot of the usual aggravation that can come as texts are prepared for publication. We have certainly seen many books that have been published riddled with errors, but we really are not seeing that this time. We would really like to work with you again. Thank you!

– Mark and Bernie Fishpool, authors of Software Development in Practice

You made our work read a million times better so for that I am extremely grateful.

– public policy foundation

Just read your comments – very helpful! Particularly when you would catch the cadence of a page and then spot the part (even one word) that didn’t fit!

– multi-award-winning international management consultant and author

Thanks to ... Hazel Bird, copy editor, whose intelligent and thoughtful attention to detail has been nothing short of phenomenal.

– Sara Lister, Justine Hofland and Hayley Grafton, editors of The Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures, 10th edition

Thanks so much for your help over the years - I’ve always been able to send the magazine to the printers with 100% certainty that there will be no typos, howlers or spelling mistakes included thanks to your thorough work on each issue!

– Dom Hall, Content Manager, National Osteoporosis Society

Hazel has worked as Project Manager on a number of large, multi-volume, print and online reference works produced by my team. She has a deep understanding of the publishing process and an analytical mind. She works closely to the brief, whilst also being unafraid to suggest intelligent improvements to processes and solutions to problems. She is always professional and helpful, striking a good balance between meeting the needs and requirements of the client and delivering a quality product.

– Louise Barnetson, Production Manager, Wiley Blackwell

You’ve done an amazing job. I really appreciate the calm and accomplished way you’ve dealt with all the complexities and unusual challenges of the project.

– Production editor, Wiley Blackwell

I have the pleasure of working with Hazel – consummately professional and helped lift the writing in [the journal’s fourth edition] to a new level.

– Jay Armstrong, editor of Elementum journal

In the seven books I’ve written, you really have been the most thorough and professional editor I’ve had the pleasure to work with.

– professor of history, USA

My values

FULLY
BESPOKE

I offer truly bespoke workflows that suit the specifics of your organisation and your way of working.

GOAL
FOCUSED

I get things done and keep things moving, focusing on your goals and making them happen.

ALWAYS
ORGANISED

I see the details and the big picture, aiming to smooth the future course of your project.

YOUR WORDS, YOUR AUDIENCE

I can help to find the most effective way to communicate your message to your target audience.

HOLISTIC
PARTNER

I strive to build collaborative partnerships with true mutual benefit and shared learning.

WHOLE-TEAM
APPROACH

I aim to chart a path that satisfies everyone, whether the project team has two people or 1,000.

My projects in numbers

Because of the breadth and depth of my experience, I’ve had many opportunities to learn new and better ways of doing all things editorial. As a result, I can help you find the best ways to produce content that will speak to your intended readership.

Over 0

full-time years in business

Over 0 million

words edited

Over 0

completed book-length projects

Over 0

collaborations with authors and editors

Frequently asked questions

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Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, UK