My expertise
I work with both authors and publishers on all kinds of books as a book author, ghostwriter, book editor, book proofreader and book critiquer. My projects either involve checking, improving and managing titles for publishers, helping authors to prepare manuscripts, or writing the text myself.
A good book editor and book writer can apply their knowledge, skills and experience to a wide array of writing styles and subjects. Being flexible, adaptable and passionate about books is essential in my work, and my love of words in all genres means I'm happy to write, copy-edit and proofread all manner of books. My experience in publishing spans a wide range of genres, from children's, health, psychology, educational and history, through to crime thriller, autobiography, cookery and business.
To give you an idea of the breadth of my work, here's a small sample of published titles I've worked on: The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes, Nectar of the Gods, How to Start Your Own Secret Society, Doctor Who, Who Shot JFK?, Occult London, Monster Movies, The Absinthe Thinker, Arts Management, Halas & Batchelor Cartoons, The Rainbow Weavers, 1001 Gambling Tips, English Grammar For Dummies, Economics For Dummies, The Origins of the Universe For Dummies, Tax For Dummies, Football For Dummies, The Bodgeits, Racism and Education: Conspiracy or Coincidence?, Diana – A Princess Remembered, The Green Website Guide
My clients
I enjoy variety in my writing, book critiquing, copy-editing, development editing and proofreading work, and this is reflected in my client base. Some recent clients have included:
Publishers: How To Books, John Wiley & Sons (For Dummies books and Frommer's travel guides), Folens, Routledge, Taylor & Francis, High Stakes Publishing, Kamera Books, No Exit Press, Pocket Essentials, Southbank Publishing, Oldcastle Books, Melrose Books, BookForce, Red Raft Publishing, Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA), National Assessment Agency (NAA), Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual)
Authors: Auto/biography, thriller, crime, fantasy, historical, romance, general fiction, non-fiction and children's writers
In addition, I sometimes work with corporate clients on books and other text-based projects. Recent clients have included Bridal Buyer magazine, James Villa Holidays, Mad World Costume Hire, Ant Marketing, Model Interaction, Primary Investments, Cortexx Creative, AnimNation, Associated British Ports, Inspired Pix Photography, France Designs, Excelsior Film & Video, Real World Fundraising, HN Marketing, ICO Management Services, Speedie PR, WNT Legal, Babel Interactive, Net Lawman, Ultimate Law Guide, PorterBloom, Woodreed (Volkswagen), Turning Point, Metropolitan Black Police Association, One World One People, FARM-Africa, Brighton University, Respond
Testimonials
I've just been contacted by three major publishers interested in the children's books you helped me with. They weren't interested before you edited the stories, so it must be thanks to your ideas and input. One told me how impressed they were that they couldn't find a single mistake in my stories! (Julia Harrison, author)
You've done a fantastic job with the copy-editing and proofreading. I'm absolutely thrilled with it. Attention to detail is the name of the game, and you sure have an obvious talent for that. (Paul Sinclair, author of Shanti)
I'm thrilled with the hard work you have done and can't thank you enough. Now I feel a lot better about sending my ms out to agents. It is amazing what you have done in such a short time. Your constructive criticism is very much appreciated. (Steve Stoessler, author of The Awakening of the Lion)
I am totally amazed at the competence and thoroughness of your work. You have given me a superb analysis. I just do not know how you can do it for the price. I am sure I shall be back to you again and again. (Andrew Taylor, AA11Books.com)
I thought my mother was the ultimate proofreader. I was wrong. Charlie Wilson is! (Mike Buchanan, author of Guitar Gods in Beds)
I couldn't imagine finding anyone more helpful, supportive, or nice to work with – I never would have made it this far without your guidance! (Erin Hughes, author of Visions)
I am very happy to recommend Charlie and her services to anyone looking for someone who's a professional and yet at the same time gives personal attention to every detail of the work she undertakes. Charlie, for me, was so in tune with my work, she knew exactly where I wanted to take it. Also, Charlie knew how to get the best out of me. Personally speaking, I would not use anyone else. (Jenny Turner-Smith, author of Talk Dirty to Me)
About me
Words aren't just my livelihood – they're my passion. From an early age I've had a pen in one hand, a book in the other, and a love for all things wordy. So life as a professional book writer, book editor and book proofreader is perfect for me.
As far back as I can remember, I've been obsessed with words. At three I was teaching teddies how to spell their names; at five taking great delight in correcting my own laboured writing with a red felt-tip; at seven keeping the first of many diaries, including such gems as, Went to the zoo toady. It poored and poored.
I had the usual childhood ambitions – nurse, fireman, lollipop lady – but the dream of being a writer and working on books was less transient. It stuck with me through school, my degree and into my career, which I built in editorial positions at a PR agency, a major publisher and two national charities. Six years ago I took the plunge and went freelance, and I haven't looked back since.
Today, I spend my days happily ensconced in my office, amid piles of books, paper and coffee cups – my idea of heaven. I live in Kent with my husband, my one-year-old son and a geriatric goldfish. In my spare time I write, bake inedible cakes, play peek-a-boo and embark on disastrous DIY projects. I recently achieved a lifetime ambition of creating a library in my home to house my ever-increasing collection of books. I pretend not to notice that the shelves are rather wonky.