About me (I hate this bit)

Yoga, walking with my dog on the beach and lots of chocolate help me cope with the breakneck pace of life as an NUJ-accredited, award-winning writer, editor, and all-round wordsmith.

My background includes journalism, marketing communications/PR, creative writing, B2B, B2C and corporate writing, copywriting, editing and proofreading. And I have postgrad qualifications in: Copywriting, Editing, Journalism, PR & Editing. While I managed to get a BA 1st Class Hons in Business Information Technology & French, I'm certainly no goody-two-shoes swot – it's the journalist in me; immerse oneself in lots of research and the mind will floweth. Something like that!

Experience across the spectrum

Originally an equestrian manageress at the age of 18 (let's just say a while ago) in South Africa, it wasn’t long before my obsession with words (which borders on the unnatural) got the better of her.

So I returned to the UK and, after gaining post-graduate degrees in journalism, editing and PR, I became a dedicated wordsmith. It was only fairly recently (around 2003) that I realised that copywriting was my main passion.

Since then, I have worked across virtually every type of media — from corporate brochures to advertorials, direct mail to websites, off-the-page advertising to magazines. The comprehensive know-how gleaned means I understand different audiences, can write across the spectrum, quickly absorb new material and appreciates the importance of an appropriate tone and style. And it goes without saying that I have learned to respect tight deadlines and quick turnarounds.

I'm constantly updating and expanding my knowledge. Over the years, I’ve learned proven techniques and psychological triggers that can dramatically increase the desired response of any written material. Techniques that are used by the world's most successful and highest-paid copywriters. And I am constantly updating my breadth of knowledge to benefit clients.

Six for the price of one!

One major distinguishing feature of what I offer is that I'm not 'just' a copywriter. I'm a copywriter, journalist, author, editor, proofreader and marketing professional. Six for the price of one is a pretty good deal!

I combine these complementary skills and experience to meet most clients' needs. I can deliver exceptional value and communicate your message from a unique angle. Plus, you don't just get copy that delivers results, you get text that has been proofread and so is free of errors — nothing screams amateur more than sloppy copy chockfull of errors. What a mouthful! But you will fall flat on your face if your credibility is questioned.

Another key difference between myself and other copywriters is my self-confessed fear of failure. Really! Or perhaps it's a healthy dose of perfectionism. Whichever, the way I work means you know you won't have to settle for second best.

No need for handholding

What's more, my journalistic background means I can analyse complex issues and present them in a clear and concise way. While my sales and marketing background allows me to bring a persuasive yet subtle selling 'voice' to my writing, regardless of the subject matter.

And because of all this, I don't need to be handheld. I just take your brief — and delivers copy and concepts that work…that generate leads, build awareness, inform, entertain, increase sales...

Top 5 most distinctive attributes

* Curiosity * Strong communication skills * Imagination and creativity (I'm cheating here, but I see these two grouped as one!) * Motivation and drive (ditto
above) * Professional and personal integrity

5 words to describe my character

* Cheerful * Friendly and honest (oops! cheating again) * Enthusiastic and hardworking * Daring * Strong and determined

What do I enjoy most about life?

Freedom. Travelling and discovering new ways of living, thinking, eating,
doing. Spending time with friends and family. Chocolate. Inspiring
dialogue. Reading a good book. Escapism through a good film. My dog. My SO.
Hope.

Looking for the remarkable?

As David Ogilvy, founder of one of the world's largest advertising agencies Ogilvy & Mather, once said: "Look for people who will aim for the remarkable, who will not settle for the routine."

So contact me and let's talk about working together!