Non-fiction editor (copy-editing, substantive editing and developmental editing) | Translator | Content writer

Hello, I'm Philippa Hammond. 

I specialise in editing for organisations working on issues that matter – from food security to gender equality, climate change to education. 

For over 20 years, I've been working with charities and international NGOs to turn working drafts into publications that inspire action.

To find out more about how I can help you, read more about my services on my website.

Editorial support

You’re doing work that makes a difference, but your written materials need to work harder to cut through the noise.

I'm in my element when I'm helping charities, think-tanks and international organisations working on issues that matter get their publications just right for their audience.

With my help, working drafts and multi-author documents become clear, cohesive publications that connect with readers and inspire action.

I never impose my own preferences on your work, and I will listen carefully to what you need before providing constructive feedback. This ensures that your voice and style shine through. 

I mainly work with social impact organisations working in international development. But if my approach appeals and you're not from those sectors, that's also fine. I'm always open to a new challenge.

If you'd like to discuss a potential project, book a free 30-minute discussion with me.

Services

Non-fiction copy-editing

Editing to clarify meaning, ensure coherence and flow and refine language. 

This includes editing content specifically for online platforms and digital formats, ensuring it is optimised for readability on screens, accessibility, and user engagement.

More about my copy-editing services.

Non-fiction developmental editing

Editing that's focused on the 'big picture', helping to shape structure and content before or after submission.

More about my developmental editing services.

Substantive editing and rewriting

For when your writing needs a reshape more than a polish: I close logic gaps and suggest heavier edits and recommend expansions.

More about my substantive editing services.

Translation and transadaptation (French, Spanish, Portuguese to English)

Translations from French, Spanish and Portuguese into culturally fluent English.

More about my translation services.

Content writing

Informational content for specialist and non-specialist audiences that compels action without jargon: blog posts, newsletters, bids, reports and more.

Specialist areas

• International development and development sector communications
• Governance and public policy
• Food systems, food security and nutrition security
• Education and training (especially MFL and ELT materials).

Subgenres

Climate change and the environment |Food policy | Food systems, food security and food safety | Urban development | Sustainable livelihoods | Disaster emergency and relief | Human rights | Gender equality | Corruption and transparency | White papers | Funding applications and bid writing | Blog posts | MFL assessment materials and workbooks | ELT textbooks | Digital learning content | Interactive learning content.

Types of document

• multi-author research reports
• project evaluations
• policy papers
• grant proposals/bids
• website copy
• training materials
• corporate communications
• ESG/sustainability reporting.

Typical projects

• An annual report for an NGO with tight deadlines and complex data.
• A set of education case studies requiring translation and editorial polish.
• A food systems briefing that needed a thorough terminology review and sensitivity edit.
• Gender equality, disability and social inclusion reports by subject matter experts.

Clients

• National and international charities
• Research organisations
• Food sector businesses and institutes
• International NGOs and UK-based NGOs
• EU-based consultancies
• Think-tanks and policy organisations
• International consultancies.

My values

Experience

I gained practical insight into how international organisations communicate from my years working in-house before going freelance. I know that organisations with smaller budgets and smaller teams can struggle to get their message across effectively and I love stepping in to help them to do that.

My fluency in French, Spanish, and Portuguese enables me to work sensitively with multilingual writers.

Training and qualifications

• MA in Translation and Linguistics, Spanish with Portuguese 
• BA (Hons) in French and Spanish
• CertTESOL (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

Editorial training 

• Copyediting 1: Introduction
• Getting to Grips with Grammar and Punctuation
• Copyediting 2: Headway
• Editing Digital Content
• Plain English Editing
• Non-fiction developmental editing (CIEP)
• Rewriting and Substantive Editing, Publishing Training Centre (PTC)
• Advanced Copy-editing, Publishing Training Centre (PTC)
• SEO and content creation 
• Proofreading PDFs
• International marketing

Testimonials

Contact me to see if I can help.

'The Pond Skater' - text supplement to the book by Luís Lázaro Matos, and interview of the artist with João Mourão and Luís Silva. Kodoji Press, 2021.