I'm Dr Julie Banton, a freelance copyeditor based in Leicestershire. I specialise in copyediting non-fiction but also proofread both non-fiction and fiction. I've always had a passion for making writing clear and easy to understand!

 

Since 2016 I've been the substantive copyeditor for the academic journal Population Studies produced by the Population Investigation Committee. I also work with a range of academics in the UK (e.g. at University of Bristol, University of Southampton, Newcastle University Business School, Durham University) and around the world on social science papers. I also copyedit and proofread reports for IIEP-UNESCO. In the past I've copyedited social science papers for Charlesworth, copyedited academic books for Wearset, and proofread Christian books for Instant Apostle and another religious organisation. 

 

I am an advanced professional member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP). I've passed the CIEP editorial test, and my training includes the CIEP 'Introduction to Fiction Editing' course (2020), 'Copy-editing Headway' course (2018) and introductory courses in proofreading and copy-editing (2016). I'm committed to Continuing Professional Development; in 2026 I took the CIEP course on 'Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for Editorial Professionals'. I've also taken part in a session on editing with macros, participated in the 2020 and 2021 CIEP conferences, and regularly learn from professional forums. I was also a co-ordinator of the East Midlands local CIEP group for several years and continue to participate in this monthly.

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From previous employment, I have experience of working with a wide range of clients from government departments, academics, and charities, to the media and public services. 

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My background is in social sciences, with a PhD in Social Statistics and a BSc(SocSci) in Population Studies, both from the University of Southampton. This means I'm comfortable with quantitative research and interested in a wide range of topics including health and mortality, geography, data, and social trends. I also have considerable experience of working with survey questionnaires, so if you need a questionnaire copy-edited then I'm your person! 

 

My experiences of writing and editing, prior to becoming freelance in 2016, include:

• co-authoring a successful statistics textbook for beginners (2001; 2015; 3rd edition forthcoming)

• writing and informally editing a wide range of web publications, such as statistical bulletins and articles, for the Office for National Statistics (here's an example)

• co-editing/co-writing a published volume on the British population (2005).

(In case you are wondering, I had a different surname when the items linked above were published.) 

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I am well positioned to edit material relating to my other interests, which include: 

• Christian faith: if you are looking for a Christian copyeditor or proofreader for your book or other Christian material then look no further. I've been a Christian for many years and am on the leadership team of my local church.

• Outdoor fitness (biking, running, walking, mountaineering, adventure racing; with previous experience of kayaking, caving, and climbing). 

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You can also find me on LinkedIn. If I can help with your editing needs, then do get in touch!