About me
I’m Peter, a freelance editor and proofreader with a background in English language teaching, educational publishing and inclusive content. I work with publishers, charities, not-for-profit organisations and heritage projects to make content clear, engaging, accurate and accessible.
I’m passionate about the power of words, the importance of representation and the stories that connect us. Whether I’m editing a learning resource, reviewing a charity’s publication or exploring historical records, I bring curiosity, attention to detail and a thoughtful, collaborative approach to every project.

My editorial journey
My professional background combines 17 years of English language teaching with eight years in publishing. As a teacher, I worked with learners of different ages, levels and backgrounds, gaining first-hand insight into the needs of students and educators.
I later moved into publishing, where I’ve worked on a wide range of educational materials, including course content, exam preparation resources, teacher’s books and assessments. My editorial experience includes content editing, copyediting and proofreading, as well as sensitivity reading, inclusive content reviews and consultancy.
I’ve worked with established publishers and independent organisations, bringing together editorial expertise and an understanding of how content works for the people who use it.
Why inclusive editing matters to me
My commitment to inclusive editing grew from my experience as an English language teacher and from recognising how little LGBTQIA+ representation was present in many educational materials.
One classroom experience in particular reinforced for me how important visibility and representation can be. A conversation with a group of teenage learners about LGBTQIA+ identities gave me an opportunity to explain that they were discussing someone like me. One student later thanked me and came out to me. It was a reminder that representation isn’t simply about including a particular identity in a resource; it can help people feel seen, understood and accepted.
Today, I specialise in helping ELT publishers and educators create materials that reflect the diversity of the world around us. My work includes LGBTQIA+ representation, sensitivity reading, inclusive content audits, editorial guidance and support with developing inclusive language and EDI guidelines.
I’m also interested in how other aspects of identity and experience are represented, including age, disability, mental health and body diversity. I believe inclusive content should be thoughtful, authentic and intersectional, rather than tokenistic.
Working with charities and not-for-profit organisations
Alongside my publishing work, I’m extending my editorial services to charities, NGOs and not-for-profit organisations, particularly those working in education, inclusion and social justice.
I’ve undertaken voluntary editorial work for Galop, the LGBTQIA+ anti-abuse charity, and I’m a member of Guts UK‘s Experts by Experience panel. Through this work, I’ve contributed to reviewing and proofreading resources, with a focus on clarity, accessibility and making information understandable to the people who need it.
I understand that organisations need their publications to communicate complex or sensitive subjects accurately, clearly and with care. I can help with copyediting, proofreading, content reviews and accessibility-focused editorial support, ensuring that your message remains your own while making it as effective as possible.
A passion for family history
Away from my editorial work, I’m an enthusiastic family historian. I began researching my family history in 2017, and what started as a personal interest has developed into a long-standing passion.
I enjoy tracing family connections, exploring historical records and discovering the stories behind the names. My research has taken me across the UK, Canada, Australia and the United States, with a particular interest in my family’s connections to Quebec and the Gaspé Peninsula.
I particularly enjoy the detective work involved in genealogy: piecing together evidence from census returns, parish registers, newspapers and other historical sources, and learning how individual lives fit into their wider historical and social contexts.
Family history brings together many things I love: research, history, language, storytelling and the careful interpretation of evidence. It has also given me a personal appreciation of the importance of preserving records and making historical information accessible to others.
My approach
Whatever the project, I believe good editing is about more than correcting errors. It’s about understanding the purpose of a piece of content, respecting the author’s voice and helping readers engage with the material.
I take a collaborative, considered approach to every assignment. I pay close attention to detail, ask questions where needed and aim to make the editorial process straightforward and supportive. I’m particularly interested in projects where clear communication, accessibility and thoughtful representation make a meaningful difference.
I’m a Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), and I continue to develop my skills and knowledge through professional learning and involvement in editorial and inclusion-related work.
Let’s work together
Whether you’re a publisher developing educational resources, a charity producing information for your community, or an organisation working with heritage and historical content, I’d be delighted to hear about your project.
If you’re looking for an experienced editor who brings curiosity, care and a commitment to clear, inclusive communication, let’s talk.
Explore my editorial services or get in touch to discuss how I can support your next project.
Qualifications
BA (Hons) English with Sociology
MA (Distinction) English Language and Literature
PGCE (Post-16, TESOL)
DELTA
Training
Copyediting 1 & 2, Proofreading 1, CIEP
Understanding Neurodiversity, ELT Well
Flourishing Foundations, EarnLearnThrive
Training Academy Champions (Gold), LGBT Foundation
Foundations to Inclusion, Beth Cox
Editing and proofreading, College of Media and Publishing
Adobe InDesign CC Essential Training, London School of Publishing
Introduction to Editing and Proofreading Skills, The Institute of Publishing
Talks and presentations
I’ve delivered talks, workshops and presentations on inclusive ELT and LGBTQIA+ representation.
View all talks and presentations
Stafford House Academic Conference, Mar 2025: Not a taboo
CATESOL State Conference, Nov 2024: Bridging the Gap
Developod: TDSIG, June 2024: TDSIG podcast episode 52
IATEFL Brighton, 17 April 2024: Requeering Discussions (workshop)
IATEFL YLTSIG conference, 19 Jan 2024: The Shadow of Section 28EALTHY, 4 Dec 2023: Exploring LGBTQIA+ identities and representation
English First, 24 Oct 2023: EMBRACING: Everybody’s Normal
TEFL Horizons Virtual ELT Conference, 6 Oct 2023: The Whys and Hows of Creating LGBTQIA+ inclusive materials
IATEFL Themes 2023, 16 Sept 2023: I am not a taboo
British Council, 28 Jun 2023: Proud teachers on Pride Day
Teachers Talk Radio, Jun 2023: Is ELT doing enough to represent the LGBTQIA+ community?
British Council, Jun 2023: Resisting Invisibility
TESOL Pop podcast, Jun 2023: Including LGBTQIA+ identities in Language Classes
Reflecting Reality FB group, Jun 2023: Is ELT Proud?
Earn Learn Thrive LinkedIn Live, 9 Jun 2023: Why LGBTQIA+ representation matters in ELT
PiE conference, 6 May 2023: ELT = Embracing LGBTQIA+ Teaching
IATEFL Harrogate 2023: I am not a taboo: LGBTQIA+ in the ELT classroom
TEFL Development Hub, Feb 2023: Why LGBTQIA+ in ELT matters
ELT Freelancers Awayday, Sept 2022: Usualisation and disruption; Buzzword talk
British Council, Apr 2022: IDAHOBLIT Panel
Teachers Talk Radio, Mar 2022: An unexpected journey
ELTCPD podcast, 22 Feb 2021: Diversity and Inclusion
Articles
I’ve written ELT-specific articles.
View all articles
IATEFL Voices, March 2024: My first IATEFL conference presentation
Cambridge, World of Better Learning: 5 classroom activities for Pride Month 2023
MaWSIG Blog, May 2023: I am not a taboo: LGBTQIA+ in the ELT classroom
Diverse Educators blog, Apr 2022: Don’t look back in ELT
