Melanie Thompson
technical communications

Tring, Hertfordshire

T: 01442 825659
E:

©2004

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Rainbow image ©2004 Steve Allen/Science Photo Library
 


I accept commissions for: promotional articles; chapters or whole books; professional manuals and guides; and corporate communications such as press releases and annual reports. Here are a few examples:

• I recently completed a 1500-word promotional article aimed at architects and designers, which outlines the various advantages of incorporating renewable energy technologies in buildings. This article was based on background knowledge plus telephone interviews with a selection of manufacturers and end-users.
• I wrote several chapters for the CBI’s book Making energy work, including “Putting energy on the business agenda” - a basic introduction to energy management. Available at http://www.tso.co.uk/cbi (ISBN: 1901844323).
• I worked with the communications team at Hertfordshire County Council’s Environment Department, to turn their various written policies and objectives into a user-friendly guide to the Department’s work.


I accept commissions for re-writing technical and policy documents, and books. Examples:

• I recently completed a re-write of two well-known energy management guides published by the Carbon Trust. The resulting document, A strategic guide to energy and environmental management (GPG 376), can be viewed at www.carbon-trust.org.uk.
• I worked closely with Professor Susan Roaf and her co-writers on the production of her seminal work Closing the Loop - benchmarks for sustainable buildings. This project involved re-organising the contents, re-writing several chapters, and copy editing the whole text (384pp). Closing the Loop (ref. 33068Pb) was published by RIBA Enterprises at the end of May 2004. See http://www.ribabookshops.com.
• In 2002, I restructured the text and copy-editing the authors’ manuscript for a major book published by the RICS. Diagnosing Damp, by Ralph Burkinshaw and Mike Parrett (ISBN 1842190970) is a detailed and highly illustrated guide to help building surveyors and other professionals understand dampness in buildings. See www.ricsbooks.com.


• Once a fortnight I write E-news from the RFS - a newsletter for members of the Royal Forestry Society. The RFS supplies content in the form of memos, press releases, news clippings and job vacancies, and I put them all together in one easy-to-read text message. This work involves fact checking and web-based research.
• In May 2004 I launched Get Sust!, an e-mail newsletter for undergraduates, post-grads and professionals with an interest in sustainability and the built environment. Learn more, or subscribe to this FREE newsletter at the Get Sust! website.


I welcome enquiries from research organisations, professional bodies, publishers and businesses who need help with their publications. Recent clients include:

• Green Futures magazine (published by Forum for the Future) - proofreading
• www.MemCom.info - website, eZine and Membership Marketing (newsletter) editor
• Stonham Housing Association - writing the Association’s maintenance manual
• Furniture Reuse Network - rewriting/editing technical manual
• Kotuku - writing project report and PR support
• RIBA Enterprises - proofreading
• Desq - copy-editing on-line learning materials
• Open University - on-screen editing of course materials
• Construction Best Practice programme - writing case studies
• Housing Energy Efficiency Best Practice programme - PR support, press releases and journal articles.

February 2008:
Get Sust! Issue No. 34 and annual Careers Supplement published.

1 January 2008:
Get Sust! is pleased to announce sponsorship from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Other news

28 Feb 2008:
The Environmental Construction Handbook, by Anne Dye and Mike McEvoy (Publ: RIBA) was launched at EcoBuild.

November 2007:
Launch of BCO Guide to Post-Occupancy Evaluation, by Nigel Oseland

September 2007:
Read my review of The Teacher's Guide to Grammar by Deborah Cameron in SfEP's Editing Matters members' magazine

Eardisley website:
This website promotes the book Eardisley Characters & Capers, by Brian Hales.
 
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