Where I learned the art of precision — and the value of every comma.
And yes, style guides were read like novels
I worked as a Desk Editor, responsible for maintaining editorial excellence across academic and educational titles. It was a role that demanded clarity, consistency, and an obsessive attention to detail — and it strengthened my editorial core in ways that would later shape my approach to brand voice and content strategy.
What I Did (and Did Well)
- Reviewed and edited manuscripts for factual accuracy, clarity, and style — ensuring alignment with Cambridge’s rigorous publishing standards.
- Managed the full editorial process, from first proofs to final approvals, collaborating with authors, reviewers, and production teams.
- Worked closely with the marketing team to prepare back cover blurbs, catalog entries, and advertising copy with crisp messaging.
- Cross-checked references and academic citations, especially in higher education titles, to maintain scholarly integrity.
- Balanced multiple projects simultaneously, meeting tight deadlines while never compromising on quality.
- Acted as quality gatekeeper, ensuring every book left the desk publication-ready and brand-aligned.
Impact
- Contributed to publishing academically rigorous and globally distributed titles with zero compromise on quality.
- Strengthened my expertise in language precision, structure, and tone — all of which later translated into my content marketing work.
- Developed the ability to work with high-performing, cross-disciplinary teams under pressure and without losing editorial voice.
Why I Left
After a fulfilling run in academic publishing, I wanted to explore content that moved faster, reached wider audiences, and allowed for more creative storytelling — but my time at CUP gave me an unshakable editorial foundation.
What I Took With Me
- An editor’s eye for clarity, flow, and factual integrity
- A love for balancing creativity with structure
- The ability to manage long-form content with patience and polish
- And a lifelong appreciation for the humble em dash