Elyssa Campbell-Barr

A little bit about me

After 15 years as a magazine editor and publications manager for major membership organisations, I turned freelance in 2014. I now work for clients across the corporate and not-for-profit sectors, offering: 

  • clear, concise and engaging writing for print and web
  • editorial project management, from initial concept to finished product
  • fast, accurate sub-editing and proofing
  • training and consultancy in effective writing, grammar and brand tone of voice.

Although happy to tackle most topics, my specialisms are family, education, childcare and healthcare. As a freelancer I’ve worked for:

  • global brands such as Dove, Medela, NatWest/RBS and JCDecaux
  • educational organisations including King’s College London, Regent’s University London and the Society for Education and Training
  • charities and membership associations such as the Ramblers, Early Years Alliance and Arts Award
  • creative agencies including River Group, Keel London and Not Actual Size.

I’ve also contributed to national newspapers, magazines and websites, including the Guardian, Closer, Mother & Baby, Global Health & Pharma, Nursery World and Netmums. And I’ve written a book, Choosing Childcare, published by Cross Publishing.

Outside work I’m a school governor at a primary academy trust. As well as overseeing the quality of teaching, learning and assessment, I’ve taken a lead role in the trust’s rebanding.

editor journalist copywriter
Teacher magazine wins TUC communications award

We won! The Teacher scoops the ‘Best Magazine’ title at the TUC Awards.

Professional expertise

  • All aspects of magazine editing, from planning and commissioning to distribution and evaluation.
  • Producing corporate and membership publications – annual reports, handbooks, prospectuses, programmes, funding bids, manuals, brochures, manifestos and more.
  • Developing digital communications – website content, online magazines, ebooks, social media and SEO.
  • Journalism and copy-editing – feature-writing, news reporting, interviewing, sub-editing and proofreading.
  • People management, including appraisals, recruitment and Investors in People.
  • Budget management and contract re-tendering.
  • Writing in plain English and presenting complex or dry information in engaging ways.
  • Creating page layouts in Adobe Indesign and Quark Express.
  • Sourcing images from photographers, illustrators or picture libraries, and editing them in Photoshop.
  • Conducting readership research in partnership with market research companies.
  • Working productively with editorial boards and sub-committees.
  • Meeting the needs of readers with visual impairments or basic skills deficiencies.
  • Producing publications bilingually in Welsh/English and minority ethnic languages.
  • Securing advertising and sponsorship, directly or through agencies.
  • Delivering presentations and training on effective writing, house style and grammar.