Storytelling, community engagement, and lifelong learning is what I’m most passionate about. I founded Amsterdam Academy in 2014 to bring this all together. With the Amsterdam Academy Press division, I want to help others do what I did, become a published author and get your story out into the world. Everyone has a story to share. Self-publishing is a huge mountain to climb, but easier if we climb together. With my carefully selected A-team, I look forward to helping you cross the self-publishing finish line.

Stories should never be exclusive, because they are for sharing. I want to help you get yours out into the world.

Whether it is fact, fiction, or a blend of the two, my 16 years of developmental editing, line editing, and proofreading experience will be put towards ensuring that your writing is taken seriously, and is well received by your intended readers.

I’m happiest working with first-time novelists, second(+)-language English writers, neurodivergent writers, and people who work in the arts, education, legal sector and sustainability.

With me as your editor, you’ll have a sensitive, diligent, observant and cheerful communicator, who also happens to be a born bookworm. As my teachers used to say, “She’s always got her nose in a book”.

Working with Hannah on the cover design of her first book made me realize how much I enjoy fulfilling the dreams of an author, helping their book come to life. The whole creation process from A-Z was a fun journey, working hand-in-hand with her, developing good ideas to make them even better. I am a designer who thrives on working together with a good team and in partnership with the clients. The positive energy I receive from the people I work with, is always reflected in my creativity. I’m proud to be part of this amazing team, and look forward to creating unique covers that fit your book perfectly. (Note: this headshot was taken by our very own Vinita Salome;)

I’m a Design Director with a passion for craft, storytelling and innovation. My background is in Graphic Design and Art Direction. I’m originally from the U.K. and for last 12 years in Amsterdam. I have over 20 years experience working on 360 campaigns and Branding for big brands and smaller start-ups in London, New York and Amsterdam. I like to work independently but also as part of an ensemble, where I can use my experience to help shape things visually. Book covers are like works of art in their own right, and are very fun to do. A great book might stay with us for a long time but, often, its cover does too. It is an honour to join this hit-squad and support this new self-publishing platform.

For almost ten years, I’ve been working with entrepreneurs, scientists and companies, from start-ups to multinationals, to tell their stories. I have ghost written several bestselling non-fiction books for celebrity entrepreneurs, and I’ve edited dozens more. My background in science helps me translate complex concepts into engaging content, so whatever you want to share, I can help you find the words. I’m excited to be working with the Amsterdam Academy Press team – let’s tell some stories!

If there’s one thing that brings me more joy than creating, it’s co-creating. Writing should be fun, not an old stuffy profession, solely focused on ‘the craft’. My goal is to make you succeed, to become a published author, master the act of finishing. This starts with ensuring that the creative juices are flowing. Apart from helping to build your confidence throughout the self-publishing process (like Improv - write in the moment, no fear!), I’m here to help you get set up with your ebook and audio book, seeing the public is increasingly finding more ways to digest stories.

For the last 12 years, I have worked with both publishers and self publishing authors to create the layout of their manuscripts, so my experience in layout design is both varied and comprehensive. I believe working in teams together with an author can create a synergetic flow to the process of publishing a book that every self published author should experience.

Having self published two books, the publishing world has always interested me. I understand what goes into the making of a book and realize that many people do not have access to images that are congruent to the story they would like to tell. Amsterdam Academy Press’s mission speaks to me deeply, to want to help as many people tell their story and create a great book with an excellent team.

As the author of two self-published novels, I know the excitement brimming inside of you to get your story out into the world. Yet that “excitement” can be easily undermined by the legion dragons of doubt: do I have a solid plot or outline? Are my characters or concepts consistent? Does my writing flow? Is it grammatically correct?

As a professional editor and proofreader, I am here to help you slay your editing-related dragons (or otherwise tame them and give them a sparkly manicure).

I offer ten-plus years of editing experience and recently topped up my skills through UC Berkeley’s Professional Sequence in Editing.

For the past seven years I have been focusing on writing. First tentatively, writing under a pseudonym, until I won a writing competition and my first publication became real. I know what it is like to be wary of your own writing. Seeking help during the writing process (or when you think you are finished…) is a smart thing to do and I am happy to be part of the Amsterdam Academy Press team to help you further. Whether it is proofreading your Dutch text or helping you along with the writing process, I am there for you. Let’s get your story out there!

Having a website where people can learn about and purchase your book is essential when self-publishing. I look forward to using my website building, SEO (google search optimization), and online advertizing skills to help authors become more visible. Each project is different. I help authors design their dream website and provide them with the tools and confidence to continue on their own.

Every writer needs a reader. But in the beginning phase, it can be scary to show your words to someone else. I am that safe spot to go to. Whilst honest and critical, I also point out what works and how you can strengthen your good traits. Together, we'll make you write the best version of your story you possibly can and gain confidence along the way. Happy writing!

In a world increasingly geared towards AI and computer-assisted translation there will always be room for the human touch. This is precisely what spurs me on in my efforts to make great books and other texts that are often overlooked available to a wider audience. Joining the team at Amsterdam Academy Press is an opportunity to melt that aim with the academy's mission.

Even the greatest authors can benefit from collaboration.

I’ve been helping writers polish their prose for publication since 2005 – and I would love to help you, too. A committed and communicative Editor, I am passionate about the power and nuance of words, whether I'm penning press releases, crafting captions or fine-tuning narrative. My Print Media background in Features and Copy Editing means I’m comfortable working in a broad range of styles (including Fiction, Travel, Culture, Health and Wellbeing), while my recent retraining in Radio sees me well-placed to produce your audiobook should you need one.

Working with Amsterdam Academy Press marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for me – and, I hope, for you, too.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG & A-TEAM MASCOT

She can’t talk, but Winnie (Cooper, from the Wonder Years) is here to cheer you along regardless. She too believes that everyone has a story to tell, and wishes she could tell you hers.