Editor and writer for clear, trustworthy content

The Word Coach

Clear messaging. Shared understanding.

Language matters

I’m a UK‑based freelance editor and writer working with businesses, organisations and publications who want to produce professional, human and trustworthy content. I help people make sense of what they want to say — and enable them to express it carefully, clearly and with their audience in mind.

Professional editing and writing services

My work sits between writing, editing and guidance — bringing structure, insight and experience. Sometimes that means editing existing copy for clarity and tone. At other times, it means helping shape a message that feels tangled or hard to express. Often, it’s both.

I specialise in content where accuracy, accessibility and trust really matter — and can help to make complex ideas easier to understand.

I help businesses communicate clearly with prospective clients — shaping copy that is easy to understand and reassuring to read — supporting confident decision-making.

I also often work with technical specialists or non‑native English speakers, helping them shape professional‑sounding copy that stays true to their expertise while remaining clear and accessible to the intended audience.

What is a ‘Word Coach’?

Coaching, in this context, isn’t about motivation or performance. It’s about helping you say what you mean, in a clear way that others can understand.

The aim isn’t to change your message — it’s to help it come through with precision, confidence and authenticity.

As The Word Coach, I can help you:

  • • clarify what you’re trying to say
  • • understand how your words may land with real people
  • • make complex information more accessible
  • • find language that feels accurate, human, and trustworthy.

Who I work with

I work with organisations, publications and businesses who care about how their words impact people — and who value judgement, empathy and reliability. This includes:

Collaboration

Much of my experience is with technical or sensitive information, which means I’m comfortable learning quickly and working thoughtfully with unfamiliar material.

How I can help

Editing for clarity

Improving structure, flow, tone and accessibility — so what you want to say comes through more easily and makes sense to the people reading it.

Writing from existing material

Turning notes, drafts, source documents or background materials into clear, compelling, well-structured copy for websites, brochures, client guides, or informational/marketing content.

Substantive editing and rewriting

Reshaping content where ideas are complex, sensitive or hard to follow.

Ongoing editorial support

A reliable partner for teams producing regular content.

Proofreading

A final, careful check for spelling, grammar, consistency and sense — ensuring content is polished, accurate and ready to publish.

Project-based pricing

Work is usually scoped and priced by project, so expectations are clear from the start and you can budget with confidence.

How I work

  • ✓ Calm, collaborative and thoughtful
  • ✓ Flexible and reliable, with a strong track record of meeting deadlines
  • ✓ Careful handling of sensitive or important content
  • ✓ Clear scope, clear costs

"Good writing doesn’t need to shout. I work closely with clients to shape clear, well-judged copy — the kind that builds understanding and trust."

About me

My name is Lauren. I’m a writer and editor with more than 20 years experience across publishing online content and communications, helping businesses to communicate their ideas clearly and accurately.

Lauren

I’ve worked on magazines, websites, leaflets, brochures, patient communications and educational materials, often in areas where accuracy, sensitivity and trust really matter.

I’ve worked across a wide range of subject areas, which has made me adaptable, a fast learner, and comfortable getting to grips with complex or unfamiliar material.

I bring editorial judgement, empathy and close attention to how words affect real people — especially when trust really matters.

Testimonials

What it is like to work with me

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“Lauren is able to translate ideas and concepts into refined and engaging written content. She can make complex ideas simple and can write on a range of topics with authority and understanding. She is dedicated, thoughtful and experienced. Lauren provided a senior level of support for my editorial team and consistently displayed excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. She always met deadlines! Her copywriting is persuasive and well structured, and her editing skills are light-handed but razor-sharp. Lauren understands user experience, given her commercial background, and is wonderful to work with.”

— Elizabeth Corner, Senior Editor, Palladian Publications

“I first worked with Lauren as a graduate editorial assistant and have recently had the opportunity to collaborate again, both of us working as freelance copywriters on large website project. Lauren is a highly professional and capable individual: well-organised, with a true editor's eye for detail, and an ability to quickly pick up and explain technical subjects. When Lauren commits to something, you can be sure it will be done - and done well. On an interpersonal level, Lauren is always a pleasure to work, an asset to any team or project, with a complimentarily strong, independent work ethic. In short, I have no hesitation in recommending her!”

— J.R. Rowland, Cair Lerion Content Creation

“I used to work with Lauren on World Cement and so knew her to be an excellent copy editor, writer and all-round editorial genius. When I needed an extra pair of hands on a new copywriting project, I immediately thought of her and she has been every bit as valuable as I knew she would be - tackling unknown industries, new styles and new mediums with all the professionalism, diligence and aplomb that I loved about her back in the old days! I will certainly be calling on Lauren's services again and am very grateful to have her on my team.”

— Katherine Guenioui, Clear Skies Content

Frequently asked questions

What kind of clients do you work with?

I work with a wide variety of organisations, from charities and publishers to consultancies and client-facing businesses. If your work relies on clear communication and trust — whether you’re informing, guiding or persuading — I can help.

What types of projects do you take on?

I work on a wide range of written material, including website copy, reports, leaflets, public-facing information, articles and longer documents. Some projects involve editing and refining existing text; others involve shaping clear copy from notes, drafts or source material provided by the client.

How do you work alongside tools like AI?

Many teams now use AI as part of their drafting or research process. I’m happy to work with AI-generated or mixed-source material, refining it for clarity, accuracy, tone and audience understanding. My role isn’t to replace these tools but to provide experienced editorial judgement, human awareness and context-specific advice — especially where meaning, trust or sensitivity matter.

How do you approach complex or sensitive topics?

I’m used to working with material where accuracy, nuance and care really matter. I take time to understand the subject, the audience and the context, and I work thoughtfully with language so meaning is preserved rather than oversimplified. My focus is always on helping real people understand information without feeling talked down to or overwhelmed.

How long does a typical project take?

Timelines vary depending on scope and complexity. I’ll always agree a clear delivery date before work begins and will let you know early if something is likely to affect that timeline.

How do you charge for your work?

Work is usually scoped and priced by project, rather than billed by the hour. This helps ensure expectations are clear from the start and allows you to budget with confidence. I’m happy to outline what’s included before any work begins.

What’s the difference between editing and proofreading?

Proofreading is a final check for spelling, grammar, consistency and errors once content is complete. Editing goes deeper — looking at structure, flow, tone and accessibility, and helping ensure the intended message is clear. If you’re unsure what you need, I can advise. Many clients come to me with material that feels unfinished, tangled or hard to articulate.

How do we get started?

You can get in touch by email with a brief description of what you’re working on and any relevant material. I’ll let you know whether I’m a good fit and suggest next steps.

Contact

If you’d like to talk about a project, the easiest way to get in touch is by email.

A short outline of what you’re working on — the audience, the format, and what you’d like help with — is usually enough to get started. I’ll let you know whether I’m a good fit, and what the next steps might be.

I aim to respond promptly and clearly, and I’m always happy to answer initial questions.