"As an author, editor and publisher of over thirty years' experience, I have seen huge changes in the way academic books are produced. The modern book is an electronic product, from the time it is typed into the author's computer to the time it reaches the printer.
"But the process of making a good quality book, of satisfying both author and reader, still requires a range of more old-fashioned skills: care over the proper appearance of a page, of the right mix of fonts, of the correct reproduction of ancient languages, of clear, accurate and elegant presentation of tables, charts, diagrams, pictures, and captions. These things require a typesetter with a very special combination of older and newer skills, a combination that is nowadays hard to find. How many modern typesetters know the Hebrew and Greek alphabets, for example, and can understand how vocalization and accents work?
"I have worked closely as a publisher with the Publisher Services team for a long time and know exactly how good they are. Their combined expertise is astonishing, their experience is enormous and their care and diligence are of the highest calibre. This is a first-class team."
Philip R. Davies, co-founder of Sheffield Academic Press, former editorial director at the Continuum International Publishing Group, and author or editor of over thirty books
[about editor Sarah Norman] "You did a fantastic job on the awful manuscript I supplied you with! I am amazed at your keen eye and can’t thank you enough for the countless howlers you’ve spotted... I know my book is so much better thanks to you."
"Chris Allen worked with me over many months on my book The Last Miles, putting together the plate section and helping with the editing. I was very impressed with Chris's attention to detail and he did an excellent job on my book. Chris's enthusiasm never flagged, even though I was constantly sending him last-minute alterations! I'm really thrilled the way my book has turned out and that is in no small measure thanks to Chris."
George Cole, author of The Last Miles: The Music of Miles Davis, 1980-1991
"Iain Beswick made a beautiful job of typesetting my book, which included numerous tables, diagrams and texts in Greek script."
Alan J.P. Garrow, author of The Gospel of Matthew's Dependence on the Didache
"I am very happy to recommend Mark Lee. His covers for us have been excellent and he produces them with a minimum of fuss."
Graeme Mackintosh, former associate publisher, Sheffield Academic Press and publisher, Blackwell Publishing
"I have worked with Audrey Mann now for several years on the Journal of Adult Theological Education. She is a delight to work with, efficient, courteous and always ready to keep us well informed about processes and deadlines."
Zoë Bennett, editor of Journal of Adult Theological Education, and author of several books
"Sarah Norman has worked for Equinox since the company was founded. Before that she was employed by Sheffield Academic Press and the Continuum International Publishing Group. where she worked on the books that I was responsible for as Director of the Academic Division. In both capacities – as a freelance managing editor and a full-time employee – Sarah has been very consistent in her application to her duties and always reliable. She works to a high standard and gives clear instructions to typesetters and proofreaders whose work she oversees on our behalf. Several authors have let us know how pleased they have been with the service she has provided."
Janet Joyce, managing director, Equinox Publishing
[about typesetter Chris Allen] "Working with you in this fashion has given me a more nuanced sense that academic books are produced by communities, not just socially-impaired academics. The possibilities that the Internet conjures for editing turnaround stagger my imagination and renew my faith in the beleaguered publishing industry. It has been a distinct pleasure to know you."
Steven W. Holloway, editor of Orientalism, Assyriology and the Bible
"For a designer, Mark Lee would make an excellent copyeditor. I have never seen anyone introduce fewer mistakes!"
Val Hall, Equinox Publishing
"Sarah Norman has been project managing five academic theology journals for me since Sage’s acquisition of these journals in 2004. She has been extremely professional in managing these journals by playing a very active role in the editorial production process. She is very proactive and well-organized in meeting tight deadlines and in maintaining the fine standard of the academic papers."
Jophcy Kumar, journals production editor, SAGE Publications
"Sarah Norman has worked as a freelance copy-editor and proofreader for the Continuum International Publishing Group for over three years. In that time she has undertaken projects across a wide range of subjects, including theology, biblical studies, philosophy and general interest trade books. I have found her to be accurate, meticulous, conscientious and punctual in her work, often willing to undertake projects at short notice.
"I have no hesitation in recommending her as a freelance copy-editor and proofreader."
Slav Todorov, desk editor, Continuum International Publishing Group
"As the editor of Journal of Pentecostal Theology since its founding with Sheffield Academic Press in 1990, I have had the good fortune to work with a number of skilled copy editors, but I consider Audrey Mann to be the best of them all. She is everything I want in a copy editor and proof reader: always on top of every detail, wonderfully efficient, creative and inventive, punctual without fail, and simply a helpful, pleasant person who is always a joy to collaborate with. I have been particularly grateful for Audrey's persistence and longevity, and I hope we can continue to work together for a long time to come."
Rickie D. Moore, editor of Journal of Pentecostal Theology
[about designer Mark Lee] "It's a pleasure working with him."
Janice Brown, editorial and production director, The Pilgrim Press
[about editor Sarah Norman] "Thank you for doing such a great job... This has obviously been a detailed and at times complicated job, which you have done brilliantly. Your notes that you returned with the job are really helpful. There's no doubt that your work on this book has greatly improved its content and appearance."
Nikki Dines, assistant editorial manager, Gower and Ashgate Social Sciences