Deanne Vorster
Sandown
Summary
Versatile publisher, editor and project manager with extensive experience in academic and general publishing and quality control. Skilled in refining manuscripts, managing complex projects, and training junior editors, ensuring high standards in editorial processes. Strong track record of fostering author relationships and delivering error-free publications.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic editor
Freelance
Cape Town
01.2020 - 04.2026
- Edited academic manuscripts for clarity and coherence, ensuring high standards of quality.
- Edited and proofread scientific journal articles in English using various formatting styles such as APA, AMA, MLA, and Chicago.
- Reviewed submissions for compliance with grammar and formatting guidelines.
- Coordinated manuscript revision timelines for multiple projects, ensuring adherence to deadlines and quality standards.
- Mentored junior editors on best practices in academic editing to enhance team capabilities.
- Provided constructive feedback to authors, strengthening professional relationships and improving manuscript quality.
- Implemented quality control measures through regular reviews of editing procedures, enhancing overall editing accuracy.
- Conducted thorough research to verify accuracy and credibility of published content.
- Maintained detailed records of all projects, including scope of work and time allocation.
- Edited study guides to ensure clarity and accuracy for departmental reports.
Contract Managing Editor
Oxford University Press
08.2024 - 04.2025
- Edited manuscripts for clarity, coherence, and adherence to publication standards.
- Collaborated with authors to enhance content clarity and quality.
- Reviewed and approved proofs, ensuring accuracy before final release.
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring all deadlines were consistently met.
- Oversaw SOWs with freelance staff, managing project scope and tracking expenses.
- Consulted graphic artists on design layout and creative vision.
- Developed relationships with external vendors, including printers and suppliers.
- Maintained an up-to-date database of contacts, including authors and publicists.
Editorial Manager
Struik Christian Media
07.2022 - 07.2024
- Oversaw project timelines for 54 publications simultaneously, ensuring deadlines were met.
- Managed editorial team to ensure timely production and adherence to quality standards.
- Developed editorial guidelines, maintaining consistency across publications.
- Coordinated with marketing teams, aligning content strategies with audience engagement objectives.
- Reviewed and approved final proofs before publication releases.
- Collaborated with authors and editors to refine manuscript submissions.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in writing and editing, fostering professional growth.
Freelance editor, proofreader, translator (AE; EA), copywriter, content developer, project manager; Trainer at FCD in customer service
Self
05.2019 - 07.2022
- Edited and proofread scientific journal articles and departmental reports in English and Afrikaans to ensure clarity and accuracy.
- Managed projects for higher education and TVET college textbooks, upholding quality standards and meeting publication deadlines.
- Conducted academic editing for economic and education titles, enhancing clarity and coherence.
- Collaborated with writers to refine manuscripts and enhance overall quality.
- Reviewed content for quality assurance, performing EPUB checks as necessary.
- Published and managed projects for educational materials targeting African markets.
- Translated package inserts for complementary medicine, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Coordinated translation of South African textbook updates to maintain current relevance.
- Performed thorough proofreading of TVET textbooks to ensure error-free publication.
- Trained students at FCD in customer relations skills, improving their service interaction capabilities.
Academic publisher
Pearson SA
02.2018 - 04.2019
- Published and managed editorial projects for new editions of key titles, enhancing accessibility and relevance in educational publishing.
- Oversaw editorial workflows, ensuring timely publication of educational materials and maintaining high quality standards.
- Collaborated with authors to refine manuscripts and meet publishing standards.
- Reviewed manuscripts for accuracy and content ahead of publication.
- Coordinated production schedules for efficient project delivery across teams.
- Analyzed market trends, informing content development and positioning strategies to align with evolving educational needs.
- Monitored competitors' activities to maintain competitive advantage in the market.
- Presented digital program for children with learning disabilities in New York at Pearson USA.
Freelancer
Self
03.2016 - 02.2018
- Operated as freelance commissioning editor and publisher for Cambridge – SA and African titles, overseeing content quality and relevance.
- Collaborated with clients including UNISA, Pearson, and Oxford University Press to ensure project success.
- Coordinated multiple projects concurrently, delivering on time and within budget to meet client expectations.
- Built strong stakeholder relationships, aligning projects with client objectives to enhance collaboration and satisfaction.
- Developed style guides for corporate clients such as Cambridge and Pearson to maintain consistency.
- Facilitated workshops that enhanced team collaboration and problem-solving skills.
- Provided pro bono editorial training and material development for Fisantekraal Development Centre and Stellenbosch Hospice.
- Utilized document management systems to maintain organized, accessible company files.
Head of Editorial Services
Pearson Africa
01.2013 - 02.2016
- Managed editorial department, ensuring quality control of all internal and external work, updating and enforcing adherence to style guide, and overseeing both in-house and external editors and publishers. Led projects, including study guides for Zimbabwe and Tanzania, web-based lesson plans for Zimbabwe, and negotiated 3rd party rights for reprints in Malawi. Trained and up-skilled managing editors, trafficked projects with freelancers, and maintained quality of freelance work.
- Executed daily operational tasks efficiently, contributing to smooth departmental operations.
- Collaborated with diverse coworkers to meet goals and resolve product and service-related issues.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
Editorial Manager and Senior Managing Editor
Pearson South Africa
01.2011 - 12.2013
- Managed editorial department with managing editors; ensured quality control of freelance work; created in-house style guide and trained colleagues and freelance vendors on content standards
- Conducted quality control of work completed by managing editors and project managers, as well as freelance vendors.
- Trained and sourced freelance editors, proofreaders, and project managers; assisted managing editors with workload and quality management; researched learning opportunities for in-house staff
- Sourced new freelance vendors; managed list of titles including FET Colleges (Fundamentals and Electrical Subjects) and Higher Education (Education, Business, Nursing)
Freelance
Freelance
04.2008 - 12.2010
- Cultivated client relationships with educational publishers and organizations to enhance collaboration and project success.
- Translated content between English and Afrikaans, and authored materials for African languages at OUP.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Project manager, managing editor, senior managing editor
Maskew Miller Longman
01.2003 - 03.2008
- Developed and implemented training programs, enhancing staff skills in quality control and mentoring.
- Supervised Afrikaans language and literature list, managing textbook selection and quality for Grade 4-12.
Owner and manager
De Roode Kat and Bertram House Cafè
10.1994 - 01.2003
- Managed restaurant and conference venue during the day. Coordinated fundraising events for The Haven Night Shelters, organized cabaret evenings for UCT drama students, and hosted art exhibitions for emerging artists.
- Coordinated after-hours events at the restaurant, including cabaret evenings and art exhibitions.
Assistant Editor
Book Studio
01.1994 - 09.1994
- Edited manuscript submissions for clarity and consistency across various genres.
- Collaborated with authors to refine content and enhance overall narrative flow.
- Coordinated editorial schedules to ensure timely completion of projects and deadlines.
- Researched diverse topics and authored updated chapters for special edition of Wêreldspektrum annual update to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Managing editor and Associate editor
LEADERS MAGAZINE (New York)
01.1993 - 12.1993
- Executed full range of editorial duties; conceptualised and produced special reports on business, health, environment, and technology; researched interview questions for CEOs, Heads of State, and industry leaders.
- Managed day-to-day editorial operations; ensured quality control of freelance contributions; oversaw editorial schedules; researched political, business, and environmental interview questions; coached authors; compiled and edited special sections.
- Produced and coordinated special report on South Africa for South African Embassy in Washington, featuring contributions from prominent figures.
Corporate editor
Friendship Publishers
04.1991 - 12.1992
- Wrote press releases and edited internal publications, including quarterly corporate brochure and monthly staff magazine, enhancing internal communication; conceptualised and supervised development of first customer service brochure for Nissan SA, improving customer engagement; contributed feature articles for WIEL and wrote motoring articles for Business Day and Sunday Times, expanding readership; translated English articles for WIEL, broadening accessibility.
- Edited manuscripts for clarity, coherence, and adherence to publishing standards.
- Collaborated with authors to refine content and enhance narrative flow.
Donations officer and Editor
Standard Bank Corporation
07.1985 - 05.1989
- Temporary Donations Officer – Standard Bank Foundation; Headed department in absence of manager; Implemented new policy for rating of requests; Compiled reports and researched projects; Reviewed and recommended new projects; Site visits
- Coordinated annual correspondents' seminar, including training and awards evening.
Press Liaison Officer
Technikon Witwatersrand
06.1984 - 06.1985
- Developed press and publicity materials in English and Afrikaans; edited and updated bilingual course and information brochures, managing all internal staff and external stakeholder publications.
- Coordinated annual diploma ceremony, overseeing all protocol arrangements.
- Facilitated communication between departments to streamline project workflows.
- Coordinated events and meetings to foster collaboration among stakeholders.
Information Officer
Rand Afrikaans University
06.1983 - 05.1984
- Compiled comprehensive reference manual to improve press understanding of educational issues and support informed reporting.
- Developed communication strategies to enhance information sharing within the university.
- Collaborated with departments to create and maintain accurate informational resources.
- Liaised with press on educational issues by arranging interviews, press conferences, and photo shoots; compiled bi-weekly staff newsletter and weekly campus bulletin; conducted campus tours to promote campus initiatives.
Education reporter
Die Vaderland
11.1982 - 05.1983
- Started as general reporter; Promoted to Educational reporter within two months – responsible for weekly education page. Translated SAPA reports and doubled as photographer when necessary
- Investigated local education issues impacting schools and communities, providing valuable insights for readers.
- Interviewed educators, students, and administrators to gather diverse perspectives for articles, enriching content quality.
- Researched educational policies and reforms to inform public discourse.
Education
BA Hons - JOURNALISM
University of Stellenbosch
01-1982
Post Grad Diploma - TRANSLATION, English & Afrikaans
University of Stellenbosch
01-1981
BA - ENGLISH & GERMAN
University of Stellenbosch
01-1980
Snr Cert - MATRIC, with Maths
Hoër Meisieskool Helpmekaar
Johannesburg01-1976
Skills
- Content Management
- Project management
- MS Project
- Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Powerpoint
- Adobe Acrobat
Drivers Licence
08
Professional Development
- Intro to Neuro-Linguistic Programming
- TEFL Master Course (busy with)
- MS Excel
- Web Texts: Designing effective online communication
- Advanced Copy Editing and Proofreading – John Linnegar
- Instructional Design
- MS Project
- InDesign Basics
Personal Information
- ID Number: 5912190049081
- Nationality: South African
- Marital Status: Single (no incumbents)
Accomplishments
- Edited Boesman-invloed op Afrikaanse plekname now short-listed for 2026 Hiemstra Non-Fiction Prize
- Selected to represent Pearson SA at Pearson USA in New York for innovative digital programme for children with learning disabilities
- Compiled special SA business brochure for Leaders Magazine (New York) with articles by among others then Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Dr Piet Koornhof and Dr Chris Stals. The brochure was specially reprinted for the South African Embassy in Washington to distribute at their seminars and conferences.
Timeline
Contract Managing Editor
Oxford University Press
08.2024 - 04.2025
Editorial Manager
Struik Christian Media
07.2022 - 07.2024
Academic editor
Freelance
01.2020 - 04.2026
Freelance editor, proofreader, translator (AE; EA), copywriter, content developer, project manager; Trainer at FCD in customer service
Self
05.2019 - 07.2022
Academic publisher
Pearson SA
02.2018 - 04.2019
Freelancer
Self
03.2016 - 02.2018
Head of Editorial Services
Pearson Africa
01.2013 - 02.2016
Editorial Manager and Senior Managing Editor
Pearson South Africa
01.2011 - 12.2013
Freelance
Freelance
04.2008 - 12.2010
Project manager, managing editor, senior managing editor
Maskew Miller Longman
01.2003 - 03.2008
Owner and manager
De Roode Kat and Bertram House Cafè
10.1994 - 01.2003
Assistant Editor
Book Studio
01.1994 - 09.1994
Managing editor and Associate editor
LEADERS MAGAZINE (New York)
01.1993 - 12.1993
Corporate editor
Friendship Publishers
04.1991 - 12.1992
Donations officer and Editor
Standard Bank Corporation
07.1985 - 05.1989
Press Liaison Officer
Technikon Witwatersrand
06.1984 - 06.1985
Information Officer
Rand Afrikaans University
06.1983 - 05.1984
Education reporter
Die Vaderland
11.1982 - 05.1983
BA Hons - JOURNALISM
University of Stellenbosch
Post Grad Diploma - TRANSLATION, English & Afrikaans
University of Stellenbosch
BA - ENGLISH & GERMAN
University of Stellenbosch
Snr Cert - MATRIC, with Maths
Hoër Meisieskool Helpmekaar