About Chris Alden, freelance copywriter

• UK freelance copywriter, working for global clients
• 20 years’ experience as writer and editor
• Expert in making complex subjects accessible
• Experienced in digital and print
• Former online editor at the Guardian
• 2:1 in English from the University of Oxford

Key strengths

Copywriting

I write high-value copy aimed at intelligent audiences. See my content portfolio for examples of my work.

Skills include:
• print and digital copywriting
• long copy such as white papers, annual reports, research reports and brochures
• complex topics such as technology, CSR, education and law.

Copy-editing

I’m an experienced copy-editor, originally trained as a sub-editor in the medical press.

I edit copy for national and international businesses – working both directly and via agencies.

Skills include:
• managing editorial projects
• restructuring complex copy to clarify key arguments
• rewriting copy in a new brand tone
• proofreading for grammar and style.

Content strategy

I help organisations develop strategic tools to communicate clearly and with focus.

Services include:
• content strategy consultancy
• training in content skills
• developing tools such as tone of voice guidance and style guides.

Bio

2003–present — freelance writer and editor

I’ve been freelance for more than 13 years. Over the years my commissions have included:

• general technology copywriting for Jisc, the digital non-profit serving UK research and education
• report copy-editing for corporate specialists Content Consulting
• print and digital campaign copy for Freshfields in 2015
• articles for B2B magazines on behalf of Grant Thornton, BT, Royal Mail, Barclays and Hiscox
• advertorials for the commercial teams of the Telegraph and the Guardian
• editing the MediaGuardian Media Directory – in those days the “media industry bible” – from 2004–06.

1999–2003 — web guides editor, Guardian Unlimited

I was editor of the UK newspaper industry’s first ever blog, the Guardian Weblog, which linked to articles from online publications around the world.

1997–99 — sub-editor, Reed Business Information

• Chief sub-editor at Hospital Doctor (c.1999), a newspaper aimed at the country’s 33,000 hospital doctors
• Senior sub-editor at Update (c.1998), a training journal for GPs
• Trainee sub-editor across medical titles (c.1997)

Memberships

I’m a member of respected bodies such as the Professional Copywriters’ Network and CharityComms.

Where to find me

My office is in Brighton, UK, but I often travel into London to meet clients. I’m happy to work for organisations based throughout the world.