Alison Harmer, award-winning freelance copywriter
Harmer Editorial is a B2B editing and copywriting business in Berkshire with clients from anywhere.
That’s me, Alison Harmer. I started as a freelance copywriter in 2001 and incorporated Harmer Editorial in 2013. I’m its sole director and winner of multiple awards.
Boost audience recall with memorable content
Writing isn’t easy, as anyone who’s faced a blank sheet knows. It takes time to craft content and get messages heard and understood.
I help audiences to recall your stories correctly by communicating in the most compelling, persuasive and professional way. It builds loyalty and trust in your employees and customers.
Do I cover your business?
Values
As a freelance copywriter, I enjoy working with various organisations, from small to medium businesses to international companies.
I believe in understanding things thoroughly before I write a word, ruthlessly stripping away jargon and repetition. I’m punctual at delivering accurate and crisp text. I make each client feel unique.
Background
Since I was little, I’ve had three loves: books, movies and tea. So, when I graduated in 1986, my goal was to get a job in publishing or become a film critic (at a company with a large kettle, of course).
The first job to get anywhere close was selling books at Hatchards bookshop in Piccadilly, London. It only lasted a few months until…
Read how the business grew from freelance copywriter to successful company.
Company history
1983-86 – Graduated with a BA (Hons) in Media Studies, specialising in print journalism.
Here I am, joining the local press for a Q&A with Roger Moore on the A View to a Kill set. Photos: West Sussex County Times/SussexWorld.co.uk.
1987 – First job in publishing: editing The Hospitals and Health Services Yearbook.
1988 – BPIF Printers’ Yearbook editor. Journalist/deputy editor of Printing Industries magazine.
Meeting scientist Dr Magnus Pyke while demonstrating printing for the BPIF at a print show.
1989 – Joined an internal communications agency as editor of three in-house publications.
Visiting a yogurt manufacturer (it reinstated its staff magazine after employees said it was a cut too far). Photo: Ken Cole.
1995 – Moved to Chandler Gooding (now called Sequel) as writer and editor of internal publications.
Part of the team that won the contract to write for The National Lottery. Photo courtesy of Sequel.
1996 – Joined the chief sub editor in editing and proofreading 30+ publications while editor of several client magazines.
1998 – Managed the New Media Group, launching Nomura’s first in-house digital news.
2000 – Left Chandler Gooding to join ING Barings as head of visual identity.
Launched a range of publications. Image: ING.
2001 – Became a freelance copywriter, with the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (now RVS) as the first client.
2006 – Appointed a Fellow of the Institute of Internal Communication.
2007 – PR and communications manager at Regus UK, winning an award of excellence for the staff magazine.
2008 – Returned to full-time freelancing with clients in flexible workspace, finance, charity, healthcare, rail, oil and gas and other sectors.
Winning the Best Freelance award in the ICon Awards 2011.
2013 – Incorporation.
2021 – Category finalist YunoJuno Freelance Awards.
2022 – High Sheriff of Surrey Award for outstanding editorial services.
Working with me
My style is relaxed. I’ll make your writing project an enjoyable, hassle-free, cheerful and personal experience.
Whichever business you’re in, and whatever your size, I strive to do a great job with efficiency and enthusiasm, meeting your deadline every time.
Discover how I can bring your words to life.
