Susan McKeever

Susan’s work on a number Penguin Ireland non-fiction titles has been immensely helpful, particularly in emergency situations where I engaged her at a short notice and she worked in a behind-the-scenes capacity. Her speed, clarity, efficiency, attention to detail and discretion are hugely impressive and her contribution to our books has been invaluable. I look forward to working with her again.

Patricia Deevy, Editorial Director, Penguin Ireland

I have employed the editorial and writing services of Susan McKeever a number of times over the past few years. I have found her work to be of the highest standard. She is a thorough and experienced editor – one of the best around – and her writing is imaginative and fluent. She consistently delivers all her work in advance of required deadlines and her experience in the non-fiction publishing field is invaluable. I cannot recommend her work highly enough and am more than happy to supply further references upon request.

Andrea Pinnington, Publisher, Fine Feathers Press

Susan McKeever has worked on projects for Folens for several years on a variety of subjects. We have always found her to be a great project manager and an able communicator so we are confident in her ability to deal with all aspects of book production and keep us updated.

Tess Tattersall, Editorial Manager, Folens Publishers

Susan was recommended to New Island Books as an experienced non-fiction editor but she has, in our time working together, turned her hand to many different kinds of books. She has shown herself to be just as intelligent, sensitive, diplomatic and imaginative while editing fiction, non-fiction/memoir and illustrated non-fiction. Like all great editors and project managers, she gets the measure of a book quickly and brings sound judgement early on and throughout. She is a good listener, is timely in asking the right questions, and extremely communicative at every stage. She is diligent and meticulous and her marks are well-considered and comprehensible. In contracting Susan for various projects, she has taken on direction and briefs very well and maintains a great sense of humour and disposition towards the project as it goes through. And for these reasons too, she has become a trusted and respected editorial colleague. I would not hesitate to recommend Susan McKeever for any kind of book project, great or small.

Aoife Walsh, Commissioning Editor, New Island Books

Susan was Project Editor for the history section of what became a best-selling children's illustrated encyclopedia for Dorling Kindersley. Her work included commissioning and briefing authors, liaising with designers and illustrators and receiving and editing text. She was a thoughtful and highly efficient editor, who worked to brief and schedule. She was a valuable and popular member of the editorial team.

Ann Kramer, Self-employed writer

I have worked with Susan as designer and typesetter on a large book project spanning over almost two years. She is very easy to work with, using very clear, concise instructions and is very organised in her approach, especially important in large projects. She is great to work with on a team, open to suggestions, friendly and approachable.

Liz White, Book Designer

I have worked with Susan for many years and each time it's been a good experience. Efficient, sensitive, aware of the bigger picture for the whole project, conversant with looming deadlines, but also keen to sort details and clarity according to the target readership. An excellent interface between the stressed author (although not me of course) and the demands of 21C publishing.

Steve Parker, Author

Working with Susan on the I Belong series has been a pleasure. I found her to be professional and always punctual. Her greatest strength is her thoroughness and attention to detail, this combined with her ability to clarify and simplify text makes her an excellent editor for schoolbooks.

Stephanie Mangan, Author

Susan was the editor of my first novel, Words to Shape My Name. When we met at the beginning of the process, Susan asked questions about the manuscript and my view of it, in a way that was measured and reassuring. Susan has a clear-eyed and considered approach, and while she was meticulous on the close details, she was also prepared to ask big questions of the text. I felt the working relationship was akin to a partnership focused on getting the best out of my novel. The actual editorial work felt straightforward as a result of Susan's attention to detail and she was always quick to respond to any of my queries. I would be delighted to work with Susan again in the future.

Laura McKenna, Author, New Island Books

Susan has worked for DWP as a copy editor, proofreader and project manager. I’ve found Susan to be very professional, delivering material on time and on budget. She is creative and personable and brings great enthusiasm to any project she has worked on. She has the ability to lead a team or to work as part of a team.

Deirdre Whelan, Deirdre Whelan Publishing (DWP)

Susan was a Senior Editor on a popular series of Eyewitness Pocket Guides for Dorling Kindersley with responsibility for an inhouse team of editors. She planned and researched new titles, commissioned and briefed authors and consultants, liaised with designers and worked efficiently to tight budgets and schedules. She is thoughtful, professional, reliable and quick, with a positive attitude and great sense of humour. I do not hestitate in recommending her.

Helen Sevigny, Independent Publishing Professional