CIEP Category: Entry-Level Member
Email: derek.murdoch@ymail.com
Website: derekmurdoch.wordpress.com
I am a freelance editor and proofreader specialising in a variety of fields including sport, science and the media. This range of experience enables me to offer a customised service, which is important as every project is different in terms of requirements, budget and timescale.
I work on electronic copy, using track changes in Word or using comments and annotations on PDF in Adobe Acrobat, and I exchange documents via email. If you have any specific requirements in relation to confidentiality or document security I am happy to discuss these beforehand.
Below is a brief overview of my background and interests, so that you can get a flavour of what I am able to offer you…
Employment history/relevant expertise
Following the completion of my HND in practical journalism at Glasgow Clyde College (formerly Cardonald College for the history buffs) in 2016, I had a stint as a freelance journalist for Ayrshire Weekly Press, providing support to the senior reporter of the Irvine Times newspaper and contributing distinctive coverage of local events in Irvine and Kilwinning.
I later worked in the constituency office of Dr Philippa Whitford, then MP for Central Ayrshire, producing research briefs to support Dr Whitford’s work as well as contributing to the media output of the office and creating publicity material as required.
Prior to the above, I was the official match reporter for Irvine RFC and Ayrshire Storm RLFC, and was also engaged and retained as a match reporter for Scotland Rugby League during my service on the board of that organisation. I also had responsibility for preparation of other news releases on behalf of both clubs – these appeared in the Irvine Herald and Irvine Times newspapers, with the Ayrshire Storm articles also appearing in other newspapers across Ayrshire.
Academic history
I completed my HND in practical journalism at Glasgow Clyde College in 2016, and recently completed my certification in proofreading and editing with the College of Media and Publishing in 2022, achieving a distinction. I also have an upper second-class honours degree in physics from the University of Glasgow, and completed my PhD there in 2011.
I joined the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading as an entry-level member in 2026.
Interests
I have been a “dual code” rugby supporter since 2007, when I made my first tentative foray into league after several years on a union-only diet. I served on the committee of Irvine RFC from 2010 to 2022, and have also served on the boards of the Edinburgh Rugby Foundation, Scotland Rugby League and Irvine Sports Club.
I am a member of the Skinner Craft of the Irvine Incorporated Trades – of which I served as deacon from 2013 to 2015 – and Irvine Burns Club. I am also a ruling elder at Irvine Old Parish Church, and am currently in training to become a Church of Scotland worship leader (which is not incompatible with having a degree in physics, whatever people might tell you!).
Portfolio
I have edited and proofread the following books for Multilingual Matters:
