Andrew Headspeath
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Andrew Headspeath

Commissioning Editor/Freelance WriterLondon, United Kingdom
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Andrew Headspeath
Available

Andrew Headspeath

Commissioning Editor/Freelance WriterLondon, United Kingdom
About me
Editor and NCTJ-accredited journalist with 7+ years of experience in content and digital media. In a nutshell, I turn good ideas into great stories!
Projects credited in
  • Edinburgh Residents Explain Why You Should Visit
    Edinburgh Residents Explain Why You Should VisitWith castles, restaurants and galleries, there’s always something to do in Edinburgh. However, the true character of the Scottish capital can’t be measured by its attractions. It’s measured by the warmth of its people, the tranquillity of its green spaces and the places just waiting to be discovered in the labyrinth of side streets. You won’t find this in a guide book – instead, it’s Edinburgh’s residents who hold the key. Read more on Culture Trip
  • Superstitions Many Filipinos Still Believe
    Superstitions Many Filipinos Still BelieveThe Philippines is a country with a long history of colonization, strongly influencing its culture and traditions. This impact extends well beyond language and food and into the many superstitions that locals take to heart. With an Animist, pre-colonial past (with likely Hindu-Buddhist influences), followed by a major conversion into Christianity, The Philippines claims ownership of a very interesting, diverse mix of beliefs. Read more at culturetrip.com
  • International Women's Day 2018
    International Women's Day 2018In the run up to International Women's Day, we worked on a project celebrating the stories of amazing women from around the world, with fabulous female illustrators from different cultures, backgrounds and communities. This project features work from : Fran Labuschagne, illustrating the stories of Vesna Vulović + Wangari Maathai Terri Po, illustrating the story of Milunka Savić Kimberlie Wong, illustrating the Trung Sisters, Vietnam's warrior princesses Victoria Fernandez, illustrating the icon
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Work history
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    (
    Freelance Writer(Various)
    London, United KingdomFreelance
    Freelance writing for various publications in digital and print. Clients include Explore Parts Unknown (CNN), Attitude Magazine, Knight Frank and Culture Trip. Please see portfolio (website) for examples.
    Culture Trip logo
    Culture Trip logo
    Commissioning EditorCulture Trip
     - London, United KingdomFull Time
    Central content role at fast-growing travel media startup. I commission, ideate and write a diverse range of stories, inspiring people to plan trips, book experiences or discover new appreciation for different cultures. See portfolio link for examples. Editorial: * The heart of my job is turning good ideas into great stories, generating innovative, brand-focused content from buds of inspiration. * Using my editorial judgement to review pitches and react to news. * Thoroughly line editing several article submissions daily. * Crafting detailed briefs while managing budgetary constraints. * Handling sensitive topics and representing local cultures with respect and nuance, e.g indigenous communities, transgender life. SEO, Social Media and Growth: * Using data analytics to inform editorial commissioning strategy. * Raising Southeast Asia monthly traffic by 500% in one year, through SEO (500K to 3 million page views per month, Aug 2017 - Sep 2018). * Optimising content for social media and copywriting for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts. * 3 of my commissions are in the top 10 most viewed of all time (social). Project Leadership and Relationships: * Establishing strong working relationships with other teams, executing collaborative projects from start to finish, e.g. photo shoots, video shoots, commercial content. Once covered Thai King's funeral in under 24 hours with Culture Trip photography team. * Spotting talent, recruiting and training writers with detailed editorial feedback - cultivating a strong network of skilled, regular contributors. * Refreshed site's entire Singapore section (150+ articles) in two months, at request of CEO. Work model replicated across editorial department. * Delivering key results for large-scale campaigns including World Mental Health Day, Christmas and branded partnerships. * Have built an extensive contact book of journalists, PRs and sources. Invited on press trips to Thailand, Greece and Taiwan.
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Skills
  • Writing
  • Copyediting
  • Commissioning Content
  • Project Management
  • Recruitment
  • Indesign
  • Video Editing
  • Social Media
  • SEO Content
  • Journalism
Education
    G
    G
    MA Multimedia JournalismGlasgow Caledonian University
     - Glasgow, United Kingdom
    Earned NCTJ Qualifications in Media Law, Public Affairs, Reporting, News Production and Shorthand.
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    U
    BA English LiteratureUniversity of Glasgow
     - Glasgow, United Kingdom
    Earned Honours of the First Class.