journalist.
writer. 
editor.

About me

Tanya Weaver is a freelance journalist, writer and editor with a specialism in product design, technology and engineering. 

Following 15 years of working as a writer and editor for various design and engineering publications, in March 2018 I decided to go it alone as a freelancer (for more on my work history visit LinkedIn or download my CV).

I genuinely enjoy wrangling words and crafting copy. A client rather aptly described what I do as putting structure around unstructured thinking. 

A compliment I’m often given is the ability to produce writing that is accessible. I can take a technical subject or complex process and write it in such a way that it’s easy to read and understand for a non-expert. 

Having attended many industry events over the years including company and factory visits, I’m a confident communicator and interviewer. I'm also a highly professional individual with an affable and friendly nature. 



Bit more about me...
 
Born in South Africa, I completed a Bachelor of Arts in English before travelling and then settling in the UK, where I have been for over 19 years. Living in Warwick, if not working I am more than likely parenting (keeping up with) my five-year-old or partaking in one of my other passions including running, nature walking, beekeeping, reading and baking.

Work 

If you need copy written or words whipping into shape, 
I have vast experience in both. 

While I’m still involved in feature writing for a number of printed and online publications, since launching my freelance career I’ve expanded my repertoire to include:
  • Technical white papers
  • Thought leadership articles
  • Copy editing and copy writing for company websites 
  • Press releases
  • Compiling and sending out monthly e-newsletters 
  • Blog posts 
  • Case studies 
  • Putting together an extensive event report for a technology conference
  • Helping a design agency write their entry application for a prestigious design award, which they then went on to receive an award for.
  • In addition to writing and editing, I've also expanded my graphic design skills to include layout and page design using Adobe inDesign.




Here are some examples:

Feature writing


I have written countless feature articles over the years, including the cover story for most issues of DEVELOP3D magazine. I don’t think there is a product category I haven’t written about. From cutlery, Lego and toy trains to electric cars, diggers and running machines, I’ve reported on the process behind bringing products to market and the design and engineering teams that help get them there. 


A few standout features include BMW Motorrad motorbikes (a great team), Denby crockery (a great UK-based factory), NMITE college (a great education initiative with a very inspirational lady at the helm) and life on Mars (because who doesn’t like space?). 

Case studies


Whilst I wrote my fair share of case studies working at magazines, since going freelance this has expanded. I've worked with design and engineering businesses, PR agencies, HMV catapults, software vendors  and machine manufacturers on creating case studies for various marketing and PR purposes.


Most of these are ghost-written but some I’ve written for DEVELOP3D include  the development of APWorks’ Light Rider electric motorcycle, BleepBleeps Suzy Snooze night light, a case for the Raspberry Pi and Lontra’s blade compressor. 

Technology articles


Being immersed in design and engineering publications for over 15 years means that I have written an abundant amount of articles that have a technology focus. As a freealncer, this continues to grow. 


Examples of areas I've written about, to mention a few, includes 5G, 3D printing, the Internet of Things, simulation, VR, AI, 3D visualisation and additive manufacturing.

Interview pieces and profiles


While tools and technologies, of course, help in bringing a product to market what is vital is the people behind those products. I'm fascinated in the stories people have to tell as to how they got to where they are and the various obstacles and triumphs along the way.  


I’ve interviewed a myriad of people over the years from school teachers who are incorporating 3D printing into the classroom to female engineers who are seen as role models to the younger generation. I have a particualr passion in championing and profiling Women in Engineering and Women in STEM and luckily have been able to pursue this passion for engineering.com in its Women in Engineering series. 

e-newsletters and layout design


Going freelance has afforded me the opportunity to expand beyond merely writing and editing. For the Guild of Makers I compiled and set out their monthly e-newsletter using Mail Chimp.


As a keen beekeeper and active member of my local beekeeping branch, in September 2019 I was asked to be the next editor of its monthly newsletter, Bee Talk. Having re-designed it myself, I then edit, write pieces and produce the newsletter in Adobe inDesign.

A bit of this, a bit of that


As an editor, I’m a deft hand at making copy readable. Proofreading and rewriting text so that it flows better is a forté.  


As well as long, I can also do short and snappy. I’ve put together the news pages for the magazines I’ve worked on  and have also regularly created shorter product pieces like the Protective Gear and Parentpreneurs features as well as blog posts like this and this. 


More recently, I have found myself producing technical white papers, thought leadership pieces, conference reports, entries for design awards as well as writing copy  for various other purposes, even my own LinkedIn articles. 

Testimonials 

“I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful piece you did for us in Develop3D. I’m sure you already know it, but it’s a great article and sums us up perfectly.”
Alan O'Rourke
Managing director
Ruark Audio
“It has been a pleasure working with you over the years.
You’re an exceptionally talented and diligent person and have been a great asset to the company."
Greg Corke
Managing editor 
Develop3D magazine
“Working with Tanya was brilliant, she really involved me in the writing of the article and the finished piece was really well written and easy to read. Great to work with!.”
Kirsty House
CAD designer & production assistant
Bright Bricks
"We’ve just heard that we’ve won a DBA Design Effectiveness award! We are all delighted and hope that you are too. You played a key part in translating the facts into an engaging story. Thank you very much for all your hard work."
Dr Susie Ranford
Managing Director 
4c Design

Contact 

Call  +44 (0)78 0461 1350

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