James Smart

Writer, editor and consultant

United Kingdom

Hello!

I write and commission for the biggest names in travel and culture, and produce excellent B2B and commercial content.

Lately I've been:
• developing and commissioning a new book series of great journeys (Lonely Planet)
• reviewing new fiction and interviewing fantasy giant Brandon Sanderson (the Guardian)
• running a library of digital marketing case studies (Econsultancy)
• managing a sponsored article series about connectivity (Lonely Planet)
• writing a 'brilliant... well thought out' sustainability whitepaper (ABB)

I'm a former Managing Editor and spokesperson at Lonely Planet and an award-winning arts critic.

Editing clients have described me as 'a true editor', 'incredibly thorough' and doing 'a perfect job'.

I've also covered design and branding (Vistaprint), African history and LGBTQ+ culture (DK), employment (Rippling) and payments (TNS), as well as cybersecurity, music, tech, healthcare and education.

I'm available for work.

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Portfolio

Culture & travel writing

the Guardian
01/01/2025
Lazarus Man by Richard Price

The collapse of a brownstone building sparks this panoramic view of life in a New York neighbourhood, from a writer on The Wire

Lonely Planet
When should you visit Croatia?

Whether you're after sun-drenched beaches or avoiding the crowds and braving the chill, we've got all you need to know about when to visit Croatia.

Culture Trip
Pizza's Newest Controversial Topping: Marmite

Pizza toppings can be controversial. Chocolate, clams and eggs are all used (and abused) on pizzas. Icelandic president Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson whipped up a storm when he said he would like to ban the pineapple-toting Hawaiian style. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promptly tweeted that he thought it "delicious".

Commercial writing

Mimecast
Securing Australia’s cyber future

This ghostwritten eBook accompanied a major cybersecurity conference, and was published as Australia reeled from a devastating series of cyberattacks.

Easyjet
Iceland Holidays 2023

Writing content for scores of destinations as part of the airline's relaunched digital portal.

Getcyberresilient
Get Cyber Resilient | Cyber Security News

Ghost-writing over 100 blog posts for cybersecurity company Mimecast. Topics include news, ransomware, risk assessment, DNS, XDR, the rise of AI and government regulation.

Commissioning, editing & management

PenguinRandomhouse.com
Africa: The Definitive Visual History of a Continent

I made extensive edits on this major title, collaborating with leading academics. The book aims to help readers immerse themselves in the vast and intricate story of Africa and discover its true place in world history.

Econsultancy
Marketing Case Studies | Econsultancy

Managing Econsultancy's case studies library. This database showcases best practice and innovation across the entire marketing spectrum, from Czech chocolate and Brazilian influencers to Bolivian app launches.

Lonely Planet
Tanzania

Commissioning, budgeting and managing this extensive guide to Tanzania, which is powered by on-the-ground research from expert authors.

Reedsy
James Smart - Editor | Reedsy

Editing memoirs and guides for clients. Five-star rating: - 'Worked quickly and professionally and maintained great contact with me throughout the work. Highly recommend.' - 'Like a true editor he trimmed my manuscript to make it concise and easy to read... added value to my work and did it all in time beating even his own timeline!' - 'Incredibly thorough... Beyond this however, is his ability to make suggestions that stay consistent with the author's voice.'

Lonely Planet
England

Commissioning, budgeting and managing this bestselling relaunched guide to England, with over 600 pages, 100 maps and 10 authors.