PAULA BECKA
Summary
Aspiring publishing professional with editorial, creative writing, and administrative experience. Skilled in editing fiction, coordinating events, and working collaboratively in fast-paced environments. Currently completing an MA in Creative Writing, emphasizing contemporary storytelling and strong academic performance.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Fiction Editor
The Menteur, University of Kent
Paris
2024.02 - 2025.06
- Edited and proofread fiction submissions for two editions, ensuring high quality.
- Collaborated with writers to refine clarity and enhance narrative voice.
- Met tight editorial deadlines while maintaining stylistic consistency.
Event Curator
Paris Postgraduate Festival
Paris
2024.02 - 2024.06
- Successfully organised sold-out author panel 'Evening with Rachel Cusk'.
- Liaised with venues and author’s team to ensure seamless event execution.
- Coordinated internal communications to align all stakeholders effectively.
Temporary Bookseller (Seasonal)
Thalia Bookshop
Ettlingen
2023.11 - 2023.12
- Maintained cleanliness and orderliness of bookstore to create inviting ambience.
- Provided customer service to assist customers in selecting appropriate books.
- Managed till operations during peak season to ensure efficient transactions.
- Resolved customer queries and handled returns promptly.
Barista
Waterstones
Edinburgh
2023.02 - 2023.10
- Delivered exceptional customer service in fast-paced hospitality and bookstore settings.
- Maintained cleanliness standards and restocked merchandise efficiently.
- Ensured customer satisfaction through provision of high-quality coffee and beverages.
Transcriber & Translator
TauRho Transcribes
2022.01 - 2023.01
- Transcribed and translated audio recordings from English and German to ensure clarity.
- Developed practices for accuracy, time management, and data confidentiality.
- Enhanced knowledge base by conducting ongoing research on industry-specific terminology.
Copy-editor
The Gaudie, University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen
2021.06 - 2022.06
- Copy-edited articles for print and digital formats, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
- Collaborated with editorial staff to meet weekly publication deadlines.
- Scrutinised text meticulously to eliminate grammatical errors.
Co-founder, Secretary & Treasurer
The Tea Society, University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen
2020.01 - 2022.06
- Managed finances and authored financial reports as Treasurer.
- Organised in-person and virtual events, leading workshops to engage participants.
- Oversaw communications and developed social media campaigns as Secretary.
- Co-authored newsletters and recorded minutes to ensure accurate documentation.
Content Developer & Translator
NGO Tutmonde
Stralsund
2021.04 - 2021.08
- Authored and translated stories for children's anthology targeting ages three and six plus, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Collaborated on structural development and evaluated materials for ages three plus collection.
- Coordinated with marketing and design teams to illustrate articles, enhancing team collaboration.
Education
Master of Arts - Creative Writing
University of Kent, Paris School of Arts & Culture
Paris 2024.01 -
Master of Arts - English with Creative Writing
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen 2018.09 - 2024.06
Abitur (A-level equivalent) -
Hansa Gymnasium
Stralsund /2012 - /2018
Skills
- Multilingual proficiency (English (native; primary education in South Africa); German (native); French (proficient; DELF B2))
- IT skills (Competent in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, touch typing (70wpm) and editorial tools (eg Track Changes))
- Time management
- Copy editing
- Proofreading
- Research expertise
- Team collaboration
Websites
Certification
Introduction to Editorial Skills – The Publishing Training Centre (2021)
- Learned the basics of-editing and proofreading, including BSI symbols and style sheet usage.
Timeline
Fiction Editor
The Menteur, University of Kent
2024.02 - 2025.06
Event Curator
Paris Postgraduate Festival
2024.02 - 2024.06
Master of Arts - Creative Writing
University of Kent, Paris School of Arts & Culture
2024.01 -
Temporary Bookseller (Seasonal)
Thalia Bookshop
2023.11 - 2023.12
Barista
Waterstones
2023.02 - 2023.10
Transcriber & Translator
TauRho Transcribes
2022.01 - 2023.01
Copy-editor
The Gaudie, University of Aberdeen
2021.06 - 2022.06
Content Developer & Translator
NGO Tutmonde
2021.04 - 2021.08
Co-founder, Secretary & Treasurer
The Tea Society, University of Aberdeen
2020.01 - 2022.06
Master of Arts - English with Creative Writing
University of Aberdeen
2018.09 - 2024.06
Abitur (A-level equivalent) -
Hansa Gymnasium
/2012 - /2018