Freelance editor and writer

A blog about all things linguistic by Gretchen McCulloch.

I cohost Lingthusiasm, a podcast that\’s enthusiastic about linguistics.

I\’m the author of Because Internet, a book about internet language!

Linguistics Jobs: Interview with a Freelance Editor, Writer and Trainer

Today’s interview is a reminder that there is always space in a job or career path for more linguistics. After 30 years in finance, Howard Walwyn returned to his love of language, becoming a freelance writer, editor, and trainer. You can learn more about Howard’s work through his consulting business Prism Clarity or his Twitter.

What did you study at university?

I studied English Language & Literature at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. My modules included syntax, phonology, Old English, Additional Old English (Beowulf), and Old Irish.

It was the syntax and phonology that truly inspired me. Encouraged by my tutor, Professor Hermann Moisl, I considered pursuing a PhD in Computational Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh. However, I decided at the last minute to accept a job at the Bank of England in London instead.

My academic career as a linguist was cut short before it truly began. Instead, I spent the next 30 years applying my love of language in finance—writing letters, reports, analysis, newsletters, and more. I also earned a Master’s in Economics from the University of London, which complemented my finance career. Over time, I drifted away from linguistics and focused on risk management and regulation in finance.

What is your job?

My role has evolved. Two years ago, I left corporate life to work with language full-time. I retrained with the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) and started my own freelance business. Now, I write, edit, and proofread content for financial services clients—strategy documents, business plans, applications, blogs, articles, regulations, white papers, and more.

I teach a 10-week course in business writing at City, University of London, and conduct private and corporate training. I am also writing a book on Clear Business English in Financial Services, bridging finance and language. Additionally, I blog about language, finance, and content topics.

How does your linguistics training help in your job?

In my corporate career, it helped me generally—my colleagues knew I could write and edit well and understood language. I was somewhat ambivalent about it, focusing on my finance career, but I was always a better linguist than economist. It took me 30 years to realize and accept that.

Now, in my freelance work, my linguistics background is essential, especially for teaching, training, and writing my book. My students are often more interested in my finance experience, but my language skills give me confidence when teaching, even if I’m not a professional linguist.

Any advice you wish someone had given you?

I wish I had been more willing to take risks and understood that a successful career isn’t necessarily linear. There are many ways to use linguistic skills, and staying true to that can lead to fulfillment. I might have taken a more direct path to doing what I love, but it’s never too late.

Any other thoughts?

Love your work, whatever it is. Fulfillment is key, and earning money can follow. Don’t miss out on interesting linguistics—subscribe to my monthly newsletter.

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