Get to know me
Lucy van Biljon, Lucidity Writing
I’m Lucy, a Manchester-based copywriter, proofreader and AI-humaniser who strives for lucidity in all my work – clear, readily understood and just a little shiny.
A freelance wordsmith since 2017 and former journalist, I thrive on friendly, open client relationships with people who share my passion for communicating with clarity and creativity.
I firmly believe that work should be fun and straightforward. I’ll get your job done with professionalism, high standards and a healthy, always appropriate, dose of warm light-heartedness.
Why work with me as a copywriter and proofreader?
I’ve been working with words since my rookie reporter days in the late-90s.
Apart from a six-year career switch to run a dog walking and cat sitting business (gotta scratch those itches!), the English language has been central to my professional passions for over 25 years.
I have a way with words. I know my theirs from my there’s and my pronouns from my parentheses. Beyond those basics, I understand the commercial side of this creative world and how the right words can transform not just hearts and minds but buying habits and brand loyalty.
I’ve written and proofread for a wide range of businesses across numerous sectors: tech, science, culture, photography, finance, marketing and design to name a few.
Have I got a subject niche? No – my niche is giving you bright, brilliant words that work.
“Lucy is a wordsmith of genius. She has a fantastic ability to take my text and tweak it subtly to incredible effect. Keeping my tone of voice, she improves the grammar to
enhance readability and focus, small changes that have big effects.
“I had Lucy’s help with my website and with some longer blog articles and I have been thrilled with the results. Each page is focused, clear and engaging. I’ve seen an upsurge in enquiries as a result.
“On top of this Lucy is reliable – everything is always delivered when it is expected and to a consistently high quality – and a real joy to work with. I would highly recommend her to anyone.”
Helen Bartlett
Helen Bartlett Family Photography
Helping copywriting students thrive
Alongside my copywriting and proofreading client work, I’ve spent seven years as a tutor at the College of Media and Publishing (CMP), helping hundreds of copywriting students across the world reach their potential.
Giving honest, fair and friendly feedback, I’ve guided learners to enhance their skills and adopt the very best professional writing habits. And I’ve proofread several thousand of their assignments…
Trumpet-toot alert! Kind adjectives they’ve used to describe me as a tutor include supportive, excellent, thoughtful, funny and warm.
Books, cats and Lego
I live in sunny Salford, Greater Manchester and work from the home I share with my lovely husband, super-curious son and daft cats.
Away from Lucidity, you’ll find me building Lego with my family (and trying to find a spare surface to display it), gardening in our suburban patch of green, reading yet another psychological thriller, lifting a few weights at the gym or talking about cats to anyone who’ll listen.
Extra stuff about me
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Diploma in Copywriting from CMP
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Diploma in Proofreading and Editing from CMP
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BA In English Literature and Language
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Postgraduate Diploma in Newspaper Journalism
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Member of ProCopywriters
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Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading
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Former news reporter at the Manchester Evening News
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Former agency and in-house PR manager for brands including Marks and Spencer, Smooth Radio and Nissan
“Lucy is an excellent editor and proofreader, with a great eye for detail. She recently helped proofread a complex report written by multiple authors, ensuring the content
was accessible, consistent and in line with our brand. Her professional, friendly style and her ability to always meet deadlines also makes her a real pleasure to work
with.”
Jenny Elliott
Centre For Cultural Value
