I am a highly skilled writer, editor and proofreader with a superb grasp of written English and excellent research skills. My career began writing correspondence and white papers for start-ups before moving into music journalism, and diversifying to explore environmental issues, cuisine and history. Alongside being endlessly curious, with a varied background and interests, particularly in East Asian food and history, I am detail-oriented and have the ability to work quickly to a high standard. I have published features and reviews across major outlets such as The Guardian, BBC Travel, The Japan Times, South China Morning Post and Discover Magazine. I have authored a book on tofu’s culinary history and am working on a second book about sumo wrestling (both commissioned by Reaktion Books), while also ghost-writing articles for a number of websites.

Russell Thomas

I am a highly skilled writer, editor and proofreader with a superb grasp of written English and excellent research skills. My career began writing correspondence and white papers for start-ups before moving into music journalism, and diversifying to explore environmental issues, cuisine and history. Alongside being endlessly curious, with a varied background and interests, particularly in East Asian food and history, I am detail-oriented and have the ability to work quickly to a high standard. I have published features and reviews across major outlets such as The Guardian, BBC Travel, The Japan Times, South China Morning Post and Discover Magazine. I have authored a book on tofu’s culinary history and am working on a second book about sumo wrestling (both commissioned by Reaktion Books), while also ghost-writing articles for a number of websites.

Available to hire

I am a highly skilled writer, editor and proofreader with a superb grasp of written English and excellent research skills. My career began writing correspondence and white papers for start-ups before moving into music journalism, and diversifying to explore environmental issues, cuisine and history.

Alongside being endlessly curious, with a varied background and interests, particularly in East Asian food and history, I am detail-oriented and have the ability to work quickly to a high standard.

I have published features and reviews across major outlets such as The Guardian, BBC Travel, The Japan Times, South China Morning Post and Discover Magazine. I have authored a book on tofu’s culinary history and am working on a second book about sumo wrestling (both commissioned by Reaktion Books), while also ghost-writing articles for a number of websites.

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Language

English
Fluent
Japanese
Intermediate

Work Experience

Commissioning Editor at The Japan Times
October 1, 2019 - August 1, 2020
Commissioned, edited and proofread travel features; collaborated with contributing writers to develop pitches and refine their work; performed fact-checking and ensured adherence to the publication's style guide; maintained diplomatic and clear communication to align writer expectations with suggested edits.
Freelance Writer and Editor at Freelance - Various Publications
March 1, 2013 - Present
Wrote on environment, music, food and history for publications including The Guardian, BBC Travel, The Japan Times, South China Morning Post and Discover Magazine. Collaborated with editors to follow style guides, researched thoroughly, and delivered pieces free of errors. Ghost-wrote SEO articles for high-ranking travel blogs. Author of Tofu: A Culinary History; currently researching a second book on sumo wrestling.
Music News Editor at The 405
October 1, 2014 - December 1, 2015
Sourced and covered daily music news; conducted interviews; edited other writers’ work; worked remotely as a self-starter and managed deadlines.
Community Executive at Ebuzzing / Teads
June 1, 2010 - November 1, 2012
Identified relevant bloggers, wrote briefs for sponsored posts, and checked their output to ensure alignment with briefs while preserving the appropriate tone and brand voice.

Education

BA Hons Creative Writing and English Literature at University of Portsmouth
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2009
A Levels: English Literature (A); Latin (B); Psychology (B); History (C) at Various Schools
January 11, 2030 - March 5, 2026
GCSEs: 13 subjects including Maths, English Literature/Language, Latin (Grade A-C) at Various Schools
January 11, 2030 - March 5, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services