Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Personal Information
Timeline
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Ryan Gray

Towcester

Summary

A publishing professional with 18 years of editorial experience, including roles as Assistant Editor at Sidewalk Magazine and Editor of The Skateboarder’s Companion. Skilled in copywriting, journalism, commissioning, copyediting, and proofreading, I’ve worked closely with writers, photographers, designers, and external partners to create and publish high-quality, authentic content. From overseeing production and budgeting to managing social media, website updates and metadata optimisation, I’m adept at handling multiple responsibilities while meeting tight deadlines with confidence. Now looking to apply my wealth of editorial and production expertise to the world of book publishing.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Editor

The Skateboarder’s Companion
London
04.2020 - 02.2025
  • Commissioned articles and collaborated with freelance journalists, photographers and artists to deliver high-quality content within budget and on deadline
  • Authored, copyedited, and proofread articles while advising on design to maintain editorial consistency and quality
  • Worked closely with designers to implement corrections in InDesign and ensured final proofs met publication standards
  • Managed advertising relationships, sourced sponsors, handled budgeting, forecasting and issued invoices
  • Coordinated with printers and distribution partners to ensure timely production and release, aligning with Menzies’ strict on-sale deadlines
  • Ran social media accounts, updated websites, and optimised metadata and keywords to enhance digital reach
  • Managed marketing, direct sales and fulfilment, ensuring efficient customer service and delivery

Freelance Journalist & Content Creator

09.2018 - 04.2020
  • Created editorial content for brands including Vans, Free Skate Mag, and Vague Magazine
  • Chief writer and researcher for MK Skate: A History of Skateboarding in Milton Keynes, an archival photography-led book created by Milton Keynes Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund
  • Provided video editing and production services for London-based outfit James & James

Assistant Editor

Sidewalk Magazine
London
09.2007 - 09.2018
  • Worked with the editorial, photography and design teams to develop, commission and edit high-quality articles to strict monthly deadlines
  • Produced monthly magazines, special editions and a range of photography-driven books
  • Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to align PR content with brand identity and strategy
  • Proofread all content pre-publication, advised on design, and ensured accuracy
  • Ran social media accounts, updated the website, and created SEO-optimised digital features
  • Produced video content, including feature-length, short-form and social media-optimised pieces
  • Managed budgets and ensured content was produced within financial constraints

Education

BTEC National Diploma - Music Technology

Huddersfield Technical College
Huddersfield, Kirklees
09.2000 - 07.2002

BSc (Hons) - Music Technology

Leeds Metropolitan University
09.2002 - 07.2005

Skills

  • Editorial & Content Creation

Commissioning, writing, copyediting and proofreading articles for print and digital platforms


  • Publishing & Production

Managing the full editorial process, from concept to print and distribution


  • Design & Layout

Advising on design, making corrections in InDesign and collaborating with designers


  • Project & Budget Management

Forecasting, budgeting, and ensuring content is produced within financial constraints


  • Advertising & Partnerships

Sourcing advertisers, maintaining relationships with brand partners and handling invoicing


  • Digital & Social Media

Managing social media accounts, updating websites and optimising metadata and SEO


  • Communication & Collaboration

Liaising with in-house departments, freelance writers, photographers, advertisers, printers and distribution partners


  • Deadline Management

Delivering high-quality content under strict print and digital publishing deadlines

Personal Information

Date of birth: 03/19/84

Timeline

Editor

The Skateboarder’s Companion
04.2020 - 02.2025

Freelance Journalist & Content Creator

09.2018 - 04.2020

Assistant Editor

Sidewalk Magazine
09.2007 - 09.2018

BSc (Hons) - Music Technology

Leeds Metropolitan University
09.2002 - 07.2005

BTEC National Diploma - Music Technology

Huddersfield Technical College
09.2000 - 07.2002

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Ryan Gray