Rich Batchelor

Motivated, hard-working, results-driven puzzle compiler editor with over twelve years' experience in editorial project management and publishing. I am highly organised with a proven ability to work accurately to deadlines, produce creative content, maintain brand identity and deliver projects on time and within budget. I have strong analytical skills with an ability to write concise content, edit and self-proof to a high standard plus a keen commitment to continuous improvement.

I am looking to progress my career in publishing as a senior editor and honing my skillset further.

Key Highlights

• Produce all 46 publications per year totalling circa 3,200 pages and 8,250 puzzles
• Produce an annual title comprising 250 pages retailing for £800
• Consistently delivered 100% of projects on time for eight years
• Developed 12 titles in the portfolio from conception through to regular production
• Increased production frequency to drive album sales upwards of £250,000 per annum

Head of Editorial Content (Crossword and Puzzle Development) - The Puzzlers Club Limited - Kidlington, Oxford (2018-Present)

Hired as Head of Editorial when The Puzzlers Club had one puzzle magazine title and personally grew this to 13 during my tenure. As the company and subscriber base grew, I trained staff across all aspects of puzzle development, production standards and administration.

• Sole creative editor delivering crossword and puzzle titles for national subscription-based publishers with approx. 2,500 readers at its peak and 13,000 copies sold per year
• Compile both bi-monthly titles and seasonal/special edition bumper albums, maintaining brand identity across all publications and online platforms
• Write concise, engaging and high-standard puzzles in print and digital formats tailored to different audiences and competencies
• Overseeing all aspects of production from puzzle development, magazine layout, prize procurement, editing, proofing, preparing for print, cost analysis and timely receipt of finished article for distribution
• Entrusted with the creation and ongoing management of the production schedule and project managing proof readers and subeditors to meet those regular deadlines
• Managing relationships with print suppliers with responsibility for print quantities and quality
• Working knowledge of intellectual property provisions regarding usage of imagery
• Ensuring each title has a return on investment in respect of prize value and production costs against turnover
• Ability to pivot and adapt to any ad hoc requests such as community magazines, daily digital puzzles, care home competitions and other voluntary PR opportunities
• Monitoring KPI metrics to ensure readership levels are maintained, growing and/or devising new titles where I have identified a need or gap in the market

Editor & Freelance Writer - Prize Magazines Ltd - Summertown, Oxford (2013-2018)

Hired for my keen interest in puzzle solving and natural flair for fact retention, I soon managed half of the portfolio and gained a firm grasp of all editorial responsibilities.

• Content creation for 13 of 26 crossword and puzzle titles
• Liaise with prize contributors, press agencies and public relations companies
• Supporting administrative staff, prize coordinators and PR
• Assisting with sales, customer retention, social media account maintenance and marketing
• Dealing with complaints, enquiries and database management
• Ensuring marketing commitments were met within the relevant titles and timeframes Leisure Facilities

Operations Controller - Nuneaton & Bedworth Leisure Trust - Nuneaton and Bedworth (2001-2013)

– King Edward IV College (1999-01 – 2001-12)

– Alderman Smith School (1995-01 – 1999-12)