Meet our Team

Why Us?

Lots of reasons! First, we have a lot of experience across quite a few different fields. We both know academia, having finished our PhDs and taught at one of the best universities in the United Kingdom, the University of St Andrews. But we’re not just ex-academics. We have worked in publishing as submissions editors for a London-based literary agency, so we are familiar with that world too. We understand what publishers, authors and agents are looking for and can help guide you through that daunting industry.

We are both trained editors and professional members of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, with years of experience editing all kinds of texts. We have proofread for the European Commission. We have edited thrillers, crime books and memoirs. We have worked with IT textbooks and academic dissertations. We’re looking to bring these threads together, so that we can offer a one-stop shop for all your word-related needs!

Why Read Panda?

The name is an homage to our mascot, a red panda plushie that goes by the name of Red Panda Panda.


Mike French, Ph.D., M.Litt., B.A. avatar

Mike French, Ph.D., M.Litt., B.A.

Director: Creative

Mike is English, although he’s lived in Greece, Belgium, Austria and the US. He has been a freelance editor for over five years and enjoys working on almost anything – what matters is the relationship between client and editor. He is an advanced professional member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.
Vittorio Mattioli, Ph.D., M.Litt., B.A. avatar

Vittorio Mattioli, Ph.D., M.Litt., B.A.

Director: Management

After studying at an American college and then at the University of St Andrews for his postgraduate degrees, Vittorio started working as an editor. A firm believer in lifelong learning, he likes to blend his passion for technology (he is trained in xml and html, among other languages) with his work. He is a professional member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.