ABOUT

I am a small business owner styling engaging copy for niche markets that I am truly passionate about. After many years in the communication industry, I now specialise in writing about luxury, particularly watches and jewellery, travel, property investment, health and wellbeing, and the arts. 

My work has been published in leading print and digital magazines and newspapers across Africa and beyond. The article I wrote about medical tourism in Mauritius and South Africa won an award for print journalism in the SADC Media Awards 2018, which you can read here.

I am a member of the award-winning City of Cape Town team that excels repeatedly at the SA Publication Forum’s annual awards for excellence in internal communication. We have won awards for excellence in writing, best corporate publication, best newspaper and best headlines.

In 2020, 2019 and 2014, I ranked among the top five most-read contributors for bizcommunity’s lifestyle pages. This is a wonderful forum for my dance features, in particular, and the performing arts, in general. I have covered this beat since the early nineties. Whenever I travel I make it a priority to find somewhere to dance or, at the very least, listen to some live music – and I usually get it right. #watchmemove

Highlights

I am grateful to be doing what I love for people who love what I do. I look forward to sharing more of my experiences with you here on my blog, Diamond Time, and via Instagram. Please do connect, share your thoughts and even new story ideas. Mostly, I hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as I do writing them.

more about my work

COPYWRITING SERVICES

WRITING

Writing is an art that requires a healthy combination of creativity, patience, inspiration, passion – and time. I specialise in luxury lifestyle, writing for niche sectors such as investment watches, jewellery, property, travel and the arts.

COPY EDITING

Copy editing may involve rewriting existing copy, fact-checking, writing headlines and captions, and correcting grammar and spelling while taking care to maintain the author’s ‘voice’. I have extensive experience in publishing, corporate communication, and financial reporting.

PROOFREADING

Proofreading demands a keen eye for detail: grammar and spelling, consistency of style and language, and even fact-checking should the need arise. It’s one of my favourite jobs!

TESTIMONIALS

Debbie Hathway is a rare combination of writer and copy editor, which translates as a perfect brand ambassador who interviews and writes well, is aware of the importance of a deadline and delivers text that has had a very sharp eye on it. As an editor, this is gold.

LES AUPIAIS

Editor: Private Edition magazine

 

‘At the annual SA Publication Forum’s award function in Gallagher Estate, Contact has been voted the “Best Newspaper 2009”… without your special contribution it would not be possible! I am truly blessed to have top-notch professionals like you with me in the trenches.’

Aletta Kruger

Editor: Contact, City of Cape Town

‘You are the fastest Eagle Eye – nothing escapes you. Thanks!’

Stephen Nicholenas

www.getweb.co.za

In a very competitive environment, with deadlines and limited freelance opportunities, we could always rely on Debbie for making deadlines and producing perfect work, regardless of pressure or hectic timelines.

Marina Zietsman

Managing Editor: Hunter House Publishing