I first got into the world of updating texts back in the mid-90s when I started working for Survival Books. The company specialised in books about relocation, working abroad and buying property in different countries. This was the pre-internet era and books still valuable sources of information. Some of the books I updated annually such as Buying a Home in Spain were best sellers and considered expat bibles in their time. *sigh of nostalgia there*

Updating requires patience, perseverance and care. Books go out of date quickly so all new information needs to be as long-lasting as possible. The updater also needs to have their finger on latest developments, new attractions, changes in regulations…

Work for Fodor’s

I turned out to have a talent for all the updating skills and began working for Fodor’s, the travel guide publisher in North America, in 2012. Since then, I have updated several chapters in Fodor’s Essential Spain every year. These chapters always include Andalusia (one of the biggest in the book) and Costa de Almeria & Costa del Sol. I also contribute to other chapters – Murcia & Mar Menor and the Canary Islands (both available online only).

Work for Rough Guides

In 2014, the British travel guide publisher, Rough Guides got in touch to see if I could contribute to updating their Rough Guides Spain and Rough Guide Andalucia. I have been part of the team for the 2014 and 2017 editions updating the chapters on Malaga, Granada, Cordoba, Jaen and Almeria.