Mr Derek Philip-Xu | Learning design and publishing
Maidenhead, UK
- [email protected]
- Phone
- 07346809154
- Organisation
- Refreshing Publishing
- Job title
- Instructional story designer & Publisher
- Membership Grade
- Professional Member
About Derek
At Refreshing Publishing, I use story and narrative to design and develop memorable and engaging learning, training and communication. Here's what is offered:
- Instructional story design: learning that incorporates story to make it clear, engaging and memorable.
- Organisational story and editorial guidance: helping organisations understand and communicate their story.
- Narrative-aligned UX writing and accessibility: digital learning that is intuitive, accessible and informed by the story.
- Narrative mentorship and storycraft coaching: support for individuals shaping personal, professional or creative stories.
- Custom publishing: books and publications designed with clarity, purpose and narrative flow.
Experience
Freelance since 2020
1. Job title: Instructional Story Designer & Publisher
Company: Refreshing Publishing 2020 - Present
2. Job title: Digital Commissioning Editor
Company: Macmillan Education Ltd 2016 - 2021
3. Job title: Content Development Manager
Company: EF Education First Dates 2012 - 2016
Training
1. Diploma in Digital Learning Design: 2025 with distinction
2. APM Project Fundamentals Qualification Year: 2022
3. CIEP Copyediting 1: Introduction (refresher course) Year: 2022
4. CIEP Editorial Project Management Year: 2022
5. Avallain Author Training and Certification Programme Year: 2021
6. Diploma in UX Design and Writing Year: 2021
7. Diploma in Copywriting Year: 2020
Clients
IATEFL
Newgen
QBS Learning
National Geographic Learning/Cengage (US & UK)
Oxford University Press
Macmillan Education Ltd
Wall Street English (Hong Kong)
The Content Station
Learn Jam
The British Council
OneClick Diseño y Software S.L. (Madrid, Spain)
Maidenhead's Big Read
Tonari Gumi: Japanese Community Volunteers Association (Vancouver, Canada)
The Adult Learning Hub
Maidenhead Athletic Club
Subjects
Editorial workflow management
Digital learning design / instructional story design
Accessibility reviews
Project conceptualisation, commissioning and prototyping
Publishing consultancy
Writing / content authoring
Educational research
Qualifications
MEd Master Of Education (Applied Linguistics), The Open University
MEdRes Master Of Education In Practice-Based Educational Research, The University of Exeter
Specialised software
Avallain Author
CAPE content authoring tool
Brightspace
VST
iSpring
InDesign
Canva
Jira
Smartsheets
Testimonials
Derek was prompt and detailed in his work. As a new business owner, how I come across to my audience is vital and he gave me the edge I needed to ensure my voice came across well. So easy to work with as well! Jane Erickson, Founder, The Adult Learning Hub
I had the privilege of working with Derek on a couple of projects, but the biggest was the second edition of a young learner English language course. Derek was an asset and essential to the project, frequently going above and beyond his responsibilities to ensure that we met tight deadlines. Former Project Manager, EF Education First
He is a true professional and explained the aims of the project very clearly. His feedback was constructive and supportive. I look forward to working with Derek again in the future and cannot recommend him enough. Author and ELT Materials Writer
Alongside his passion and knowledge for the subject, Derek brought with him an eagle eye for detail, impeccable organisation skills and a can-do attitude. Publishing Director, EF Education First
I have had the opportunity to work with Derek on several projects and the first thing that comes across is that he is passionate about language learning; and when you work with him you also realise how professional, detail oriented and meticulous he is to ensure that the final product is perfect. He is extremely knowledgeable in his fields of expertise as well as open to new ideas. Head of Delivery, OneClick
Service(s)
Specialisms
Client types
Associated skills
Disclaimer note
The CIEP Directory of Editorial Services should be considered a point of first contact and prospective clients must satisfy themselves that members are capable of the work on offer. The Institute cannot be held responsible for the quality of work provided by any member listed in the directory. The members themselves are responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of their entries in the Directory and the CIEP has not made any attempt to vet them. The institute cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the Directory. Inclusion in the Directory as a freelance does not necessarily mean that the member is self-employed as defined by HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions.