About me
Supporting writers through their writing process is the focal point of my work as an editor. Utilizing both extensive university study and real-world experience, I work with you to take your ideas from manuscript to hardcover.
My Story
Words need to be carefully crafted so their message is easy to read and readers are engaged. This view underpins everything I have written, reviewed or edited. After many years of working in Human Resources, both in Australia and abroad, (I was the one who wrote the policies, guidelines, articles and recruitment ads) I decided to embark on a new career.
What I wanted to do was combine my enjoyment of coaching people, with my love of literacy and literature. I am passionate about encouraging literacy, because being able to read is such an important life skill. Some people say they don’t like reading books and I would say they haven’t found the right ones. So readability in a manuscript is my driving force as an editor, not just focussing on applying the rules of grammar. This decision resulted in my graduation from the University of Melbourne’s Master of Publishing and Communications, which was my launchpad into the world of professional editing. The Master’s program built on my existing skills of analysis and coaching with the more technical aspects of editing along with an understanding of the business of book publishing both in Australia and the USA. It also connected me with a network of authors, editors and publishers within the industry. I am a professional editor with the Institute of Professional Editors.
Since graduating, I have honed my skills as an editor on a variety of projects. I’ve edited books spanning multiple genres, for both self-publishing authors and publishing houses. I have also edited business articles for corporations. While many believe that the work of an editor is a race to the finish to get a work published, I’ve found that most writers enjoy having a trustworthy sounding board, who can help guide them through an exhaustive and often intense process.
My qualifications
My tertiary and professional experience have helped shape my editing career.
- Accredited Professional Editor, Institute of Professional Editors Australia
- Master of Publishing and Communications, University of Melbourne
- Grad Cert in Creative Writing, University of Melbourne
- Grad Dip in Human Resources Management, Deakin University
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Political Science), University of Tasmania
How I Work
Every project is different. I will usually start by having a chat with an author about what their vision for their manuscript is and make sure I understand what they want to achieve and who the intended readers are.
When working on behalf of a publishing house, I liaise closely with authors, to ensure their manuscript aligns with the publishing brief and deadlines are achieved. While regular updates keep the Managing Editor in the loop from manuscript submission to Second Pages revisions. I usually only take on one major project at a time so I can work to tight deadlines and ensure a quick turn around.
My returning clients have a clear understanding of what they need, but for first time authors or writers who haven’t used an editor before, the process is highly consultative, with you in the driver’s seat. The purpose of the manuscript and its intended readers are the focus of any changes, while maintaining your voice as the author. This may include reviewing the logic, examining how characters are developed, how the plot evolves and whether the level of detail is appropriate. How this information is conveyed ranges from extensive notes to direct amendments in the text.
If you are writing a history or have a project which needs advice or assistance with research I collaborate with professional historian Claire Levi who is experienced in researching and documenting a variety of historical projects. She is the author of a number of histories including: For the Honour of our School, 120 years of Fintona Girls’ School and Silence! All Stand: a memoir of the Family Court in Far North Queensland which was co-authored with Bev Reaston, a Family Lawyer based in Cairns.
To accommodate the range of needs and levels of expertise of new or self-publishing writers, if you have a complete manuscript, I will usually estimate the cost of my edit after completing a sample edit, while the cost of a manuscript assessment is based on the manuscript’s total number of words. But just get in touch for a chat to start with.
