Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been editing?
I’ve been giving feedback on the writing of friends and family for most of my adult life, but I’ve been working as a professional editor for over five years now.
Do you have an editing degree or other qualifications in editing?
No, I don’t. But I do have a Bachelor of Arts, a Masters of Arts, and a teaching degree, and have taught high school ESL, German, and French. I’ve also tutored students in German and English, and I've worked as a sessional tutor teaching editing and proofreading to university students. This love for language, as well as my writing and editing experience, has given me a very well-rounded background upon which to draw, when I’m editing others’ work.
What sorts of writing have you edited?
It’s so varied! It’s been great. I’ve edited PhD and Masters dissertations, essays, articles, advertising copy, business proposals, blog posts, poetry, novels, novellas, short stories, and children’s fiction.
Is there anything you don't edit?
I hate to say 'no' to work but if your work is in PDF format, I really do have to say no. Whether it's me or the PDF (it's me, I know), I just don't like working on them.
The only other time I refuse (nicely, of course) is when the work is not yet ready for editing. If it's just in draft stage, you'll end up paying for something you might not even end up using. If you require beta reading or feedback, then we can discuss that as a precursor to editing or proofing.
So you’re an editor. But what do you really know about writing?
I’ve had some short stories published (here, here and here), as well as a couple of articles (here and here). I’ve freelanced as a ghostwriter, mostly writing non-fiction (business English, advertising copy, self-help ebooks, and blog posts). And I've published a novella (here).
I’ve also written two dissertations (Honours and Masters) and am currently enrolled in a PhD in Media, Culture and Creative Arts. I’m writing a steampunk novel set in 1890s Western Australia, and writing an exegesis on the impact of colonisation and industrialisation on the natural environment. I hope to graduate sometime within the next fifty years or so.
You write, too? Can I hire you as a writer?
You absolutely can! I've written copy for various businesses and individuals, from blog posts to real estate copy, and brochures to landing pages. Just email me to discuss your requirements.
You used to be an ESL tutor and teacher. Do you still teach?
I loved teaching and tutoring and I still do some editing, English and ESL teaching online. I'm always open to doing more of that, from basic English skills to helping with essays, speeches, anything! I really enjoy the teacher/learner interaction. It's heaps of fun.
I notice that you write in an English style which isn’t like mine. How do I know you’re going to be able to properly edit my work without changing all the ‘colors’ to ‘colours’?
I’m very familiar with US English, and have probably edited more American English than any other form. While it’s true that I write in Australian English (which is a lot like UK English, but not exactly the same), I’m able to switch between English styles, and I will always, always check with you if I’m unsure about phrasing, word usage or grammatical conventions.
Can you sign a non-disclosure agreement?
I totally can, but you can also rest assured that I really won’t steal your ideas. That’s far too much work—I’d much rather edit your writing than go through all the effort of passing it off as my own.
What’s your favourite chocolate brownie recipe?
I’m so glad you asked! It’s here, and it’s the best ever. I get compliments whenever I make it.
And your favourite tea?
Oh my goodness. I can't choose! Here's some of those I love most:
- lady grey
- lemongrass and ginger
- rooibos
- chai
- peppermint
- raspberry
Tea. Isn't it amazing? I'm so happy I live in a world where there is tea.
More questions? Just get in touch and I'll be glad to answer them.
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