You can’t find a better editor than a linguist and a writer. I have an eye for detail, an ear for assonance and a passion for stories — as well for the language with which we tell them. I want to work with you to ensure your fiction manuscript is as compelling, beautiful and clear as you already know it can be.
I’m keyed in to flow, formatting and turns of phrase. From minor formatting errors to lacklustre paragraph structures, I will identify what you can change. I know how English works, not just how the style guides say it should work. Whether you want to follow the rules or break them all, I’ll check your manuscript against the metrics that matter to you.
In fact, my whole process is about you.
- Do you want in-depth edits with extra attention to tone, consistency and style? My copy editing package will be perfect for you.
- Have you already gone through some edits but want a fresh pair of eyes to spot those last, elusive errors? My proofreading package will give you the professional finish you’re looking for.
- Do you fall somewhere in the middle? My proof plus package includes some more stylistic suggestions in addition to typo-catching and grammar-wrangling.
- Are you not quite sure what you want? Let’s talk about it.
What I have to offer:
Cross-genre editing and writing experience: I’ve copy edited and proofread across disciplines including fiction, academia and medicine. I have also written for academic and corporate audiences. My creative writing has been published internationally.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours First Class in Linguistics: I’ve presented my research at the annual conference of the Australian Linguistic Society.
English teaching experience: I taught English as a Foreign Language to students in kindergarten, primary and junior high school.
Proofreading
I will identify and correct spelling, grammar, punctuation and formatting errors.
- Give your work a professional finish.
- I will work to a house style, style guide or your personal specifications.
- Even the best-edited work will benefit from another round of proofreading!
Proof Plus
As for proofreading, but I will make some stylistic suggestions: re-phrasings, tweaks and trims.
- All the benefits of proofreading, with extra suggestions along the way.
- Small changes to phrasing can make a big difference.
- An excellent option if you are confident in your editing but want to make sure your work shines as brightly as you (and I) know it should.
Copy Editing
I will suggest improvements to the structure of paragraphs and flow of scenes.
- All the benefits of proofreading and proof plus.
- Ensure that tone, style and word choice are consistent and effective.
- Larger-scale structural edits (including plot and characterisation) can be discussed for a higher rate.
Why are exact prices not listed above?
I want to make sure that I share your vision of the project, and that we have a common understanding of what you need from me. We’ll communicate about timelines, milestones and scope, then I’ll present you with a quote.
The distinctions between different levels of editing can be a little muddy (and different professionals will describe their services with different combinations of the same labels), so this clear communication is essential. I don’t want to sign you up for proofreading when you were hoping for copy editing — or vice versa!
My standard rates are charged by the hour but I’m happy to discuss a rate per 1,000 words. Milestone-based payment can also be discussed. A minimum charge of 1 hour’s fee will apply.
Just send me an email if you think we might be able to work together or if you have any questions.