For ten years, I’ve freelanced as a writer and editor. I’ve also worked as a beta reader, proofreader and sensitivity reader.
Editing
I believe that good writing is a result of communication between creator and editor. As such, I strive to have an open dialogue with writers to ensure that we are both satisfied with the final result. Correct spelling and grammar are one small part of good writing, and one that is not necessarily needed.
As an editor, I strive to stay as true to the author’s intent intent as possible. My services include:
- correction of spelling, grammar and syntax where necessary
- suggestions for improving the readability of the piece
- feedback and critique at the author’s request
The extent of feedback and critique will vary depending on what the author’s desires and purposes for the piece are. I feel there is little point in ripping apart a first draft on the same level as a 20th, for example.
I have experience editing short stories, novellas, novels, fanfiction, news articles, magazine articles, academic articles, essays, dissertations and theses (Honours, Masters and PhD inclusive). Academic pieces need not be in my own field; the majority of my academic editing has been outside my own areas of study.
Rates vary depending on the customer’s needs and are very much up for negotiation.
Writing
Writing is my true love! I’ve studied all kinds of writing – fiction, nonfiction, you name it, I’ve probably tried writing it. I have a special knack for writing character voice in fiction, with careful attention to narrative structure and dialogue. For nonfiction, my experience is mostly in line with academic and news writing.
I’m willing to write whatever you’d like to see written, for your own amusement, or for pretty much whatever purposes you can come up with. I’m also perfectly willing to ghostwrite for others.
Rates vary depending on the customer’s needs and are very much up for negotiation.
A Special Note in Regards to: Academic Editing
I’m highly familiar with academic writing. On top of regularly proofreading and editing essays, journal articles and theses for both under- and post-graduate students, I have recently completed an Honours programme with the University of Tasmania. My thesis, ‘From Rice Balls to Jelly-Filled Donuts‘, was awarded First Class Honours and achieved the highest result in my graduating class. I’ve obviously conducted my own research and have a great deal of exposure to the academic world.
Due to my great respect for academia, I generally don’t ghostwrite articles or assignments. I am, however, very happy to work closely with anyone to help make their academic writing more accessible to those outside their field. I’ve done this in the past, mostly with staff from the Faculty of Health at the University of Tasmania.
If you’re interested in my services, please use the form below.
Sues Cummings 