I am a freelance editor offering a complete service to my customers. I provide professional feedback on any written communication to assist writers to achieve their goals. My editing services can be described as developmental; I focus on the ‘big-picture’ aspects of writing.
The Totally Edited Way
Totally Edited offers book editing and manuscript assessment services. For more on the guiding principles I follow, steps I take and the editorial letter I write for customers, browse this page.
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Structural Editing
Before examining the details of writing, it is necessary to first assess its structure. Without an understanding of the big picture, nothing else can really make any sense. Structural editing refers to the purpose of the writing, its logic and flow of ideas. Can some elements be removed without affecting the meaning of the text? Would it be advantageous to change the sequence in which the material is presented for clearer understanding?
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The Role of an Editor
The industry body responsible for advancing the profession of editing in Australia is the Institute of Professional Editors. In the institute’s publication, ‘Australian standards for editing practice’, 2nd edition, the role of an editor is described as follows.
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The Writer’s Journey
For more on structure in writing, please read my blog on The Writer’s Journey. Bringing a brilliant analysis of what makes a great story is Christopher Vogler in his book The Writer’s Journey. Inspired by Joseph Campbell’s, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Vogler breaks down all the elements which stories, whether they be age-old or modern day, comprise to captivate their audience.
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Invitation
I want to say a few words about the work I do outside my book editing business and in support of it. Any success I experience in my own business would be extremely hollow if I didn’t feel I was contributing in a positive manner towards the success and prosperity of the world around me. Many people support charitable organisations. My charity of choice is called the World Peace Project.
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I’ve always enjoyed analysing words. My experiences in the past have built up my transferrable skills and since becoming a freelancer, networking in my local area, in writer’s groups, book clubs, business groups and the academic world has helped launch my career as an editor and proofreader.