Writing | Editing | Consulting
I’m a professional writer and editor based in Broome, Western Australia.
I help you create written communications that are clear, effective and engaging.
Publications that are unclear, error-riddled or just plain boring aren’t a good look – they are unprofessional and fail to connect with your audience.
I produce content that grabs people’s attention for all the right reasons. I eliminate the muck – the errors, inconsistencies and oversights – and make sure your content flows and shines. When it comes to writing, I quickly grasp what you want and then craft words that click with your audience.
I also offer consulting services on special projects, drawing on my professional skills as a lawyer and my experience in public policy and native title.
Please feel free to get in touch for more information.
I’m based in Broome, Western Australia – a far cry from my home town of Melbourne, Victoria. I moved to Broome to work in native title, and have since fallen for the pristine turquoise waters and vibrant community of this north-west coastal town.
I have always had a love of language and the written word – reading it, creating it and examining it.
My professional life as a writer and editor began when I edited English-language materials for a law firm in Frankfurt, Germany. It has led me to work on diverse publications for a range of clients in Australia and Germany, including government departments, research institutes, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations.
I’m also a lawyer, and besides freelancing as a writer and editor, I’ve worked in management at a leading native title organisation and in climate change and legal policy for the Victorian Government. In these roles, I’ve drafted a range of materials, scrutinised legal agreements, worked in cross-cultural environments, managed community engagement processes and developed relationships with lots of different stakeholders. I’ve also volunteered for community legal centres and environmental advocacy groups.
You can read more about my background here.
I offer editing, proofreading and writing services for a range of content and formats, including:
- Website content
- Funding submissions
- Newsletters
- Policy documents, such as discussion papers
- Reports, including annual reports
- Brochures
- Articles
- Media statements.
I offer structural editing, copyediting and proofreading. Not sure what the difference is? Read on!
Structural editing (also called substantive editing) involves a ‘big picture’ look at the structure and organisation of your document. I assess the coverage, flow and tone of the text, taking into account your intended audience and purpose.
In a structural edit, I may make or suggest changes about: where to expand on or reduce content; how sections could be reordered; where better linkages are required; and where and how tone should be altered or made consistent.
Proofreading involves a final, careful read through before your text goes to print (or is uploaded, in the case of web content).
It should be done after your document has been edited. Proofreading will identify and correct typographical, formatting and numbering errors, some of which might have arisen in the design process.
Copyediting is the most common form of editing I do. I eliminate errors, inconsistencies and ‘clunkiness’ that might otherwise detract from the effectiveness and professionalism of your document.
Copyediting includes a detailed review of grammar, punctuation, spelling, consistency, style, clarity of phrasing, sentence structure, accuracy, formatting, and sequencing of tables and graphics.
When copyediting, I correct errors I would pick up during proofreading. Keep in mind, though, that your content should be proofread again once it is in its final designed form.
I offer a professional writing service that’s tailored to what you need. Whether you’re after content writing, copywriting or business writing, I work with you to craft engaging content.
I’m an advocate of plain English, but that doesn’t mean I compromise on originality and flair. I write fresh and clear content that strikes the right tone and is accessible to your audience.
I’m happy to carry out interviews or research as part of a writing job.
Alongside my professional writing and editing, I am available for consulting on special projects.
You can read more about me to decide whether I might be the right fit for your project.
Writing | Editing | Consulting
Want to find out more or have a chat about your project?
Please get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you.
Email me at sally.j.wilkinson@gmail.com
© 2015 copyright Sally Wilkinson