Services


I offer a variety of different editing services.


Developmental editing

This is a service I provide to fiction authors.

In a developmental edit, I will read your manuscript and assess areas such as:

  • writing style
  • voice and tone
  • plot and character development

and provide suggestions for how to strengthen your manuscript.


Language editing

In a copyedit, I will:

  • clarify your meaning, expression and flow
  • correct any grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes
  • ensure consistency in information, word choice and technical terminology
  • check cross-references to ensure they are appropriate and consistent
  • ensure illustrations, diagrams, tables and other non-text elements are presented consistently and appear in appropriate locations.

I offer advanced formatting services in Microsoft Word for:

  • Undergrad and postgrad assignments
  • Postgrad theses
  • Journal articles
  • Self-published fiction works
  • Other – contact me to discuss your project

When editing references, I will make sure:

  • your references and citations adhere to your chosen referencing style
  • all bibliographic details are correct and nothing is missing*
  • each reference has a corresponding citation and vice versa.

*Service inclusions depend on the type of client.


This service is available only for writing that has been professionally copyedited and formatted or typeset. Proofreading is the final editing stage before publishing.

When proofreading, I will:

  • check for typos and small errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation
  • ensure adherence to the provided style sheet and the design brief
  • check all corrections have been made
  • ensure all cross-references are accurate.

Theses & dissertations

Amanda’s comprehensive, thoughtful and judicious copyediting was a godsend in the final stage of thesis preparation.

Angus McLeay, PhD candidate

Most universities encourage (and some even require) master’s, honours and PhD candidates to engage a professional editor.

Thesis editing services: language editing, formatting, reference editing

Areas I’m most interested editing in:

  • Creative industries
  • Humanities, especially
    • Art
    • Language
    • Literature
    • Philosophy
    • Sociology
    • content related to 2SLGBTQIA+
  • Psychology, especially
    • content related to neurodivergence and other neurological conditions
  • Sport and exercise science

Areas I have experience editing in:

  • Accounting
  • Anthropology
  • Art and design
  • Computer systems
  • Engineering
  • Geology
  • Health
  • International business
  • Law
  • Midwifery
  • Music
  • Nursing
  • Religion

I have experience editing theses by students of various universities:

  • Australian National University
  • Curtin University
  • Edith Cowan University
  • Federation University Australia
  • Flinders University
  • Macquarie University
  • Monash University
  • Notre Dame University Australia
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • RMIT University
  • University of Newcastle
  • University of Sydney
  • University of Technology Sydney
  • University of the Sunshine Coast
  • UNSW Sydney

Different countries (and universities) have different guidelines that editors must follow when they edit student work. In Australia, editors follow the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd)’s Guidelines for Editing Research Theses.

If you’ll be engaging an editor, it’s important to know what editors can and can’t do. I’ve provided information below based on IPEd’s Guidelines – be sure you check and read which guidelines apply in your country.

According to IPEd’s guidelines, editors can only help students with the following:

  1. Language and illustrations
  2. Completeness and consistency

This means, as an example, that editors can provide suggestions about what corrections to make to the language, to help clarify the intended meaning.

But editors cannot change the meaning of the text, or change or provide advice about the structure of the document.


Journal articles

For academics

I can save you time and help you prepare your article to submit to your target journal.

For journal editors

I can edit accepted articles so they adhere to your journal’s language, referencing and formatting style.

Journal article editing services: language editing, formatting, reference editing

Areas I’m most interested editing in:

  • Humanities, especially
    • Art
    • Language
    • Literature
    • Philosophy
    • Sociology
    • content related to 2SLGBTQIA+
  • Psychology, especially
    • content related to neurodivergence and other neurological conditions
  • Sport and exercise science

Areas I have experience editing in:

  • Business
  • Criminology
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Gender studies
  • Health
  • History
  • Information technology
  • Languages
  • Law
  • Medical sciences
  • Medicine
  • Physical therapy
  • Sociology
  • Sports and exercise science

I have experience editing articles published in various journals:

  • Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
  • Applied Ethnolinguistics
  • Computers in Biology and Medicine
  • Chinese Sociological Review
  • Health Economics
  • Health Education in Practice
  • International Journal for Crime, Justice and Social Democracy
  • International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
  • Law, Technology and Humans
  • NACADA Journal
  • Studies in Translation Theory and Practice

Fiction

Self-publishing authors

I offer developmental editing, language editing, formatting (in Microsoft Word) and proofreading services for self-publishing authors.

I offer language editing and proofreading services to publishers looking to engage freelance editors.

Adult contemporary fiction

Young adult contemporary fiction

Dystopian

Light fantasy

Light fantasy/romance

I’m new to editing fiction.

And I have relevant experience and training.

I’ve helped an author self-publish her debut novel through IngramSpark.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Amanda’s attention to detail when editing my debut novel Roll With It was superb. Her communication skills and timeliness made the process smooth and efficient. All in all it was a very enjoyable experience.


Alex Ravenscroft, author of Roll With It

I also edit in the genres I enjoy reading (which means I’m familiar with them); my editing skill, knowledge and experience are all transferable; and I’ve completed fiction-specific training and professional development.

  • In late 2021, I completed the professional development course Manuscript Assessment – Contemporary Fiction, delivered by Renée Otmar PhD DE HLM.
  • And since August 2020, I’ve completed numerous professional development sessions through the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd), including:
    • Worldbuilding in Fiction as More Than Just Background
    • Print on Demand and Global Distribution Made Easy
    • Self-Publishing for Freelance Editors
    • Developmental and Structural Editing for Fiction Manuscripts

Editing packages

Bundle services, and pick and choose what you want or need.

Want to combine services in a way that I haven’t included in this table?
Contact me to discuss your needs.

PackageTheses, dissertations, articlesFiction
All inclusiveLanguage editing, formatting and referencing editingDevelopmental editing, language editing, formatting and proofreading
LanguageLanguage editing and reference editing

For when formatting is not needed or is already taken care of
Developmental editing and language editing

For self-publishing authors who are not outsourcing their typesetting

For authors seeking traditional publication
TechnicalFormatting and reference editing

For when language editing is not needed or is already taken care of
Formatting and proofreading

For self-publishing authors who are not outsourcing their language editing

Note: Proofreading does not include checking for language errors
Individual servicesChoose from language editing, formatting or reference editingChoose from developmental editing, language editing, formatting or proofreading
Amanda Webster’s editing packages