Gabriella Sterio, Editor in Sydney NSW, Australia

Overview

Whether you've written a biography, self-help guide or cookbook (my favourite!), I can help you weed out errors, cross-check facts and improve the flow and logic of your writing – without interfering with your voice and style. I also offer light developmental work if you're really stuck.

So why should you hire me?

In addition to working in the Australian publishing industry for more than six years (I was a publicist, project editor and commissioning editor), I've also provided freelance editing services to independent book publishers, small businesses and self-publishing authors for more than ten years.

During that time, I've worked with both experienced and first-time authors, and I'm a deft hand at implementing house styles, fact-checking and working collaboratively to meet your needs.

Specialties include food, gardening, history, biography, self-help, business, how-to manuals and narrative non-fiction.

My approach is collaborative and empathic – and I ask lots of questions. That's because I want to understand your target audience, goals and style before I get started.

I also provide a rationale for my edits or suggestions, as well as actionable tips on how to optimise your writing. (Don't worry, you won't have to figure it out on your own!)

Ready to get started? Awesome. Send me a message or request a sample edit to see if my editing and working style are a good fit!

TESTIMONIALS

"Gabriella was a pleasure to work with. She 'got it' from the start. She brought wit, warmth and respect to They'll Never Hold Me. Her keen eye turned the verbose into the concise and ensured the narrative stayed true to the characters and events."

Michael Adams, author of THEY'LL NEVER HOLD ME

“Gabriella is an absolute star! She's incredibly knowledgeable, reliable and fast. She gave us critical feedback before even starting the editing process (e.g. how to restructure our proposal to make it more impactful), and then came back with spot-on edits across our proposal and sample chapters. I highly recommend Gabriella and plan on working with her again in the future."

Tamara Sanderson, author of REMOTE WORKS

“A true professional. She took over editing from a previous person who had overpromised and underdelivered. We will want to get her involved in our next project. The only thing she could have done better is ... hmmm. Well, nothing! Actually, this is OUR first book and working with Gabriella we have learned what we can do better."

Charlie Best, co-author of FLAVOUR WITH BENEFITS: FRANCE

Services

Copy Editing

Proofreading

Non-Fiction

Biographies & Memoirs Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits History Self-Help & Self-Improvement

Languages

English (AUS) English (UK)

Certifications

MA in Writing
BA in Communications
Diploma in Editing & Publishing
Certificate in Advanced Editing & Publishing

Work experience

Freelance editor and copywriter

Self-employed

Nov, 2009 — Present

As a freelancer, I've copyedited and proofread non-fiction titles for book publishers and self-publishing authors. I've also collaborated with publishing staff and/or authors to negotiate corrections, apply relevant house styles and meet tight deadlines.

Project editor

Murdoch Books

Jul, 2010 — Jul, 2011 (about 1 year)

As a project editor, I managed more than 20 titles at different stages of development. Responsibilities included updating databases, creating schedules, managing budgets, briefing freelancers (i.e. recipe testers, copyeditors, designers, photographers, proofreaders and indexers), creating paginations and flat plans, manuscript development, checking and marking up pages, proofreading, and ensuring the quality and accuracy of prepress files.

Publicist & project editor

NewSouth Press (University of New South Wales Press)

Oct, 2004 — Oct, 2009 (about 5 years)

As a project editor, I commissioned non-fiction titles, provided developmental editing, negotiated rights, facilitated co-publication sales, and managed multiple titles at different stages of development. As a publicist, I devised media plans, compiled email newsletters, designed advertising materials, wrote promotional copy and media releases, managed events, maintained a media contact database, and liaised with media outlets, booksellers and festival directors to promote titles.