Sally McInnes, Editor in Melbourne VIC, Australia

Overview

I have edited non-fiction books for adults and children, government reports, school textbooks, newsletters and websites. My topics of interest reflect prior work experience in environmental conservation, animal management and education. I have a Master's Degree in Agriculture (Animal Science) and qualifications in Writing and Editing and in Education. I am also skilled in formatting text using Microsoft Word and InDesign.

I aim to ensure your message is clear, logical and accessible to your readers. I achieve this by checking the elements of style, grammar, vocabulary, structure, illustration, layout and overall suitability of the language for the particular target audience. If required, I will evaluate the structure of a text, its length and the use of headings. My approach to editing involves making changes when there are small errors, through to suggestion for larger changes when these can improve the clarity of your message. At all stages of the edit I seek to preserve the author's style and voice, and no changes in wording are made without the author's approval (although I might try hard to convince them otherwise!).

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Proofreading

Non-Fiction

Agriculture Children’s Non-Fiction Earth, Space, & Environmental Sciences Education & Reference Nature Physics & Chemistry

Languages

English (AUS) English (UK)

Awards

Editor of 'Hold On!' Saving the Spotted Handfish, by Gina Newton, nominated for the 2021 Eve Pownall Award for Information Books, Children's Book Council of Australia.

Certifications

Accredited Editor, Institute of Professional Editors, Australia & NZ, since 2016
Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing, 2013
Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education (Science, Biology, Chemistry), 2000
Master of Agricultural Science (Animal Science), 1989
Registered teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching, since 2001

Work experience

Freelance Editor

Self-employed

Jul, 2016 — Present

During the past five years I have completed projects across a wide range of genres and topics related to my background in science, including agriculture, animal science, environment and education.
Major work has included the following:
Cambridge University Press: Series of Science textbooks for junior secondary school (covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Evolution, Earth Science, Ecology).
CSIRO Australia: Three books, see Portfolio for details.
Pearson Education Australia: Chemistry textbooks for senior secondary school.
Designed Learning: Resources for teaching literacy for primary school teachers.
Insight Publications Australia: Senior secondary school trial Chemistry exams.
Academic editing: Master of Agricultural Science theses; scientific research papers and abstracts.

Secondary school teacher, science and mathematics

Department of Education, Victoria

Feb, 2001 — Sep, 2002 (over 1 year)

Taught in the subjects of senior school Chemistry and junior school Science and Mathematics.

Project and Policy Officer

Victorian State Government, Departments of Agriculture, Environment and Water Resources.

Dec, 1994 — Dec, 1999 (about 5 years)

Projects in land management and integrated catchment planning. Collection of data by interview of landholders and consultation with local government, statutory authorities and environmental groups. Extensive writing of reports for both government and public audiences. Preparation of collateral materials such as correspondence, brochures and press releases.

Project and Policy Officer

Department of Planning and Environment, Victoria

Sep, 1989 — Sep, 1991 (about 2 years)

Research of rural land use planning issues; preparation of issues document; public consultation and development of policy options.