Sarah Newton-John – Editor

Dear Author Joining Us On Reedsy,

Hello, nice to meet you, I’m Sarah, a Gen X (but youthful!) Australian native English speaker living in Spain since 2018 and working as a copy editor, proofreader and sometimes blog writer and poet. I love what I do each day for regular clients and new ones.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Sydney and a Postgraduate Diploma in Librarianship from the University of New South Wales. I passed the examination at the Proofreading Academy in 2020 for my continuing professional development.

I live in the rural northwest region of Galicia, with my lady partner (we marry on May 8!), two dogs and three hens. Our darling cat, Julio the Siamese tom, is the newest addition to our household (pictured). We lost Minnie the mackerel tabby after 17 years on September 13 2023 at 8.30am.

Julio is very different, and very affectionate!

Back to work: here is my considered approach to your manuscript:

- I will copy edit/line edit to creatively improve the text in each phrase, sentence and paragraph to enhance natural English flow and readability, supporting better impact and clarity in your text.

- I will accentuate your voice and give added shape to your text to bring out the distinct flavor of your writing, offering suggestions and asking questions as an educated, engaged reader.

- I will proofread for errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, lexical choice, repetition and consistency etc.

- I will sustain open-minded concentration on your pages until I am satisfied your book is immeasurably improved by my revisions, suggestions and comments.

(If you are still reading, there is more...!)

Current and recent employment:

—Working since 2008 (ongoing) as a freelance proofreader of medical and allied health textbooks with the global science publisher, Elsevier.

—Copy editing and proofreading the peer-reviewed medical journal, Pathology, for a former employer, the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia since 2020 (ongoing).

—Copy editing the academic journal, Education for Health from January 2024 (USA)

—Digital news writing experience at Euro Weekly News, Spain (2023)

—Sub-editing and writing for the mass market magazine That’s Life! including compiling crossword puzzles (in a previous lifetime!)

My career began with a role successfully marketing academic books on campus for some years, I am suited to enhancing persuasive content. I eventually settled into 12 years of specialized (non-medical) medical sector roles (Woolcock Institute of Medical Research; Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia; Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand).

I will focus on providing you with a well-written, appealing, and error-free book. You will find I support your writing project with enthusiasm and skill.

I respond to messages pronto and will provide you with a creative, dedicated and responsible service!

I look forward to hearing from you.

With very best wishes,

Sarah :)