Frequently Asked Questions

Process

Just send me an email noting what kind of editing you need, what format the document is in, your word count, and your turnaround time. For the most accurate quote, it’s helpful if you can send me the document or a sample to take a quick look at.

The most efficient editing can be done in a word processing programme such as MS Word or Google Docs. If your document has already been to a designer and you’re just after a proofread, I can mark up a PDF for alterations. If you have a hard copy document, I can mark it up and scan it back to you, although this would increase time on all sides, so it’s not ideal.  

No problem! I’m happy to apply an internally consistent style, aligned with current best-practice modern English use. If you’ve got some things you’re adamant about, or that are particular to your organisation or document, I can work with those, too.

Having worked in the legal field for a very long time, you can rest assured that your material will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Some clients like to use a confidentiality agreement and I’m very happy to do so.

Money talk

I assess the time that will be required for each job, based first on the word count. If I am able to see a sample of the document, I look for tables and figures that require checking, whether there is any cross-referencing and how citation-heavy the text is. I then check whether the document requires any reformatting, and I look at a sample page or two, to gauge how much work will be required on the text. Finally, I check in with the author/s about whether they wish to assess all the changes I make, or if they’re happy for me to just add comments about things that need their attention.

I’ve been doing this for long enough that I back myself to make a good assessment of the work required. If it turns out I’ve miscalculated, that shouldn’t fall back onto my clients, so a quote is just that, a quote. Having said that, if you request changes to the scope of work or the deadline, then we can discuss a reassessment.

About editing

There are plenty of people who are sticklers for good grammar and spelling (maybe you’re one of them!), so that’s a good question. However, there are two main reasons why hiring a professional is a better plan.

First, fresh eyes on a document are always going to pick things up that are likely to be missed by the author/s. Fundamentally, an editor is there to see all the bricks in the wall, so that you can stand and admire the house.

Second, put simply, is cost-effectiveness. A professional editor is going to be fast and thorough. Think about what your time is worth, and how much of it you would be spending laboriously reviewing your document (no doubt for the umpteenth time). It just makes sense.

Don’t worry – I can tell you what I can do for you in your allotted time and budget, and you will end up with material you can be proud of.

Getting personal

Come on, who doesn’t love a bit of word play? I am based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), the seat of NZ government. I wanted a name that reflected that (and what I do, obviously). And the fact that people sometimes confuse me with the Department of Corrections just reinforces the need for my existence, really. 

Absolutely. I’ve worked on film and play scripts, children’s books, poetry and even the odd romance novel. While that kind of work is definitely interesting, it can be more challenging than the somewhat drier material, because preserving the author’s voice gets a little more complex.

Contact me for a quote

Let's talk...

I would love to work with you. Reach out for your free initial consultation.

You are automatically emailed a copy of your form submission once you press send. I aim to respond to all queries within 48 hours.

Save yourself time

Save yourself time, while ensuring your writing is the best it can be.

Professional service

As a specialist in my field, I proudly deliver high-quality work.

Seamless communication

Completion times and costs will be clear from the outset.

Rebecca Parker

Contact me for your free initial consultation

Location
Wellington, New Zealand

Email

+64 27 243 9792
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