Who are my clients?
My diverse clients share a desire for clear, accurate and effective writing.
I’ve written and edited high-profile documents for businesses, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, publishers, a foreign policy think-tank, academics and other clients.
I work either directly with clients, or as an associate with leading publishing and communications firms.
Wilton Hanford Hanover
Wilton Hanford Hanover (WHH) is the Australian Government communications specialist. In association with this leading firm, I edited a best practice regulation handbook, the Australia in the Asian Century white paper, a draft energy white paper, the Gonski report on school funding, and an Empowered Communities report on Indigenous empowerment.
I’ve also edited documents such as policy reports, corporate plans, discussion and consultation papers, issues papers, frameworks, handbooks and guidelines for diverse WHH clients, including the federal departments of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Education, Finance, Social Services, Industry and Human Services, as well as Austrade, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency, and the ACT Independent Competition and Regulatory Authority.
I’ve joined expert WHH editorial teams to edit regulatory guidelines for the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and reports on remote service delivery to Indigenous communities.
In addition, I’ve edited and proofread annual reports (in full or in part) for numerous WHH clients: Austrade, the Department of Defence, the Department of Finance, the Department of Employment, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, the Australian Public Service Commission, the Australian Financial Security Authority, the Murray–Darling Basin Authority and the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
‘Nick brings at least three good things to each project we do with him. He really knows about process of government, Australian public agencies and how Team Australia works internationally, so he knows quite a lot about the way the world works; he is a genuinely professional writer who satisfies and delights clients; and he is a scrupulously responsible and productive team player who makes others better.’
–– Virginia Wilton and Bruce Hanford, Directors, WHH
LexisNexis Australia
LexisNexis Australia provides premium online legal content as well as business research and risk management services. Working collaboratively with a LexisNexis team, I wrote practical guidance for businesses on complying with work health and safety law in Australia. I explained complex legal concepts in plain English for non-lawyers, and also worked closely with legal experts during the review process.
‘Nick has an impressive ability to understand very complex information (such as legislation) and transform it into plain-English guidance. During our project, Nick was a consummate professional and an absolute delight to work with, meeting all deadlines and coordinating a number of stakeholders. I have no hesitation in recommending Nick to any organisation in need of writing services—his work is of indisputable quality.’
–– Courtney Chivers, Product Manager, LexisNexis Australia
Longueville Media
Longueville Media is a leading corporate publishing firm used by businesses, government and community organizations. The firm’s clients include one of Australia’s leading think-tanks, the Lowy Institute for International Policy.
Drawing on my foreign policy background, I’ve edited several Lowy Institute papers in association with Longueville Media. I’ve also worked with Longueville Media to edit and proofread a business leadership book, and edit a diplomatic history book and Smartraveller publications for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In addition, I’ve teamed up with Longueville Media to edit and proofread event booklets for NSW Roads and Maritime Services.
‘Thanks for doing such a great job on the edit. The client is extremely happy
with it.’
— Longueville Media
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is inquiring into how institutions in Australia with a responsibility for children have managed and responded to allegations and instances of child sexual abuse. I worked with the commission’s stakeholder relations team to write a booklet and fact sheets in plain English for people who may be interested in telling the commission of their experiences. I also drafted an easy-read guide for people with low literacy levels.
State Training Services
Part of the NSW Department of Industry, State Training Services (STS) develops policy, and coordinates planning, funding and regulation, for the vocational education and training sector in New South Wales. Working with STS policy and technical experts, I wrote a plain English document that outlined major reforms to the sector and clearly described a complex application and assessment process for training organizations.
I did a detailed plain-English edit of an introductory guide to the agency’s new customer relationship management system, and also provided editorial services for a major tender document. I also delivered a series of writing workshops—and developed workshop notes and activities—to help STS staff write concise and effective briefs.
Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW
The Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW (BOSTES) supports high standards of schooling in New South Wales, focusing on the four educational pillars of curriculum, teaching, assessment and educational regulation. I did a substantive edit and a detailed copyedit of BOSTES’ annual report, meticulously checking details and suggesting structural and stylistic changes to improve the report’s readability and navigability. I also proofread the report, working directly with the graphic designer to correct any remaining errors and improve the layout.
ABC Editor
ABC Editor is a business communications specialist that focuses on writing customer references for its clients. I’ve worked with ABC Editor to write and edit compelling customer success stories for major US technology company, Oracle. Drawing on source material, I write engaging copy about the business benefits that Asia–Pacific customers experience when they deploy Oracle’s products. I follow US English conventions and a detailed client style guide to produce clear and concise copy for web publication.
‘I am very happy with your work and, even more so, with your professional attitude.’
— Robert Muir, Director, ABC Editor
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation
I’ve helped Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC)—the Australian Government’s export credit agency—communicate their messages to Australian exporters.
I drafted the initial copy for the groundbreaking Export Finance Navigator website aimed at small to medium-sized exporters.
My media releases and articles have generated positive publicity for EFIC, and my case studies and fact sheets have effectively promoted EFIC’s products to exporters.
I’ve also helped to write, edit and proofread several of EFIC’s annual reports, edited an engaging internal newsletter and reviewed governance and customer service documents.
‘Nick has provided invaluable support to us both as a day-to-day resource and in managing overflow of workloads. His ability to liaise with staff outside the marketing team ensures he delivers to a high standard, sometimes within hours of receiving our brief.’
— Export Finance and Insurance Corporation
EBSCO Publishing
EBSCO Publishing provides worldwide customers with an integrated service that combines reference databases, subscription management, online journals, books and linking services. I authored a series of foreign policy articles aimed at high school students for EBSCO’s Australia/New Zealand Points of View Reference Centre™.
‘… your work has been excellent.’
— EBSCO Publishing
Context
Context specializes in strategic planning, research and consultation for heritage, environment and community projects. The company’s consultancy services are available to government, community and private clients. I worked with Context to improve the structure and clarity of a thematic local history for the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
‘Thank you for your timely work editing a particularly challenging and lengthy document. Our client and the community groups involved with the project have been pleased with the result.’
— Aron Paul, Heritage Consultant, Context
Aurora Foundation
The Aurora Foundation provides innovative leadership programs for the library and information profession in Australia and New Zealand. I wrote an informative and engaging article on results from a survey of participants in the Aurora Leadership Institute program. I also designed graphs to help bring the survey results to life.
‘We are happy with the article—many thanks.’
— Aurora Foundation
Chenchow Little Architects
Award-winning Chenchow Little Architects turned to me for help with a keynote speech to be delivered at the National Gallery of Australia. I worked with the client to enhance the structure and content of the speech, and to ensure that the tone was appropriate for the audience.
‘Thanks Nick, we really appreciate what you’ve done for us.’
— Chenchow Little Architects
Just Insights
Just Insights is a consultancy that specialises in research and evaluation in the areas of international development cooperation and social policy. I worked closely with the consultant to develop a structure and style for the firm’s new website. I wrote all the copy for the site, and provided feedback on website design and layout. Before the website went live, I carefully proofread the final text to check for consistency and accuracy, and tested all links.
Meducation
I provided strategic and editorial support to medical writing business Meducation for a substantial Australian Government tender process. My insights into public sector tender requirements helped my client to produce a strong and persuasive tender. The tender was successful and opened new business opportunities for Meducation.
‘Just letting you know my tender was successful. I appreciate your sound guidance on content expectations as well as style and wordings.’
— Meducation
Cancer Australia
Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government to benefit all Australians who are affected by cancer, and their families and carers, and to provide national leadership in cancer control. I edited the National Gynaecological Cancers Service Delivery and Resource Framework and the National Framework for Consumer Involvement in Cancer Care, suggesting enhancements to the style, structure and clarity of the documents.
‘You did a very thorough job proofing the framework—I was delighted with what you picked up.’
— Ella Curnow, National Centre for Gynaecological Cancers, Cancer Australia
National Cancer Nursing Education Project
The National Cancer Nursing Education Project was conducted under the auspices of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, with funding from Cancer Australia. The project team engaged me to edit the second edition of the National Professional Development Framework for Cancer Nursing. My edits enhanced the clarity, structure and consistency of the document, and I worked directly with the client’s graphic designer in the typesetting phase.
‘Thanks so much for your work. The launch went well.’
— National Cancer Nursing Education Project
Starfish Services
Starfish Services provides employment and training initiatives for Aboriginal people, advice to business and government on Indigenous employment, and governance training to Aboriginal organizations. I wrote a survey-based report on issues and barriers for Indigenous apprentices in the Katherine region, and worked with the client to develop recommendations for the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. I also wrote a persuasive company profile for Starfish Services.
‘We are very proud of the final report and very happy with your professional service.’
— Garry Giles and Didge Campbell, Directors, Starfish Services
Specialised Staffing Solutions
Specialised Staffing Solutions provides personnel, facility and supplier sourcing services to businesses in the hospitality, events and other industries. I drafted fresh, concise copy for the company’s new website. I also drafted a company profile and helped the managing director to refresh his LinkedIn profile. In addition, I proofread the live website to help iron out any errors in the text.
‘Nick took the time to meet me and understand my business plans. He managed to capture the essence of my business in clear and engaging copy that was well suited to online readers.’
— Vinay Prabhakar, Managing Director, Specialised Staffing Solutions
Colouride
Colouride is a Sydney-based painting and maintenance business that delivers superior workmanship and quality results on residential, commercial, strata and industrial buildings, including heritage buildings. Working with the managing director and office manager, I did a structural edit and careful copyedit of Colouride’s company profile. I deployed clear and convincing language to outline the company’s services and values. I also edited a covering letter from the managing director to enhance the letter’s impact on potential customers.
‘Thank you, Nick. We really appreciate your help at such short notice. We will feel a lot more confident sending the documents out now!’
— Emma Williamson, Office Manager, Colouride
GentlemanPlayer
GentlemanPlayer provided dating workshops and courses focused on strong communication skills and simple dating principles. I edited a series of 11 dating modules for the client, enhancing style, consistency and layout in close consultation with the author.
‘Great edits on your end. I’m very satisfied with your work.’
— Jeff Chan, Director, GentlemanPlayer
Other clients
I’ve helped people from various walks of life with their writing and editing needs. For example, I’ve:
- written website copy for a massage therapist and a home renovations consultant
- edited a book chapter on Chinese architecture for a senior academic at the University of Technology, Sydney
- edited online course notes and seminar notes for a spirituality teacher
- written a promotional email for a jazz trio
- edited a short story for an entrant in a literary competition.
