It’s not exaggerating to say that words are my life. My first professional publication came at age 12, and I now have over 20 years’ experience as a published writer, including over 10 years as a professional editor. I’m an Accredited Editor with the Institute of Professional Editors (Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand), and my editing clients range from individuals and small organisations to content agencies working on large government contracts. I’m also a member of the Plain Language Association International (PLAIN) and the Australian Society of Authors.
My experience is unique in that it combines professional writing, government experience (especially defence, national security and foreign affairs-related), academia and coaching roles. This means I bring strong analytical skills, a wealth of knowledge and experience across several sectors, a deep intellectual curiosity, and the ability to meet writers where they’re at.
The official things
My qualifications include:
- PhD in international relations (thesis on the China–India relationship in the Asia-Pacific), Australian National University
- BA (Hons) in media and communications/Mandarin Chinese, University of Melbourne, first-class honours
- Diploma of Business (Governance), specialising in non-profit governance, Institute of Community Directors Australia
- Certificate in Professional Editing and Proofreading, Australian College of Journalism
- Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) accreditation
Things I’ve done
- Strategic analyst and editor, Australian Department of Defence
- Deputy Communications Manager, College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University
- Writing trainer, Communication Knowhow (working with the Australian Public Service across various departments)
- Freelance journalist (including The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Bulletin, Inside Story, East Asia Forum and South Asia Masala)
- Editors NSW delegate to IPEd Accreditation Board
- Chair, Regional Arts Development Fund advisory committee, Ipswich City Council
- Visiting Fellow, Australian Centre on China in the World, Australian National University
Things I’ve written
- The Light at the Edge of the World and Other Stories [novel, published 2020]
- Tea Dreams [novella, published 2020, writing as Elizabeth Wren]
- Flying High [novella, published 2020, writing as Elizabeth Wren]
- Communications for Volunteers: Low-cost strategies for community groups [non-fiction, published 2017]
- The Iron Line [novel, published 2017]
- Greythorne [novel, published 2015]
- India and China in the Asia-Pacific, 1890–2020 [non-fiction manuscript]
- 4 academic book chapters, 53 media articles; 9 academic journal articles and reviews; 11 conference papers
Please contact me to discuss what I can do for you.