I bin all resumés with spelling errors. It’s one way I cull lots of resumés to get to those people who are serious about the job.

We put your resumé under the microscope to make sure it is error free

That’s what we hear from many recruitment managers.

Our resumé editing service can make the difference between you getting an interview or your resumé being relegated to the reject list.

When you get the interview, that’s when you need to show that you are the right person for the job. Firstly, you need your resumé edited by an experienced editor to help get you to the interview.

Why you need a resumé editor

You’ve no doubt spent a lot of time writing your resumé. It’s now the time to have your resumé edited to get rid of any errors, to make sure it has a clean resumé format and that the text flows without repetition.

What an experienced resumé editor can do

1. Correct typos, spelling and punctuation

A good editor will make sure your resumé is error free: no spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors. An error-free resumé will make sure that your resumé does not go straight to the bin and that you get to the next step in the job application process.

2. Create a consistent layout and design

A well-organised, well-presented resumé that looks great is more likely to be read by your prospective employer. A messy layout is indicative of someone who doesn’t really care whether they get the job or not.

If you are submitting your resumé in PDF form (from a Word document), layout is very important. For submission through an online resumé program, presenting the right content, error free is the most important factor.

3. Present information in your resumé in a logical way

How you set out the information on your resumé is as critical as what you say.

Start with your personal information at the top of page one followed by an overview of your relevant experience for the job.

Next list your work history in reverse chronological order, followed by other relevant information.

Your referees are the last part of your resumé although some people simply add a statement about supplying referee names at interview. If you have very good referees that will impress, add them.

Note: If you are going for a government or university job, you will need to write responses to the selection criteria. This is the main focus for government/university recruitment panels. You need to respond to selection criteria with the STAR method: situation, task, action, result.I

If you are having any difficulties writing your selection criteria responses, contact Susie Stevens for structural editing advice: 0410 037 635 or email Susie today.

4. Make sure there is no repetitive information

This relates to making sure you have the right information presented in a well-organised structure. Removing repetitive text will show that you are:

• a clear thinker
• professional
• suitable for the job.

Get your resumé to stand out from the rest

Get your resumé to stand out from the rest – get it edited by a professional editor

Give your resumé the best chance of making it to the short list and taking you closer to the job that you are applying for.

There is no doubt that having your resumé edited will improve it substantially. You’ve spent time writing it – it is worthwhile having your resumé edited. It’s not costly and worth every penny. It can be the difference between writing yet more resumés for more jobs or getting the one you are applying for.

Don’t fail at the first hurdle. Call Susie Stevens today for a free quote for resumé editing: 0410 037 635 or email Susie with your details for your resumé to be edited.

More about resumé editor, Susie Stevens

Susie Stevens worked in career publishing for five years producing a series of career books for industries from law to education, from engineering to marketing. In this role, Susie became well versed in the different requirements of private and government recruitment practices. She can read your resumé through the eyes of your prospective employer to make sure that it has the best chance of getting you that interview.

Previously, Susie worked in government education publishing in Queensland (6 years) and New South Wales (6 years) and is well versed in the requirements for responding to selection criteria. (see information above about the importance of selection criteria in government and university jobs).

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Freelance Editor Sydney

Publishing and Writing Tips

Using commas correctly will improve readability of your text

The following writing tip will help students, writers and all content creators establish good writing skills.

Using punctuation consistently across all your writing will improve the editorial quality of your work.

Examples of using commas in sentences

1. Add commas for clarity and to distinguish elements of the sentence

Determine, on the basis of the assessment so far, whether any major rewriting and restructuring are needed to suit the content, readership and delivery mode.

2. Add a comma to distinguish between two unrelated words

In the next example, ‘that’ could be associated with ‘the film’ to read ‘that the film was a big hit’. Adding the comma connects that to ‘Having said [that]’.

Having said that, the film was a big hit.

3. Punctuation with the word, ‘however’

I found some of the comments unhelpful. However, there were some that shed light on the issue.

I am not sure what I will do; however, I will let you know when I do know.

A comma before however is also becoming more common and is acceptable.

I am not sure what I will do, however I will let you know when I do know.

When stating an alternative, start the sentence with ‘however’.

Correct

However, I will let you know when I do know.

Incorrect

I will, however, let you know when I do know.

4. Using a comma before direct speech

The speaker rose to announce, ‘The meeting will start within half an hour’.

OR use a colon (more common for formal writing)

The speaker rose to announce: ‘The meeting will start within half an hour’.

Note in the above example: the close for the quotation (’) is before the full stop because the sentence to which it belongs is part of the longer sentence.

More writing tips

• It is common practice to use single quotation marks.
• Use only one space after a full stop.
• Write sentences in plain English.

Read more publishing and writing tips by Susie Stevens.

Susie is a accredited editor with the NSW Society of Editors (Australia), has worked as an editor and publisher for over 25 years and now runs her own freelance business working for clients from around the world.

Email Professional Editor, Susie Stevens at Bold Type or call 0410 037 635.

Read more about Susie Stevens’ achievements.

You've written your business document, now it's time for an editor to make sure it's right

As a business, you want to successfully get your message across to your target audiences – especially to customers and potential customers – in print and online.

Getting the content right in a business document takes time and effort. Having a professional editor review the written document can take your well-written text to the next level.

A professional editor corrects spelling, grammar and punctuation and can advise on the structure of the document. A document which has a coherent structure and accurately presented content conveys your message clearly and effectively to your different audiences. And it reflects well on your business!

Six steps for successful business document editing

1. Check for consistency in the structure, flow and language when editing a business document. Often many people in your business will have contributed to the document. A professional editor can make sure the document holds together as one cohesive text.

2. Make sure text within the business document is consistently used. For example, choosing one spelling for a word or phrase throughout the document is important.

Which spelling do you use?

• organisation or organization
• well-being or wellbeing
• counseling or counselling

Are dates spelt in the same way? Choosing one way to write dates throughout the text is best practice.

• 16 August 2013 or 16 August, 2013
• 16th August 2013 or August 16 2013
• August 16th, 2013 or 16 08 2013 or 16/08/2013.

Do you want to use:

• e.g. or for example?
• i.e. or that is?

A professional editor will ensure consistent use of words and phrases throughout the text.

3. Check the heading hierarchy of the business document. Headings are signposts for readers. A professional editor will ensure the signposts are leading the reader in the right direction and that the headings help the reader to navigate through the text.

4. Rearrange any text that is out of sequence. This ‘structural edit’ will be discussed with the client. The suggestions may include:

• rearranging sentences, paragraphs or other content
• deleting text that is repetitive
• ensuring the main message flows through the text logically.

5. Simplify complicated sentences and paragraphs. The editor may recommend:

• cutting superfluous words and phrases
• using bullet points for lists in paragraphs for easier reading
• making sure the text is written in plain English.

6. Check the spelling, grammar and punctuation is consistent throughout the document.

The editor checks these basic elements of the business document before the document is typeset or prepared for posting on the Internet. As the last step of the editing process – the proofread – spelling, grammar and punctuation are checked again. The proofreader will also check the page layout, table of contents and other details. This final step makes sure no errors have occurred during the editing/rewriting process before publishing.

Get a professional editor to edit your business documents

You’ve spent valuable time and effort writing your business document – it is now time to have it edited by a professional, experienced editor.

Hiring a professional editor may cost more (than a novice) but you will get value for money with a polished, professional result.

At Bold Type, we can edit and proofread all your business documents including your website content, annual reports and marketing material such as catalogues and brochures. Using Bold Type will make sure that your message is clear and easy to read. Your documents will look professional and set you above your competitors.

Please contact Susie Stevens at Bold Type: Email, call 0410 037 635 or find us on Facebook for professional business editing and proofreading services.

Read more publishing tips from Susie Stevens, Sydney-based freelance editor who works for clients around the world.

Read more about Susie Stevens, professional editor, Sydney Australia.

Find out about the three types of editing and website content writing for SEO.

When to use a dash or a hyphen

The following information is an extract from the Bold Type Style Manual which is based on Australian publishing standards from the Style Manual (previously the AGSM).

Using the Dash or En rule

The dash or en rule (–), which is a longer version of the hyphen (-), is used for sentences, headings, spans of numbers, second level hanging indent lists, and between words that are connected but distinct from each other.

If there is one word or group of numbers on either side of the dash, no spaces are used. If more than one word, use a space on either side.

When to use the dash without spacing

Australian–French negotiations      April–June         Asia–Pacific

work–life          1998–99            1999–2004       2002–06

pp. 65–9              35–50K

When to use the dash with spacing

Paris – the city of light                  15 August – 16 August

20 000 – 50 000                            $60 000 – $100 000

I have worked in many different areas – public relations, promotions, publishing and online content development – and have enjoyed the diversity of the work.

The Em rule which is an even longer dash (—) than the en dash (–) is used in some publications. However, at Bold Type, for consistency of style, we tend to use the en dash.

Where to find the dash or en rule on your computer keyboard

For a Mac, use (key Option <hyphen>.

For a PC, use Ctrl <minus> Windows, creates –).

When to use the hyphens

The hyphen (-) is used to join two parts of a word to make a new word. Hyphens (-) are used for compound nouns, adjectives or adjectival phrases, when two words or more form another word. Some prefixes also take hyphens.

Some examples of when to use the hyphen

all-rounder          blue-collar          cut-off mark        full-scale

in-line     left-hand side      no-one               under-supply

well-paid job      X-ray

Do not hyphenate noun or verb phrases, such as ‘in the long term’, or ‘kept up to date’. These terms take hyphens only when used adjectivally, such as ‘a long-term solution’ or ‘an up-to-date outfit’.

When no hyphen is required

eyewitness          landmass            worldwide          lowdown

coordinate          paralegal            timeline             makeup

download           biodiversity        bushwalking       formwork

online                onsite                well paid       backpacker

coworker        workload

Still in doubt, check the Macquarie Dictionary: the preferred dictionary for Australian publishing.

This publishing tip brought to you by freelance Sydney editor, Susie Stevens from Bold Type.

Looking for a professional editor or proofreader? Call Susie on 0410 037 635 or email Susie today for a free quote.

Read more publishing tips from Susie Stevens, Freelance Editor, Sydney

I needed a good freelance editor based in Sydney who could give me advice on writing copy for my business website and can edit academic papers. Susie met the bill as she is highly experienced in both domains and is helpful, approachable and reliable. She took the stress out of meeting deadlines by giving me peace of mind, saved me valuable time at the end of the process, and delivered a perfect copy each time.  I highly recommend Susie’s services as a freelance editor who is a pleasure to work with.

Linda Magson
Linda Magson Counselling

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Great work editing and proofreading our 2013 custom sportswear catalogue. Big thanks too for helping with style for double-page spreads and general layout.

Ben Beard, Managing Director
Captivations

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The manual you wrote and edited for uploading content to our website has been a great help. It is very clear and makes it so easy for our volunteers to use. Much appreciated.

Liz Leighton, Coordinator
Literacy Network Manly Warringah
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Great work on our Grants Guidelines and Applications. You have a great eye for detail and finding inconsistencies in the text.

Cathie
Leichhardt Municipal Council

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Just want to say thank you for the editing work you did for us this year. It has been a pleasure working with you.

Sara Maxwell, Research and Policy Coordinator
Suicide Prevention Australia
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For a quote for writing, editing and/or proofreading, contact Susie Stevens from Bold Type. More than happy to put together a quote for consideration. Call 0410 037 635 or email Susie with your details.

Read more about editing and proofreading

List of news articles about editing and proofreading

Bold Type are not only outstanding in terms of quality and pricing, the impeccable service provided by Susie is something I would recommend to all, and will certainly use again. Her masterful scrutiny and expert approach is the key to submitting first-rate material. Her onscreen mark up is especially meticulous. With her assistance, I am confident that my grade is significantly improved by the sheer quality of her proofreading and editing work.

Amanda Clarke
Charles Sturt University – Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security

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The edit of my assignment was very good especially the track changes which helped me learn from my mistakes.  Correction on my English also very helpful as I got a distinction – first time! Thanks very much.

Anna Nguyen, UTS

Do you have an university assignment, thesis or academic paper you want edited or proofread? Having trouble writing and structuring your arguments in your assignments? Susie has tutored many students at undergraduate and post-graduate level to improve grades.

Contact Susie Stevens from Bold Type for an obligation free quote. Call 0410 037 635 or email Susie your details.

Read more about Thesis Editing and Proofreading

Read more testimonials:

• testimonials from our business clients
• testimonials from our website development clients.

Hard copy markup of university thesis

Editing or proofreading a thesis or an academic paper requires a number of specific tasks that are not required when editing other types of documents.

When editing academic papers or any serious research document that has references, footnotes and citations, an editor needs to:

• check that all the works cited in the paper are referenced in the bibliography
• check that the bibliography entries are written and punctuated to the same style throughout
• check the cross-referencing of material
• ensure that the thesis or paper meets the university style for thesis presentation
• make corrections that can lift the paper to a higher grade.

Having a clear understanding of university conventions and styles for writing is a clear advantage. Susie Stevens has experience writing academic papers – she has a PhD from Sydney University – and editing theses and academic writing as a professional editor.

How long does it take to edit a thesis?

Each thesis, assignment or academic treatise is different. To give an estimate of the time it takes to edit or proofread a thesis, Susie Stevens would need to view the work. This also allows Susie to make an assessment of what is required: edit or proofread. Find out the difference between editing and proofreading.

Even for a standard edit of a 5000-word assignment, the work needs to be scheduled so allow at least a two-day turnaround. Often additional time is needed to get feedback from the writer about sentence structure, missing citations and/or bibliographical details.

For an edit of a 100,000-word thesis, allow at least two weeks. Again, work needs to be scheduled so early planning helps. Ideally, factor in one month for the edit of a long thesis such as a Masters or PhD. During this time, the editor will send corrections to the writer for comment and approval.

Why have your thesis professionally edited or proofread?

A polished, mistake-free thesis set to the university style for citations and layout will get a higher mark than a poorly presented thesis with lots of spelling and punctuation errors – this is a fact.

You have spent time in getting the text in your thesis right so it makes sense to give it the best chance of a high mark by having it professionally edited and/or proofread.

What you get with your edit or proofread

With over 25 years in the publishing and editing business, Susie Stevens will provide a professional edit of your thesis. Susie has a PhD from Sydney University and understands what is required for professional academic papers.

With Susie editing your thesis, you will get:

• the work edited on-screen or as a hard-copy with proofreader markups
• the work completed to your university’s style guides
• a style sheet specific to the thesis listing correct spelling, punctuation and other typographical issues.

How much does it cost to edit a thesis?

The cost of an edit or proofread of a thesis is based on the actual word count: not just the number of words in the thesis but all the additional words in footnotes, in text tables, table of contents, bibliography and other supplementary content. Depending on the writing and layout consistency, allow between four to six pages for editing per hour and about six pages an hour for proofreading per hour.

Contact Susie Stevens at Bold Type for an obligation free quote for editing and/or proofreading your thesis. Call Susie on her mobile 0410 037 635 or email your details and thesis to Susie. A copy of your thesis will be required for the quote. All communications are confidential.

Read more about:

• editing and proofreading
• client testimonials for editing and proofreading academic papers
• client testimonials from business editing.

See Susie Stevens’ details on the NSW Society of Editors website.

Not sure what you need from an editor? We can help.

Susie Stevens, professional freelance editor based in Sydney Australia explains the three different types of editing.

Structural or substantive editing

This is the first step after the writer has said: ‘That’s it – time to put the baby on the mountain’.

During the structural edit, the editor will look at the main purpose of the document, the presentation of information, check that there is a logical flow of the narrative and check for consistency of language and style.

The structural editor may recommend that the writer:

• reorganise some of the sections of the document
• make changes to suit the target audience
• establish a consistent style
• use the right tone and voice.

Copy editing

On-screen editing is an alternative to hard copy mark-up

During the copy edit, the aim is to check issues such as sentence structure, consistency of grammar, punctuation and spelling and to make sure the entire text is consistent with Australian publishing standards as documented in the Australian Style Manual.

The copy editor checks the relationship between headings and text and looks at the relationship between graphics and text to ensure a continuity between elements of the document. The editor may recommend modifying the text or graphics, changinging prose to bullet points, add break-out boxes for the main concept on a page and generally, making the message more accessible to readers.

Proofreading

During the process of editing and rewriting, errors can be created or overlooked. The proofread is the final opportunity to edit errors that may have been created during the previous editing process.

It is usually done after the work is typeset (or draft ready for Internet publication) so that the proofreader can check the page layout.

The proofreader will also check that the contents page numbers and any cross referencing are correct. Sometimes due to typesetting, page references can be incorrect and need to be adjusted.

What type of editing do I need?

Some clients are happy with the structure of the document and will go straight to copy editing then proofreading. Others have in-house editing and just want a proofread. Susie Stevens can make an assessment of the work when quoting.

With Susie Stevens editing your work, what you want to say will be presented in a way that will engage your audience.

Why Susie Stevens to edit your masterpiece?

Susie is a professional editor and publisher with over 25 years experience across a wide range of genres – education, corporate, non-fiction trade books, academic papers and self-published manuscripts. Read more about Susie’s experience. View Susie’s listing on the NSW Society of Editors website.

Tip from a publishing professional

Don’t get it right, get it written … then get a professional editor to make it right.

Request an obligation free quote

Susie Stevens can quote on the type of editing required to make sure your masterpiece is ready to publish. Call Susie on 0410 037 635 or email Susie with your details.

The art of editing can make the world of difference to your written text

Susie Stevens is a freelance editor working in Sydney Australia. Her experience as an editor is extensive with over 25 years working in the publishing industry.

What’s the difference between editing and proofreading?

Traditionally editing is a three-part process:

• structural (substantive) edit
• copy edit
• proofread.

In a nutshell, the structural edit is done if the manuscript needs some serious work to knock it into shape. The copy edit is a line edit where the editor checks paragraphs and sentences, fixes grammar, spelling and punctuation. The proofread is the final check after typesetting is done and prior to print or publishing.

What a structural editor does

The structural (or substantive) editor makes sure that the structure, content, language, style and presentation of the work are suitable for the purpose and the target audience. For this big picture edit, the editor will:

• review the tone of the text and how it supports the purpose of the manuscript
• suggest changes to layout of content, review chapter structure, overall content linkages, consistency of voice and writing style to enhance the reader’s engagement and retain reader interest
• identify any gaps in information and content and suggest additions or changes that improve the narrative.

The structural edit is not limited to but includes the following specific tasks:

• check the order and flow of the narrative ­– check the coherence of the subject matter that improve reader engagement
• check the heading hierarchy and heading/content connections
• ensure linkage between sections to make sure that narrative connections are clear and effective
• check for duplication and/or any unnecessary text and suggest sections that can be restructured or cut to improve reader interest.

The editor may suggest layout ideas such as breakout boxes, chapter overviews and summary points that can also improve reader engagement.

What a copy editor does

Copy editing differs from structural editing in that the aim of the copy editor is to fix issues with the text presented without making any major changes to content.

The aim of the copy edit is to:

• improve paragraph and sentence structure
• correct errors in punctuation, grammar and spelling
• check style and make changes such as using active rather than passive sentence structure; cut out superfluous words; work towards ‘plain English’ writing for all sentences.

What a proofreader does

Proofreading is the final step in the publishing process and takes place after typesetting for print or as a draft website page for web publishing. The proofread is as important in the publishing process as editing as it makes sure the work is ready for publication.

It is the proofreader’s job to find any errors in terms of punctuation, spelling, text alignment, type font irregularities, spacing errors.

A proofreader may also be asked to compare proof documents with the original copy for any omissions that may have occurred in the publishing process.

Expect professional editing and proofreading

Macquarie Dictionary and Style Manual references for editing and proofreading

As a professional editor and proofreader, Susie uses the Style Manual 2002 sixth edition and Macquarie Dictionary as references. Susie also works to in-house style guides and has written style guides for NSW Education and business organisations.

Susie has been running her freelance editing business in Sydney for five years and has been contracted to work for Education NSW, McGraw Hill, Engineers Australia, the Real Estate Academy, IP Australia and many small to medium businesses.

Prior to becoming a freelance editor based in Sydney, Susie worked in the publishing industry for over 20 years with Queensland Education editing distance educational books and other educational materials; for NSW Education and Training as a senior editor responsible for maintaining a consistent style across all publications, and as a publisher in Sydney producing trade books for the careers market.

Read more about:

• editing and proofreading
• publishing tips
• publishing and editing terms.

For a FREE quote on your next document or publication, call Susie Stevens on 0410 037 635 or email Susie your details.

Get professional editing or proofreading – call Susie Stevens today on 0410 037 635

Bold Type is an editing and proofreading business based in Sydney Australia. We work for businesses, government departments, publishing companies, academics and writers from all over Australia and the world.

Our rates are reasonable but not the cheapest you will find.

However, you will get a very professional editor and proofreader with many years of experience working in the publishing industry. We can do the job properly for you – faster and more effective than an inexperienced person. So while our rates are not the cheapest, we can guarantee professionalism, competence and confidentiality.

Editing rates

The cost of editing depends on each job. Editing rates are based on the number of pages in the document and the time estimated to edit each page of text. The time taken depends on the type of edit: substantive and/or copy edit. Every job is different – our rates are competitive so please contact Susie Stevens for a quote: 0410 037 635.

Proofreading rates

Proofreading is the last step in the publishing process prior to publication in print or online. Proofreading rates are based on the number of characters or words, number of pages that can be proofread per hour based on each different job.

Please note that we are registered for GST.

For an obligation free quote, call Susie Stevens on 0410 037 635 or email your request today.

Read more about our professional editing and proofreading services.

Read about Susie’s career highlights.

Publishing Tips