Academic Texts
I’ve specialised in academic editing for over ten years, focusing on scholarly books and articles, PhDs and other theses. Clients include university departments and individuals across the arts and humanities, in disciplines such as continental philosophy, cultural studies, practice-led research in the creative arts, sociology, and media studies. I can prepare manuscripts for publication in Australian, British or US English. I am also well versed in editing standards, limitations and processes for working with PhD candidates.
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I can assist authors with copy editing or structural/substantive editing, as needed. As well as attending meticulously to spelling, grammar, syntax and style, I have helped many authors to resolve structural issues, convert dissertations to book manuscripts, or abridge their work to meet publisher word limits. Recent books include Amanda Third’s Gender and the Political: Deconstructing the Female Terrorist, Emma Keltie’s The Culture Industry and Participatory Audiences and Ľubica Učník’s The Crisis of Meaning and the Life-World: Husserl, Heidegger, Arendt, Patočka; as well as three major edited collections of continental philosophy/phenomenology (Springer, Traugott Bautz, libri nigri).
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I’ve worked with many scholars who write in English but are not native English speakers, from Western and Eastern Europe, North and South America, and Asia, and am familiar with many of the grammar/syntax challenges experienced by NESB writers. I am committed to preserving each author’s authentic voice while ensuring sound English expression; and communicate precisely and clearly with authors to ensure that their ideas are expressed according to their intentions.
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“[Urszula’s] editorial skills include attention to the text as well as to my style, voice and argument structure and the requirements for different institutional settings. She was invaluable for my latest book project because she helped me change my writing style in a way that was congruent with both my body of work and the specifications of the publisher.”
(Dr Anita Williams, Murdoch University, 2018)
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“Urszula’s focus is not only the structure of sentences: she also understands the context
of the writing and follows the coherence of the argument. A highlight of our work together has been working on three international volumes with authors from many different
language backgrounds. She has the sensitivity and experience to communicate with authors from a range of cultural backgrounds to preserve their voice while ensuring the coherence
of the text and argument.”
(Ass. Prof. L’ubica Učník, Murdoch University, 2018)
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“I had the good fortune to have Urszula edit my PhD exegesis. She is an excellent editor and a genuine pleasure to work with. The level of detail she brought to the task was forensic, and her feedback and suggestions were insightful and nuanced. Her quote for the job was accurate and she hit deadlines as required. Urszula also has a strong understanding of the editing parameters for postgraduate writing. I can’t recommend her highly enough.”
(Dr Tamara Saulwick, independent theatre maker, 2015)
Editing
Business, Government, Arts & General
I have over 20 years’ general editing experience, working with clients in academia, government, the arts, and both the corporate and non-profit sectors. I offer general copy editing and structural editing of materials as wide-ranging as marketing collateral, research reports, websites and books. My clients have included the Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane Festivals, Arts Victoria, Department of Health and Human Services Victoria, Telstra, UNICEF Australia, Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service Victoria, the University of Melbourne, Western Sydney University and the Barbican Centre (London), among many others.
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I’ve written and edited high-quality brochure, website and/or marketing materials for numerous organisations, including the Institute for Culture and Society at Western Sydney University, the City of Melbourne, Dance Massive, and the Festival of Live Art.
I can edit and/or rewrite supplied copy, produce dedicated copy if required, and proofread manuscripts and layouts. I have a strong understanding of production processes and protocols, and can assist with production supervision as needed.
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“Urszula is meticulous and takes a very respectful approach to her work, making it unquestionably easy to trust her advice and follow her guidance. She is flexible and generous with her time and in sharing her (very considerable!) expertise, while also being prompt and gracious when faced with really tight deadlines. It was an absolute relief to have her support and I would be so lucky to work with her again.”
(Freyana Irani, Senior Policy Adviser, UNICEF Australia, 2018)