About me
My background & skills
I first gained skills in editing and proofreading when I worked on the esteemed English-language publication the Far Eastern Economic Review, while living in Hong Kong in the early 1990s. After working in the higher education sector for some years, I found myself drawn back to editing, freelancing as an academic editor from the late 1990s.
I have over 20 years’ experience as an editor and proofreader, mainly within academia, but also in the government, community/not-for-profit and legal sectors.
I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from La Trobe University in the early 2000s and later honed my editing and writing skills through my studies in the well-regarded Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT. In 2020, I gained formal accreditation through the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) Accreditation Scheme, in recognition of my skills and expertise. Editors must sit a rigorous 3.5-hour exam and gain at least 80% to become accredited through the IPEd scheme, and accreditation demonstrates an editor’s professionalism and competence across a broad range of skills and knowledge. When you engage an Accredited Editor, you can be confident that your document is in excellent hands. I have been a Professional Member of IPEd since 2015, and I am continually expanding and enhancing my knowledge and skills through professional development and training, networking with industry peers, attending conferences and webinars, and the like.
Why choose me?
20+ years' experience
I have a wealth of experience editing academic and other non-fiction writing for a wide range of purposes, audiences and contexts.
Flair with words
As an editor, I am known for my ability to quickly grasp the complexity and nuance of an author’s meaning while also understanding the broader context in which the work is situated. I will polish your writing to ensure that it is engaging and persuasive; is elegant, concise and clear; preserves your voice; and is appropriate for the context and audience.
Analytical skills
I have exceptional analytical skills and the ability to quickly grasp concepts and meanings, as well as the complexities and nuances of ideas or arguments.
Management skills
I have high-level skills in managing publishing projects from the early stages of writing and editing through to delivery of the final draft to the publisher. I can liaise with the author/s, designer and publisher throughout, and coordinate all aspects of the process, to ensure timely delivery of a polished product that meets the publisher’s specifications.
Excellent work ethic
I am known for my professionalism, integrity, reliability and flexibility, as well as my friendly and open communication style. Most of my work is with regular clients with whom I have developed strong professional relationships over time.
Cultural diversity
I have significant experience working with people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. I have lived and worked overseas and been employed by ethnic organisations within Australia.
Social justice
I have a broad commitment to social justice and making the world a better place, which I bring to every editing job I take on.
ESL editing
I have extensive experience editing for writers whose first language is not English and I understand the unique requirements and common issues related to this work.
Clients
| Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention & Legal Service (now Djirra) | La Trobe University History | Allen & Unwin | Monash Centre for Gender, Peace and Security |
|---|---|
| Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering | Monash University Criminology |
| Australian Council for Educational Research | Monash University Migration and Inclusion Centre |
| Brotherhood of St. Laurence | Monash University Office of the DVC |
| Canberra University Law School | Monash University Press |
| Castlemaine Institute | National Ethnic & Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council |
| Centres against Sexual Assault | NMIT Marketing |
| Charles Sturt University | Northern CASA |
| Clear Horizon Consulting | Review Publishing Company (Far Eastern Economic Review) |
| Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations | RMIT College of Business |
| Deakin University Criminology | Sanctuary magazine |
| Earth Preprint Pty Ltd | United Nations One Planet Network |
| Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria | University of Melbourne Arts Faculty |
| Extent Heritage: Heritage and Archaeology Consultants | Victoria Police |
| Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Victorian Department of Education |
| Flinders University | Victorian Department of Justice |
| Judicial College of Victoria | Women’s Health Goulburn North-East |
| La Trobe University Law | Women’s Health in the North |
Frontend and Backend Developer
Testimonials
I have had the pleasure of working with Julia Farrell for more than fifteen years. She has provided the highest quality editing of many kinds of publications, ensuring every document was perfectly polished. I have greatly valued her professionalism, timeliness and diligence.
Vice-Chancellor
and President
Monash University
As Editorial Manager in the Major Procurement Program Office, Department of Justice, I worked closely with Julia for several years. Julia is a strong editor with a great eye for detail, and extensive experience in the Victorian Public Service in the areas of project and program management, procurement and executive briefing. Since then, I have recommended Julia to many public service and agency colleagues seeking editorial services.
Julia and I have been on at least five book journeys together and I just keep coming back. As well as her sharp editing, Julia makes things so simple by taking on all the liaison with publishers over the delivery of manuscripts. I have found her to be flexible, totally reliable and excellent value for money which makes her an indispensable member of any writing team.
Canberra Law School
University of Canberra