Academic Editorial Services
Your research deserves to be read. High-quality editing makes that possible.
I am a Sydney-based academic editor and medical communication consultant with 20 years' experience. I provide substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading and editorial project management to health and medical researchers, government agencies, universities, research institutes and healthcare professionals across Australia.
Recent projects include the 2026 AURA Report and 2023 AURA Report – the Australian Government's flagship national surveillance reports on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health, published by the Australian Centre for Disease Control and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, respectively. These are among the most technically complex editorial projects in the Australian health landscape, and they reflect the depth and precision I bring to every engagement.
I bring a rare combination of scientific training and strategic communication expertise. I hold a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New South Wales and McGill University, and First Class Honours from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in neurobiology. That foundation means I can engage with complex clinical and scientific content at depth, and then translate it to your audience.
My clients engage me to identify and distil key health, medical research and scientific information into concise, easy-to-understand, engaging content for your audience – whether that is policy makers, journal reviewers, university examiners, healthcare professionals, patients, aged care workers or the general public.
Editorial and project management services
I offer editorial and project management services across the full publication lifecycle — from structural editing and copyediting through to final proof and style guide development — to ensure your publications are clear, evidence-based and ready for their intended audience.
I love to take apart messy, complex scientific terminology and data and shape and polish it into something beautiful. I ensure your Style Guide is adhered to, or will develop one for your project and future projects, so that your organisation's voice is consistent and credible across all communications.
Academic editing and proofreading
I provide substantive editing, copyediting and proofreading of submissions, publications, manuscripts, theses, journal articles, scholarly projects, case studies, abstracts and grant proposals. I look for aspects of scientific writing that most people are not aware of: passive language, Australian versus US English conventions, hyphenation, em dashes and scientific style requirements.
I offer editing and proofreading for postgraduate theses in health sciences, medicine, nursing and allied health in accordance with the Guidelines for Editing Research Theses — supporting the candidate's own voice while ensuring the work is clear, consistent and submission-ready. I also support scholarly projects and written cases.
Not-for-profit and student discounts are available for academic editing work.
Medical editing and proofreading
I provide structural editing, copyediting, proofreading and fact-checking for academics, communication agencies, government organisations, healthcare not-for-profits, healthcare practitioners, medical specialists, medical device start-ups, research institutes, life science companies, patient groups, specialists and researchers.
I work with health practitioners and medical practices to edit content for compliance with regulations, such as the TGA and AHPRA.
Translation and localisation
I work with international clients who need localisation of their content for Australian or Asian audiences — ensuring the language, regulatory context and cultural conventions are right for the intended market.
Recent academic editorial projects
AURA Report: Sixth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health
Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC)
AURA 2023: Fifth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Clinical review: Sexual safety of mental health consumers
Agency for Clinical Innovation
Agency for Clinical Innovation
The adoption of point of care testing technologies for respiratory tract infections in primary care in Australia: Challenges and facilitators. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Volume 110, Issue 4, 2024
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the difference between copyediting and substantive editing for academic manuscripts?
A: Substantive (or structural) editing addresses the logic, argument flow, clarity and organisation of your manuscript to ensure your scientific argument is coherent and well-supported. Copyediting focuses on grammar, spelling, punctuation and style consistency. Proofreading is the final check before submission for minor errors and formatting. I offer all three levels and can advise which is appropriate based on a sample of your work.
Q. What level of editing does a draft manuscript, scholarly project, written case or report need?
A: Substantive editing addresses the logic, argument structure and scientific coherence of your work. Copyediting fixes grammar, spelling, punctuation and style consistency. Proofreading is the final check before submission. I offer all three levels and can advise which is appropriate based on a sample of your document.
Most drafts benefit from substantive editing first, then copyediting, then a final proofread — but the right level depends on the document. I can assess a sample and recommend the appropriate scope before any work begins.
Q: What are examples of recent editing and proofreading projects?
A: I edit and proofread content for apps, books, blogs, case studies, CPD education modules, eBooks, eDetailers, grant proposals, journal manuscripts, manuals, newsletters, PhD theses, reports and more.
Some are available online; many are confidential or for private clients.
Q: Do you edit theses for postgraduate students?
A: Yes. I provide thesis editing in line with the Guidelines for Editing Research Theses, which means I support your argument and voice without crossing into authorship. I work with students in health sciences, medicine, nursing and allied health and offer a student discount for thesis editing work.
Q: Can you help with journal manuscript submission requirements?
A: Yes. I format and edit manuscripts to meet the specific style, structure and word-count requirements of target journals, and can review your cover letter and abstract to maximise the strength of your submission.
Q: Do you work with non-English-speaking researchers?
A: Absolutely. I regularly work with doctors and researchers for whom English is a second language, and with international organisations seeking localisation for Australian or Asian audiences. I adapt the level of editing to the document's needs.
AV, Government client
Hi Melissa,
The AURA report is now in the design phase, with publication expected in January. I also want to thank you for all your work development of the report. It was a complex and detailed task, and we appreciate the effort you put into it.
DX, Biotech CEO
Melissa has been our rock in getting these manuscripts to publications to a place and we would not be where we are without her hard work.
LT, Researcher
Hi Melissa, it was great to work with you and you added a lot of value in a short time. I would be very keen to work with you again. I will reach out when the next opportunity arises (highly likely will be a grant application).
