What I do

Editor

In April 2026 I took part in the Residential Editors Program (REP), which is renowned in the Australian publishing industry as a defining professional development opportunity for editors.

In my ten years as a freelance editor I’ve worked with almost 100 creators on:

20+ picture books
25+ middle grade/YA novels
25+ adult fiction novels
12+ non-fiction titles

I’ll help you determine which of my editing services will best meet your needs. Together we can make your words shine.

A chance for you to have fresh eyes on your work to give you the best chance of success. You’ll receive feedback on key elements like plot, pacing, character development, and overall structure; basically what works and what doesn’t!
Sometimes also known as substantive or developmental editing, structural editing involves refining and, where needed, improving a document/manuscript’s content, structure, language, style and presentation.
Where vocabulary, grammar, spelling and consistency are checked to achieve accuracy in style and layout but no major changes to the structure of the writing takes place.
An in depth copyedit where style and flow are also checked and some cutting/rewriting may occur.
A final check of a near complete (in most cases, already typeset) document/manuscript to proofread for errors such as: missing or incorrectly placed words, additional or missing spaces, captions and graphics/images alignment etc.
Looking at your work from an average reader’s perspective, with a focus on high-level elements like plot, pacing, character consistency, and engagement rather than grammar. The goal of a beta read is to identify if the story works for its target audience.

Interviewer, Moderator & Host

“Cecile interviewed me twice in one day at two different venues for the release of my last book, and I felt in very good hands both times. It was clear Cecile had not only read the book but had also taken the time to research my life as an author. She varied her questions and approach between the two events, making each conversation feel fresh, engaging and fun. Cecile is a true professional, and I would highly recommend her for any author in-conversation event.”

— Rachael Johns: bestselling, award-winning author of romance and women’s fiction

Aside from editing, there’s nothing I love more than delving into the stories behind the books people are writing, reading and talking about. I have over 10 years’ experience programming, organising and moderating sessions at literary events. I’ve been lucky enough to work with and interview many inspiring authors and creators. I am available to host, chair or moderate at your next event.

I was co-organiser of, and one of the moderators at, the 2026 Stella Day Out: Bendigo.

I am one half of the team behind Bendigo’s newest events for readers and writers The Story Society.

“Cecile put together a brilliant list of questions, which were thoughtful, relevant, and came from a place of deep reading. I thank her very much for looking beyond the words.”

— Dr Debra Dank: Gudanji, Wakaja, Kalkadoon Author DipTeach | BA | GradCertComm | MEd | DPhil Enterprise Fellow Adelaide University

“As a moderator, Cecile is all class. Intelligent, insightful, engaged and invested, Cecile brings that rare combination of literary expertise and empathy, professional skill and warmth. I love being interviewed by her as I always know I am in such capable hands.”

— Professor Clare Wright OAM: award-winning historian, author, broadcaster, podcaster and public commentator

In 2026 I was once again a CYA judge across a number of categories. In 2025, I was a judge for the Davitt Awards, for best crime books by Australian women, and the Aurealis Awards, which recognise the achievements of Australian science fiction, fantasy and horror writers. I have also been a judge for various writing competitions such as the Mulga Bill Writing Awards and The Rural Press Awards.