A young man with glasses and a patterned shirt sitting at a desk with two large computer monitors displaying documents, a keyboard, a mouse, and a cup on the desk.

When you need someone to read it…

Hi! I’m Charlie, an experienced junior editor ready to help take your writing to the next level.

With years of experience at a writers centre under my belt, I’ve reviewed well into the thousands of manuscripts, excerpts and short stories, and seen Australia’s unique writing and publishing landscape from the inside.

I offer manuscript appraisals, targeted editing and submissions advice, and I especially love working with new and emerging writers in general fiction, memoir and life writing.

Whatever you’re writing, I’ll bring a conscious focus on making sure your work is audience-oriented, fit-for-purpose, polished and publication-ready.

Qualifications & memberships

Graduate Certificate in Writing, Editing and Publishing, UQ

Associate Membership, Institute of Professional Editors (professional accreditation candidate)

Student/Graduate Membership, Australian Publishers Association

Service packages

My services are designed to help you take the next leap forward in the development of your manuscript.

I also offer professional proofreading on general fiction, non-fiction, memoir and technical writing, as well as document formatting services (if you hate Microsoft Word too).

If you’re not sure what best suits you, or you’re not seeing what you need here, get in touch below or email me at charlie@charliehestereditorial.com for a free discussion and quote.

Manuscript appraisal

Need to know what it reads like? Get a comprehensive report on how the moving parts of your manuscript are working – and working together.

For fiction and narrative non-fiction, expect comments about voice and style, characters, plot, dialogue, themes, conflict and narrative tension. No matter what you’re writing, expect comments on structure, pacing, language and formatting, and audience positioning.

What you get

  • A one-on-one meeting (online or in-person)

  • A 2,500–5,000 word appraisal report

  • Marked-up copy of your manuscript with comments and suggested changes

  • Clarity and motivation for your next draft.

Indicative pricing

Approx. $90 per 3,000 words

In line with IPEd’s Fair hourly pay rates: self-employed editors.

Opening pages edit

Great for getting ready for submissions opportunities, or guidance on approaching your next self-edit.

I’ll edit and annotate (opening pages or an excerpt of your choice) for consistency, flow, style, polish and more.

What you get

  • Copy edit on up to 10,000 words

  • One-page report summarising your editorial feedback.

Indicative pricing

$300

Submissions research

A shortcut to your next steps.

There’s plenty of writing competitions out there, but which ones are right for you? Based on a close read of your work and your personal aims, I’ll research and recommend suitable competitions, development and publication opportunities, and next steps.

What you get

  • One-page report including:

    • Overview feedback on up to 10,000 words

    • 5–6 targeted submissions opportunities with helpful details.

Indicative pricing

$190

Or $120 when combined with Opening pages edit package.

Get in touch

Let me know what you’re working on and we’ll discuss what I can do for you!

Fill out the form here or email me direct at charlie@charliehestereditorial.com.au.