Katya Louca
WHAT INSPIRES ME
As Woody Herman once said: “My only claim to fame, if I have one, is that I'm an editor.” To own this sentiment by having added value to a published work is reward indeed.
I am sure many of you share my memories of frequenting the local library, staring up at the towering bookshelves and vowing to read every book. Always an avid reader of literary fiction, I also love knowledge; am a skilled researcher and have an interest in a variety of subjects. Thus, I do not seek to specialise in a particular area of work.
“Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” This famous quote by Anton Chekov depicts the magic and strength of words. The power of words to convey human emotion, and evoke place, atmosphere and drama. The word ‘broken’ creates a compelling image to succinctly say so much more.
Ever since I can remember, I have had a passion for the written word from achieving ‘essay of the year’ consistently in school to gaining an Australian College of Journalism certificate in Professional Editing and Proofreading.
HOW I WORK
My principle is to add polish, sparkle and elegance to your document and make it the best it can be by recommending grammar, word and structural changes to achieve this desideratum.
Student or corporation, you can talk to me about your project. I am pretty sure I can help. The best part is I think you will probably be able to afford my services. I take into account how I may best help you and, according to your particular financial constraints. For me, being an editor has been the way I can spend most of my time realising what I love the most.
In the eighties and early nineties, as an adjunct to my public relations company, I ran a manuscript appraisal service, organised writers weekends, and with some small success acted as a literary agent to a number of authors. During my long career in PR, I edited and proofread many high-profile documents and earned a commission to edit and alter the face of a monthly, national magazine. I bring my life experience to the table. Did I mention I was also editor of the school newspaper, Dux of the school, and sports captain?
My education began in London where I was one of two selected that year, to continue our education in a privileged school. Arriving in Australia as a teenager I later majored in English literature. Sadly, my tertiary education was cut short and thus I am largely self-educated.
You may need my services
- to crystallise your message, eliminate errors or bring a consistency of style and tone to your document, particularly one that has been written by multiple contributors.
- to improve the overall readability of your document without compromising the original style or intent. I understand the importance of retaining the authentic ‘voice’ of the original author.
- I may suggest you consider structural changes to improve the flow and narrative logic. There are countless ways an objective eye can contribute to the creative process.
- I also provide a proofreading service, a final check to remove errors and to ensure consistency throughout a document before it goes to print.
WHAT I CHARGE
It is an interesting exercise to have your work measured by an objective viewer, and much can be gleaned from the process.
If you are a new writer, I offer a special service for which I charge a flat-fee of $125.00. To ensure your work receives every chance in this extremely competitive field, please consider the benefits of this service before submitting your manuscript to an agent or publisher.
For $125.00, I will edit the first 25 pages of your work and include detailed notes in support of my editing suggestions. Very often, the editing suggestions, as noted in the first few pages of a manuscript-in-progress, are repeated throughout the document. Please ask for an example of the detailed ‘writer’s notes’ you will receive for this relatively small fee. Payment is to be made upfront, and all manuscripts to be presented in the required format (A4, 1-inch margins, double spaced, 12pt script).
For all other documents, and because there are a myriad of variables, I would like the opportunity to view your document beforehand, so that I may accurately offer you a fair quote and estimation of the period required for its completion. Again, once the sum quoted has been accepted, work will not commence until payment is paid in full.
I look forward to discussing your project with you either by phone or email and please, do not hesitate to contact me if I may help you further.