Editor-in-residence brings wealth of industry experience
8 September, 2004
Students at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) have had
access to a wealth of editing and publishing experience this
semester.
The University has appointed freelance editor, Julia Stiles,
formerly of Pan MacMillan and Random House publishing companies, to
teach creative writing and journalism students the finer points of
the industry.
Ms Stiles has 15 years experience in literary fiction,
commercial fiction and non-fiction and a Masters in Australian
Literature.
She also assisted in setting up the Random House Australian
fiction list in Sydney and now works as a freelance editor for all
the major publishing houses, editing adult, young adult and
children's literature.
USC Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing and renowned author,
Gary Crew, said Ms Stiles' appointment was a coup for the
University which prides itself on ensuring students are taught by
quality lecturers with strong industry experience.
"Julia has been working with students studying 'writing for
children and young adults' and 'editing for communications
professionals'," Mr Crew said.
"Her lectures and tutorials have covered a range of areas
including self-editing, structural editing, preparing manuscripts
and what publishers look for.
"Her experience has been a huge benefit to students," Mr Crew
said.
Another major bonus for staff and students has been the
opportunity for them to have Ms Stiles look over their manuscripts
and offer advice.
"Several students and staff members have met with me to talk
through ideas for stories, discuss their manuscripts and advise
them about where to from here," Ms Stiles said.
And with Australians reading more books per capita than any
other country, editing and publishing are growing fields.
Ms Stiles describes a good editor as being able to understand
the mechanics of what they are reading and to have an holistic
approach to the manuscript.
"Aside from being a good reader an editor must be able to see
the big picture and really get inside the author's head," Ms Stiles
said.
"An editor must also be able to sort out the mechanical side of
writing, smoothing out the narrative and dialogue.
"You need to be diplomatic and have empathy for the author. It
is a very personal experience to have your story read for the first
time.
"But when it all comes together well, something magical can
happen," Ms Stiles said.
Media enquiries directly relating to this media release can be
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Relations Coordinator.