excellent writing

About me

I specialise in business and public sector communications, as well as the academic sector, helping students produce well-written theses, dissertations, and assignments. I undertake technical content writing commissions for clients, and also offer other writers my detailed look at grammar, spelling, punctuation and style.  I am based on the Kāpiti Coast in New Zealand, but can look after clients from anywhere in the world.

Prior to my career in editing I spent over 25 years in accounting, finance, audit and IT roles; this included 12 years in professional service firms writing business cases, proposals and reports. This writing met very high standards of accuracy, readability and correct English usage, and needed well-considered layout and logical structure.

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English is my first language and since childhood I have been an avid reader of a wide range of books and magazines. This gave me a lifelong interest in many topics — science, history, literature and current affairs to name a few — and a passion for finding the best word and phrasing to use. I love word-smithing!

I have a Diploma in Proofreading and Editing, and am a member of the Australian-based Institute of Professional Editors. www.iped-editors.org 

Gavin McCleave

Diploma in Proofreading and Editing,

Graduate Diploma in Business Studies  (Finance),

Bachelor of Accounting Science

How I can help you

In business, your written communications seen by prospective clients can be the first impression they receive of you — first impressions count. This applies to direct communications, marketing material, annual reporting, and your website.

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In the public sector, local or central, you want your publications to reach your target audience, be read and understood. Typographical errors and lack of clarity will distract your readers from the message you want them to receive.

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Students, you will be seeking the best possible presentation of your ideas in your academic thesis, dissertation, or assignment — this will make a difference.

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In fact, any writers are going to benefit from a second set of eyes helping you achieve excellence in presentation, clarity and correct English usage.

My Services

My aim is to help you produce error-free writing with clear and appropriate English usage. I do this by correcting and, when necessary, commenting on the writing you provide to me. I can do this for you onto hardcopy documents, or directly into softcopy such as Microsoft Word, PDF, or websites directly through your content management system.

Proofreading

When proofreading I ensure your writing is free of grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors — making sure it looks polished and professional. I carefully read the document at least twice, recording marked-up changes and comments where necessary. 

Editing

When editing I check that the writing flows smoothly, is clear in meaning, appropriate for the target audience, consistent in usage, and follows your preferred style requirements. This service goes further than proofreading to consider the phrasing used, repetition, jargon, colloquialism and clichés, references, continuity, excessive passive voice usage, section headings, image descriptions, and anything else we discuss that you want me to look at. 

Testimonials

Writing

"We are a professional services firm that prides itself on the quality and accuracy of the collateral that we provide to our clients. Gavin has been instrumental in helping us to achieve that. His response time is excellent, his costs affordable and his accuracy never in question. I would highly recommend him."

Betsyn McHardy

Director & Solicitor

Wakefields Lawyers Limited

Editing

"Gavin's keen eye and quick wits have saved me from literally dozens of authorial embarrassments, small and large. Don't go into print without him!"

Geoff Palmer

Author and technical writer

"Thanks so much Gavin for your great proofreading of my son’s master's thesis. Your input was a huge help to him."

Parent of master's student at Auckland University of Technology

Let's get started!

Contact me now and we can discuss the nature of your communications or writing project and how I can help you.

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Then I’ll need a sample of your writing, by email or hardcopy, and an estimate of the total number of words, so I can prepare a      no-obligation quote and agree a completion time-line with you.      I keep everything confidential whether you choose me for your work or not.

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I usually quote by project to give clients certainty over the total cost, but if you prefer I can quote an hourly rate or price per page. I can work on a free sample page, if you wish, and send that back to you to give you confidence in the quality of my work before we begin. Student rates apply for thesis and dissertation work.

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Once I start on your work I’ll give you regular updates on my progress towards a successful completion within our agreed timeframes.

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I look forward to hearing from you.

Contact