About me.

EDITOR. PROOFREADER. WORD WRANGLER.

Kia ora, I’m Anne-Marie.

As a child, I used to read by torchlight after my parents sent me to bed at night, and I scribbled stories instead of doing my homework. So it’s not surprising that I’ve ended up working with words for a living.

This love of language led me first to a career in journalism. For nearly two decades I worked as a newspaper reporter, subeditor, and content editor for some of New Zealand’s largest media companies. I also worked as a communications advisor in the local government sector.

In 2017 I started my own editing and proofreading business, Words By Anne-Marie. Since then I have helped dozens of New Zealand and Australian businesses create writing that enhances their professional reputation and helps them attract more clients.

In the past year I have worked with clients in the energy, local government, retail, fire safety, research, banking, non-profit, and arts sectors.

I have a postgraduate diploma in journalism from Massey University and a diploma in proofreading and editing from the New Zealand Institute of Business Studies. I am a professional member of the Institute of Professional Editors and a member of the Plain Language Association International.

I live in Whanganui, New Zealand with my family. I love reading grammar books and romance novels, stargazing, making friends with dogs, baking (and eating) sourdough, watching Parks and Recreation, photographing lighthouses, gardening, lazy Sundays, watching rugby league and cricket, and going for walks on sunny mornings.

Get in touch with me today to discuss your project.

Qualifications and affiliations.

Professional development is important to me so I can keep my skills up to date and deliver my very best work for my clients.

Qualifications

  • Postgraduate diploma in journalism (Massey University)

  • Bachelor of arts, majoring in politics and social anthropology (Massey University)

  • Diploma in proofreading and editing (New Zealand Institute of Business Studies)

Short courses

  • Proofreading levels 1, 2 and 3 (Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders)

  • Copyediting levels 1 and 2 (Editorial Freelancers Association)

  • Plain language for editors (Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders)

  • Essential Business Writing (Write)

  • Grammar (Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders)

  • References (Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders)

Affiliations

  • I am a professional member of the Institute of Professional Editors

  • I am a member of the Plain Language Association International