Sarah Maclean

About Sarah

Plain English specialist, freelance writer and editor

BA, Dip. Adult Teaching, Dip. Maori Studies

Professional summary

I am in business as an editor, trainer and writer, providing a full range of writing and editorial services. I will work with you to write more effectively, or write for you with clarity and accuracy. The relationships I establish through working with others are important to me and I guarantee timely consultation.

Commitment to plain English

With a background in education and sales, I know that information is powerful when a document is easy to read. My experience with a wide variety of readers, and a range of commercial and government organisations, confirms my commitment to plain English.

Subject expertise

I handle a variety of material. My speciality is translating complex ideas into text that reaches a wide audience. For example, I have experience writing and editing material about workplace assessment.

Study during a Diploma in Matauranga Maori from Te Wananga o Raukawa in Otaki gave me the insight to write with a deeper appreciation of the tangata whenua. I write and edit information for audiences who use both English and Maori, and specialise in the area of bicultural Maori/Pakeha understanding.

I have continued to update my skills by attending professional development courses and gaining the Editorial Module of the Diploma in Publishing (Whitireia Polytechnic). I am also a qualified workplace assessor.

Some recent projects:

  • Competency International Ltd, Porirua. Editing two international research papers.
  • Disability, Spirituality & Faith Network, Wellington. Editing a book and then its large print version.
  • IT Engine, Wellington. Editing proposals and newsletters for a computer business.
  • Otago Southland Employers Association, Invercargill. Training in effective business and report writing.
  • Community Connections Supported Living Trust, Wellington. Editing client newsletters.
  • SUPERU (formerly the Families Commission), Wellington. Editing research papers.
  • Human Rights Commission, Wellington. Editing investigative reports.

Professional memberships

I actively contribute to the business writing community. In 2015 I was a judge for the New Zealand Plain English Awards in two categories.

As a member of the Technical Communicators Association of New Zealand, I promote professional development, networking and support for people in the technical communications industry.

Contact

Mickell Road
RD2 Otaki 5582
Tel: +64 6 364 2497
Mobile: +64 27 295 3153

Email: sarah@wordsatwork.co.nz
Website: www.wordsatwork.co.nz

Posted on TechCommNZ website on 25 February 2016.