Cushion Editing Services Limited

Editor, copy editor, and proofreader Maureen Lee


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About

My name is Maureen Lee and I am an editor, copy editor, and proofreader. Cushion Editing Services is my company.

For over 20 years I worked full-time as an editor at the New Zealand Parliament, editing text on a wide range of subjects. My duties included copy editing, proofreading, fact-checking and checking formatting. I developed editing style, wrote style guides and training material, and trained people to be editors.

I can quickly get to grips with any subject so that I can edit copy on it.

I edit and proofread any writing in English, including websites, reports, fiction, memoirs, family histories, training material, curricula, transcripts and indexes.

I look forward to working with you.

  • English degree from the University of Auckland.
  • Qualified tutor of English as a second language.
  • Experienced editor of text for people whose first language is not English.
  • Experienced editor of text that includes words and phrases in Te Reo.


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    Testimonials

    Maureen edited my manuscript ‘A Lighthouse Keeper’s Cookbook – Stories and recipes from New Zealand lighthouses.’ It has now been accepted by a publisher. I had written the book over twenty years which clouded my mindset. The editing process was thorough in the extreme. Maureen sorted it all. Numerous emails passed to and fro to confirm facts and style. I recommended her to a friend who has also had his book accepted by a publisher. I have no hesitation in saying this is the go-to lady for any writing editing.

    Paul Trevethick   A Lighthouse Keeper’s Cookbook

     

    I have recently had a manuscript approved for publication as a direct result of using the editing services of Maureen Lee at Cushion Editing. I had rewritten the manuscript many times over many years and there was some interest in it, but it needed the finishing touch that I as a writer found overwhelming. Maureen’s coherent thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and her ability to sympathise with the story and my writing style, coached me through the final process. I needed a “third eye” and got it. My publishers told me that apart from a few comma changes the manuscript was good to go. Now we have a writing relationship, Maureen is also working with me on a sequel.

    (Name withheld)

    I am a mom of 5. I  left university 15 years ago, I went back into it recently to update my self. but I had issues, in translating my ideas into my essay assignment. Its really frustrating when you have brilliant ideas but the formation of words is not there. So out of frustration, I googled editing services and cushion editing pops up. So I contacted Maureen. This was the best decision I have ever made. Maureen transformed my average essay to an A+. She went beyond her way to make sure that the content and editing is in line. She is so up to date with any type issues. She is able to tackle any type of editing. She really cares about my work, and would not stop correcting it until we are both satisfied. Maureen is the best editor ever.

    (Name withheld)

    Maureen has provided high-quality comprehensive editing services for our organisation across a variety of products. Often the parameters of the work have changed and we have become very appreciative of Maureen’s flexible and agile approach to meeting our needs.

    (Name withheld)

    Having worked alongside Maureen for 20 years in a demanding publishing environment, I can vouch for her excellent editing and proofreading knowledge and expertise. Her work on screen was always accurate and timely in what was a pressured environment. Maureen has been involved in computerised publishing systems and is a great self-manager.

    (Name withheld)

    Are you looking for an excellent editor? I can recommend Maureen Lee of Cushion Editing Services. Maureen has always given me excellent feedback, asking careful questions so she understood what it is I am trying to say and explaining why changes need to be made to my documents.

    Wynne Price, formerly Clerk Assistant (Reporting Services), Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, New Zealand Parliament


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    Why use an Editor?

    You write because you have something you want to communicate. Poor writing can make it difficult for your readers to understand what you are saying. Spelling mistakes and typos are a distraction. Factual errors make you lose credibility.

    By using my services you can be confident that your writing is

    • clear
    • concise
    • accurate
    • consistent in style and formatting.

    And I will make sure your writing uses language appropriate for your readers.

    The services of an editor provide you with a safety net – a cushion.

    Here is a recent article written by someone who knows the value of a good editor:
    The Better Angels of Our Writing

    John E McIntyre of the Baltimore Sun writes about what proper editing is:
    What they think about when they are editing

    This op-ed piece from The New York Times explains the effect that using the passive voice can have:
    How Texas Teaches History


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    Recent Clients

    author of children’s book

    Huia Publishers structural edit of young adult manuscript

    Institute of Directors in New Zealand: review of training material (multiple documents over several formats)

    MBA student’s property development project: editing and fact-checking

    Institute of Directors in New Zealand: report writing (12 reports)

    builder putting together a Look Book and TradeMe advertisement

    author of The Compleat Guide to HMS New Zealand

    Institute of Directors in New Zealand: report writing (100-plus reports)

    tertiary student writing report on sugar tax

    author of 80,000-word love story

    author of children’s book Awatea’s Treasure

    tertiary student writing a report on waste reduction at building sites

    author of an editorial for a medical publication

    author of memoir / recipe book A Lighthouse Keeper’s Cookbook

    Institute of Directors in New Zealand: editing multiple training documents