By Carolyn Page AE
On 1 April 2025, Editors NSW hosted a presentation by Anne Edwards on “How to get government and consultancy editing work”. Jennifer Rowland AE was MC for the evening and Marita Smith AE was co-host and provided Zoom support.
Anne is a senior consultant and advisor, professional editor and writer, mentor and trainer. She brings a wealth of experience from the Australian Public Service (APS), particularly in Defence and through the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. In recent years Anne has gone from working in the APS to being a consultant and contractor with her own company, Wordcraft Mastery.
Anne’s presentation was true professional development, offering information on pathways into government work for editors and advice on building a strong professional profile and skill set.
Part 1: Pathways into government, consulting and industry work for editors
Anne began by clarifying the difference between consultants (professionals from consulting firms), advisors (subject-matter experts who give expert advice to ministers and government policy-makers), contractors (individuals or companies working under contract to provide specific services) and subcontractors (individuals or small firms hired and managed by a contractor). She also provided detailed information about the terms of employment, and the hours and pay an editor can expect when working as a consultant, contractor or subcontractor.
As consultants, editors’ roles may include text and template editing, indexing, scribing, analysis and research, but may also include a broader comms role as a social media manager, content coordinator, news editor, journal editor or doctrine editor.
Anne gave participants a heads-up: what you may not have expected is that your role will also include contributing to the firm’s competitiveness, systems, skill base and culture. This could involve helping the firm win work, recruiting, training and mentoring staff across the organisation, and representing the firm on forums and at public events.
Where to find the work
Some of the most important sources for finding and applying for vacancies (and about working in the Australian Public Service) include:
Other sites Anne mentioned include:
- https://www.aph.gov.au/aboutparliament/employment
- https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/about/Pages/employment.aspx
- https://www.hays.com.au/jobs
Government and industry roles for an editor
Advertisements for government work may not include the word “editor”, but editing and writing work is required in many roles with titles like administrative officer, research officer, internal communications officer, policy advisor, advisor – communications and engagement, senior coordination officer, and senior partnerships and development officer. Most of the roles in industry are for technical writing but the standards (and jargon) can be learned.
Government panels
Pre-approved panels of providers are a common way for government agencies to identify contractors to meet specific needs. The due diligence has already been done, and there are agreed terms and conditions. Importantly, an applicant can look on AusTender to see who is winning tenders, and for what kind of work. State and territory governments have similar tender information.
Security clearances
Security clearances determine if you can be trusted with classified information and resources as part of your work. Baseline clearance gives the contractor or employee access to classified documents up to and including Protected status. The higher levels – Negative Vetting 1, Negative Vetting 2 and Positive Vetting – give limited or ongoing access to Top Secret status and some caveated documents.
Part 2: Building your profile and marketing your services
Anne said, “Take a moment to think about your skill set.”
Harnessing your skill set
“We love our work, but we’re rarely, rarely just editors. We all have strategic insight, because editing involves understanding the broader context of things. At your core you are all skilled communicators, critical thinkers and problem-solvers. And that gives you leverage when you seek work in editing. We refine, we reimagine, and we make content stronger – and that requires creativity,” she said.
“And it’s okay to show your personality, to be outgoing – to be unique. They want quick thinkers, and people who think outside the box.”
LinkedIn and blogging
Anne recommends LinkedIn as one of the best places to advertise your qualifications, experience and achievements. (Anne also suggests that Premium LinkedIn is a good investment.) Blogging – on LinkedIn and on other sites – is also a good way to regularly attract attention to your profile.
Final tips
Anne concluded with these last tips:
Don’t let your CV let you down! Tailor it and keep it clean
The CV you bring to the interview should be no more than two pages, because the interviewer will want to spend the time engaging with you directly, not flipping through pages. Tell them what is really important, and what interests you the most, and try to quantify your achievements.
It’s a good idea to create a different CV, tailored to each role you apply for. If you are applying for work in industry, get someone professional to look at your CV. Industry’s use of applicant tracking systems means that they will be looking for specific words.
Do include the details of your qualifications but also show them that you are engaging in continued professional development. (LinkedIn, and various institutions and organisations, can provide free or low-cost professional training, such as a day on complex writing or intellectual property.)
Digital integration is essential
Make sure your CV gives a link to your LinkedIn profile. Provide links to publications, edited books and journals, legislation and other evidence of what you have achieved.
We thank Anne for her presentation and practical tips.
A recording of this speaker event is available to purchase until Sunday 27 July 2025.