I’m Linda
Welcome! I’m a mother, daughter, sister, friend, reader, writer, editor, landscape photographer and avid Wordler. I have a strong background in healthcare and many of my roles have included writing and editing. At other times, I’ve held freelance and voluntary positions as writer/editor. If there are words involved, I’m all over it!
Originally from South Africa, I emigrated to New Zealand in 2009, gaining citizenship in 2016. I recently spent three years living and working in the United Kingdom. Knowing about time zone differences means I’m very comfortable working with clients from anywhere around the world.
Professional experience
South Africa (2004 – 2009): Freelance editing and writing in the corporate sector. I worked alongside a graphic design studio, assisting clients in the areas of finance, education, medical risk management, commerce and technology.
New Zealand (2011 – 2023): While working as an RN, I also served as freelance writer for an education provider; newsletter and social media editor for a community theatre company; designed, wrote and edited IT guides, education handbooks, reports and handouts for a healthcare organisation; and did freelance editing for a Life Story company and for independent fiction authors.
United Kingdom (2023 to 2026): Freelance editing for independent authors while also pursuing some of my own writing projects.
Qualifications and Training
Writing and Editing
- Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing (Whitirea Technical Institute, NZ)
- Masters in Creative Writing (Victoria University of Wellington, NZ)
- Introduction to Crime Fiction (National Centre for Writing, UK)
- Graduate Certificate in Information Design (Ara Institute of Canterbury, NZ)
Healthcare:
- Registered Nurse and Midwife
- Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing
Published work and awards:
- 2013: Novel extract in Turbine
- 2014: Short story (The Ring) in Sweet As – an anthology by contemporary New Zealand writers
- 2016: won an Annual Mentorship Award from Hachette Australia/NZ Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc)
- 2025: Short story (The Artist) in Midnight Schemers & Daydream Believers – crime fiction anthology from Superior Shores Press, Canada.
- The Artist was a Best Short Story finalist in the 2026 Derringer Awards.
Technology:
I work in Microsoft 365 and edit in Word, using Track Changes. I also use Zoom, Teams and Whatsapp for staying in touch. My email is: linda@finelineeditservices.com
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