Need to write so your readers effortlessly understand?

Let’s be real: writing in plain, inclusive language is hard.

It’s all too easy to write for people just like you instead of your actual audience. All too easy to forget that most readers don’t have your technical industry- or field-specific knowledge. All too easy to unintentionally exclude the people who most need the content you write.

Ensure your readers understand exactly what you’re saying, how it relates to them, and what they need to do with that information.

Here’s how I can help

Editing. Proofing. Writing.

Clear structure. Language your readers “get”.

Whether you want to inform, instruct or persuade, effective writing starts with knowing your reader.

Maybe they’re a member of the public who needs to comply with a complex government regulation. Perhaps they’re a grant reviewer, trying to understand the value of your research. They could be a potential donor or investor, reading your annual report.

The “right” language for each of these audiences will differ wildly. What terms are they already familiar with? What needs explaining?

And good writing is about more than wording choice. It also requires a clear, logical structure. What does your reader already know? What information order will make most sense to them?
These aren’t always easy questions to answer.

Luckily, help is available.

Get in touch

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Two images: hands typing on laptop, and a teapot pouring tea

How I can help

My services fall into six broad categories.

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Structural editing

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Copyediting

Proofreading

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Content and copywriting

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Document reviews

Add-on services

Learn more about each service

Hi, I’m Tanja (she/her)

I’m a plain language editor who specialises in inclusive, accessible writing. Based in Aotearoa New Zealand, I work mostly with trans-Tasman clients in sectors that include government and peak body, academia, business and non-profit/NGO (plus the very occasional book author).

I’ve been a word-nerd with a love of language since primary school, and been lucky enough to make a full-time career of it for over 15 years. I’m also a raving tea addict, and you’ll always see a cuppa in my hand when I hop on a call with you.

Get to know me

Home page About Tanja image collage: on the top right, Tanja stands in a library, leaning against the railing. She has purple hair and glasses, and wears a green patterned top. On the bottom left, a small glass cup of tea sits on a wooden shelf. A small stem with green leaves is growing over the edge of the shelf.

What my clients say

Tanja is everything you need in a content professional

Tanja has a unique ability to untangle great complexity and present a much simpler, user-centred content solution. As a content strategy and production agency, we often need to drill right down into the detail and come up with structured content that balances user and business needs while prioritising “must know” information. This is where her structural editing experience is invaluable.

Tanja also develops an excellent rapport with stakeholders and SMEs, so I’m very comfortable appointing her as lead writer or lead editor on our projects to nurture those relationships.

I highly recommend Tanja to anyone who needs an experienced writer or editor for a specific audience – whether it’s for a staff intranet, a consumer-based website or a government report.

Sandra Muller – Owner, True North Content

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We’ve been very lucky to have Tanja work with us for almost 3 years now

As an academic editor, writer, and colleague, Tanja impresses with her exquisite eye for detail, strong analytic thinking, and knack for all things “process”.

She always delivers consistently and on time, and is a warm, professional team member and collaborator. We’ve also appreciated her ability to expand her repertoire and rapidly learn new skills “on the job”, showing rare initiative and a willingness to step up.

In short: We’re always happy to work with Tanja on a wide range of projects and we hope we’ll have her on our team for many years to come.

Lisa Curtis-Wendlandt, Director, Mind Your Way