Din Heagney

Professional Services

I provide freelance contract services in research, writing, and editorial support for writers, academics, and creative practitioners.

My work is grounded in rigour and trust, and adheres to industry and scholarly standards:

• The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research

• The Australian Standards for Editing Practice (IPEd)

• The Australian Government Style Manual (Sixth & Online editions)

• Macquarie Dictionary (Ninth Edition).

COPYEditing SERVICES

Copyediting focuses on clarity, coherence, and consistency in general and scholarly writing. I work on spelling, grammar, sentence structure, tone, and flow. I also check referencing style, citations, dates, and bibliographies for internal consistency. This service suits writers with a final draft ready for precision editing prior to submission or publication.

“Din’s care and attention to detail, and his timely, professional editing, brought clarity to the project and helped it come together.”
— Dr Samantha Donnelly, Lecturer and Course Director, School of Interior Architecture, University of Technology Sydney.

“Din has provided me with exceptional editorial support, attention to detail, and genuine care for my academic work across the years. His ability to sharpen ideas with precision and clarity has been instrumental to my writing and publishing.”
— Dr Juliana Luna Mora, Lecturer and Program Manager, School of Fashion and Textiles, RMIT University.

“Din is an exceptionally thoughtful and meticulous editor. His edits strengthened the clarity and flow of my writing while preserving my voice throughout.”
— Dr Yisong Han, Monash Art, Design & Architecture, Monash University.

Editorial SUPPORT

These services include academic and creative writing support, structural feedback, clarity edits, or editorial review of drafts intended for later submission. The emphasis is always on supporting the author’s voice and argument, not replacing it through rewriting. This service suits writers in planning or draft mode, or those requiring more comprehensive editorial support to complete a manuscript.

“Over many years of collaboration across academic, creative, and artistic writing, Din has proven to be an outstanding editor, combining keen precision with an intuitive understanding of a text’s inner logic to shape it into its strongest expression.”
— Dr Lily Hibberd, Adjunct Lecturer, UNSW; Research Fellow, Université de Paris, France.

“Din edited a long introductory essay by Professor Larissa Behrendt, significantly improving its cohesion and clarity. His eye for detail saved the project from many potential problems, and his editorial contribution was widely acknowledged.”

— John Ogden, Publisher and Author of ‘Portraits From a Land Without People’ (Cyclops Press).

COMMISSIONS

I offer freelance services on a commission basis, including original research, interviewing, writing, editing, and publication management. Commission fees are negotiated on a case-by-case basis with clients, and vary depending on scope and production schedules.

“Din has an exceptional ability to write and deliver a story with clarity and intelligence.”

— Simone LeAmon, CEO, Design Institute of Australia.

“Din oversaw the entire scope of a complex publication, managing multiple contributors, institutions, and funding bodies with energy, clarity, and care.”
— Dr Sophie Knezic, Lecturer, School of Art, VCA, University of Melbourne.

“Din’s management and interpersonal skills were essential on a logistically complex project with tight deadlines. I would happily work with him again.”
— Dr Ben Milbourne, PhD Program Leader, School of Architecture & Urban Design, RMIT University.

Fees & Availability

Fees are calculated based on document type, length, complexity, and timeframe.

Academic copyediting is typically charged per word. Rates are set at an industry level appropriate to graduate-level academic editing and vary depending on scope and timeline. See IPEd for general rates.

Writing and editorial support is generally charged at an hourly rate, typically ranging from AU$90–120 per hour, depending on the nature of the work. Commission fees are negotiable on a case-by-case basis.

I take on a limited number of projects each year to ensure attention to detail and quality. Availability is best when enquiries are made well in advance.

Scope & Process

Following your initial enquiry, I will:

• review your request;

• inform you of my availability;

• request sample material to review;

• provide a quote and timeline;

• agree on delivery dates/deadlines;

• send a service agreement for signing;

• be available for follow-up discussions and review of changes.

How to Enquire

To enquire, email din (at) dinheagney.com and include your contact details, a brief description, approximate word count, deadline, and any relevant institutional or publisher requirements (such as referencing style).

I reply to all enquiries within five working days. Enquiries are also welcome via the Contact page.