Born in England in 1941. Good at English and French at grammar school. Didn't go to university. Emigrated to Australia in 1966. Most of life spent in mechanical/technical work but changed entirely and became a copyeditor in 1992. Worked mostly on Queensland government documents. Worked on the Council of Australian Societies of Editors Accreditation Working Group. Turned freelance in 2002. Awarded the honorific title "Distinguished Editor". Languages: English (excellent), French (useful), Cantonese (market).