About Us
Hi. I’m Sandra Hogan.
I work with people who know all kinds of helpful things: scientists, psychologists, nurses, auditors, architects, lawyers, and HR people among others.
The thing I know how to do best is to write—and that’s why we work together so well.
People who know a lot about their subject often struggle to express that knowledge clearly to other people who don’t.
Trying to explain important findings to government ministers or complex issues to clients can make people feel frustrated and exhausted.
That’s where I can help. I’m good at writing and I enjoy it. More to the point, I can help you to write better and enjoy writing more. Really! There are some simple techniques that help.
I started out my career as a journalist, working on newspapers and magazines in Australia and the UK. That’s a great start for a career in researching complex topics and writing about them simply in a very short time.
When my children were growing up, I took what I thought might be an easier option – working as a government writer and editor. It wasn’t as easy as I thought. That’s where I learned the art of reducing long technical reports to one-page briefs for ministers.
All of a sudden, journalists were on my tail, instead of the other way round, and I didn’t like it. Not to mention that I was learning to write for ministers who had very strong views about writing.
As I got better at these skills, I started to help policy people, technical people, and administrators to develop them too.
I found I enjoyed coaching, mentoring, and training, as well as writing.
So when the last of the five departments I worked in closed down one day, I decided to go into business as a writing coach and trainer, as well as continuing my work as a corporate writer and editor.
I started up WriteBusiness in 2005 to help clients in government and businesses overcome their writing difficulties.
What’s New
My non-fiction spy story With My Little Eye was published last year and is doing well.
I upgraded my digital writing skills with some excellent training from chapter1, digital consultants based in Melbourne.
WriteBusiness Admin Manager
WriteBusiness would not still be in business without the able assistance of Danny Troy, who is in charge of all things technical and financial.
My Associates
Hi, I’m Bev Sullivan
Sandra and I have some similarities and some differences. Far from the world of journalism and headlines, I started my career in a classroom as a secondary school English teacher. I then spent a couple of decades in government, doing every type of writing you could think of. I finished up as a senior manager, where the writing was even more challenging.
Sandra and I have some similarities and some differences. Far from the world of journalism and headlines, I started my career in a classroom as a secondary school English teacher. I then spent a couple of decades in government, doing every type of writing you could think of. I finished up as a senior manager, where the writing was even more challenging.
Fortunately, like Sandra, I enjoy writing. I love the challenge of getting started, of finding the right words, and I particularly relish that ‘yes!’ moment when it all comes together.
I also enjoy working with people, both as a trainer and a coach, helping them to not only improve their writing, but also to enjoy writing. Does that sound impossible to you? I promise you, it’s not. I’ve been doing this for more than fifteen years now. For the last five, I’ve also been editing and proofreading documents for individuals, government and business organisations. I’m perfectly happy to spend most days neck-deep in words, coming out occasionally to share my enthusiasm with others.
I work on the basis that people learn best when their experience is respected and when the training and coaching is practical and tailored specifically to their needs and relevant. That’s what I deliver, and it’s certainly something Sandra and I have in common.
Hi, I’m Dr. Judy Gregory
I am a writer, editor, researcher, and writing educator with more than 30 years’ experience working for clients in the government, community, and university sectors.
I am best known for my expertise in translating complex concepts into plain language.
I have extensive experience in writing and editing all types of publications – including information resources, publicity materials, reports, planning documents, submissions, and tenders. I provide writing training to a range of organisations, including state government departments, universities, legal practices, and engineering firms.
I am an experienced plain English editor and consultant, and a gold-level certifier with PlainLanguagePro. I recently worked with Logan City Council to edit its website and accredit it at Gold PlainLanguagePro standard.
I worked as a university lecturer from 1995–2006. And I retain my links with universities, as a sessional academic (University of Queensland), writing trainer and mentor (for both professional and academic staff), and editor.
My book Newbies in the café: Lessons from behind the counter was published in January 2020. The book developed from my experiences in opening a cafe and meeting venue in Brisbane in 2016.
I have released two resources for writers: Inspired to Write (a set of inspirational cards for writers) and Before you Write (a short pre-writing guided meditation).
I am a member of the Institute of Professional Editors (Queensland), the Australian Society of Authors, the Fellowship of Australian Writers Queensland, and a committee member with Queensland Writers Centre.
Hi, I’m Nonie Malone
I am a policy development professional and educator and work with people at all levels of government (in Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island countries) and people outside the government who need to influence government policy-making.
If you want to know more about me, look at my Policy Skills website www.policyskills.com.au. Policy Skills (with Peter Bridgman) delivers a number of programs. You will see that Sandra and I work together to deliver the popular Writing for Policy Results program.
Hi. I’m Kerrie Petersen – KONNICHI WA
As an English teacher, who has learned a second language (Japanese), I have a special affinity with people learning to read and write in English. I know the pitfalls, as well as the explicit strategies to help culturally and linguistically diverse people, become successful speakers and writers of English.
Since returning from life in Japan, I’ve spent decades watching English-speaking and non-English-speaking people write and present their ideas. Regardless of whether it is a report, an essay, a government brief or a thesis, I love helping to take the ‘fear’ and ‘frustration’ out of the writing process. I now work for WriteBusiness and help clients in government and businesses become clear and concise writers and speakers. I am happy to provide writing-specific workshops for groups or to collaborate one-on-one with writers who want to improve their writing efficiency.
Read my 5 tips for nurturing your linguistically diverse employees.
