About Me — Empathy Editing

Hi, I'm Kyla Jo. I'm a professional editor based in Brisbane, Australia specialising in editing content that needs a deeper human touch. I've worked with authors in Australia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands and the USA, editing trauma memoirs, family histories, literary fiction, curriculum textbooks, trade nonficiton and more.

Do you write for readers who are tired and stressed, have health issues or speak English as a second language? Do you write content about culture, race, mental illness, trauma, identity, neurodiversity or faith? You can trust me to give your words clarity and accuracy — plus the style and tone needed for vulnerable readers and sensitive topics.

I've always had a deep love for language and reading. Growing up with family members who struggled to read due to dyslexia or a mental breakdown has made me ruthlessly passionate about clear and accurate communication that anybody can access. And, through an immersive cultural and language exchange in Japan, I know first-hand how it feels to rely on my non-native language.

Stories are the building blocks of the human experience. People connect with stories. They discover empathy and understanding through stories about the diverse human experience. I share stories as a mental health advocate and as a child of a mixed-race family. And I want to help you share your story with the world.

As a professional editor, I'm committed to quality results, authenticity and respect. I highly value your confidentiality and your work's integrity. Learn more about the Standards of Editing and Code of Ethics from the Institute of Professional Editors for Australia and New Zealand here.

Services

Develop

Your ideas deserve to be heard. Ensure your whole message is logical, complete and language-appropriate with structural editing.

Correct

Readers will trust you when your words are accurate, clear and consistent. Get that professional touch with copyediting.

Style

Make your words look their best. From simple formatting to full typesetting, your print or digital project will look its best.

Check

Send or print with confidence after a thorough proofread to prevent any embarrassing typos or oversights.

Learn more about editing from the Institute of Professional Editors.

For authors

I've supported authors through every step of the publishing process, from disorganised notes to a physical book on a shelf. With experience across self-publishing and traditional publishing, I can guide even brand-new authors through the journey.

For organisations

I've helped local and international organisations communicate clearly and accurately with stakeholders and clients. With my experience editing marketing, educational and government documents to be read by a range of ages and circumstances, you know I've got what it takes to get your message clearly and effectively to the right people.

Projects

Below are some of the publicly published projects I've worked on.

Edited over 50 letters for children facing a medical or other life crisis with CARE LETTERS (2025)
Edited 15 textbooks and teacher guides for years 1–9 across Design & Technology, Arts & Culture, Physical Education, Business Studies, English and Health subjects (2022–2025) for the Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.
Edited and typeset The Abundance of God’s Love (2024), written by Fotina Mugane.
Edited and typeset Walking in Wills’ Shoes (2020), written by David Hillan and Yvonne Hill.
Edited and typeset Zen and the Art of Art: Foundations (2019), written by Jacqueline Hill.
Edited academic and creative entries accepted into The University of Queensland’s Jacaranda journal (2018).
Proofread Discovering Aslan: High King Above All Kings In Narnia edition 2 (2017), written by Dr Geoff Waugh.
Wrote a short memoir piece and a nonfiction article published in the anthology Kindling III (2016) as Kyla Bagnall.
Proofread and fact-checked Not Just Black and White (2015) by Lesley Williams and Tammy Williams.
Assisted editor for Mister Cassowary (2015) by Samantha Wheeler.
Wrote a nonfiction article published in the anthology Kindle II (2015) as Kyla Bagnall.

Portfolio samples and details of unpublished works are available on request.

Unpublished projects I've worked on include memoirs, family histories and fictional retellings of experiences involving mental illness, cancer, drug usage, child abuse, racism, sexism, domestic violence and immigration.

Testimonials

Manuscript by Suzie

Empathy Editing is excellent — very high-quality feedback, and Kyla took the time to understand the motivation and vision of the story. She critically appraised my work and provided very valuable constructive changes.