The tall poppy syndrome is alive and well in Australia. I spent two years writng my manuscript only to be told by major publishing houses that they didn’t think they would be able to market my book. After a discussion with Stephen Thompson, I decided to self-publish it.
From the editing to the official registration process, getting an ISBN and printing to arranging the awesome cover design on very little information from me, the resulting product is beyond my expectations. The total cost was less than you would anticipate for publishing a book, and selling it was easy! I just approached the bookstores and they happily took copies on consignment. Don’t let the tall poppy syndrome destroy your writing dreams!
Stephen is the magician who will turn your story ideas into a marketable book while taking care of all the messy red-tape processes.
The day I had my printed book in my hands for the first time will go down as one of my proudest moments. Seeing it on bookstore shelves is even better.
Big thanks to Stephen Thompson and esstee media for turning my dream into reality.
Lisa Mora, Author I am Lisa; I am not Bipolar
It was so lovely to work with Satima, who proofread my thesis. She is very professional in her approach. She always showed great interest in my efforts. Her suggestions and positive reinforcement helped and encouraged me to produce better academic work. Further, she provided the professional relationship with a human touch, and this was very important to me. All of these distinguish her from the others. Thank you very much, Satima
T.N. Social Work, Indonesia
I’m new to the business of writing, but I’m not new to business. Thirty years in the advertising game, the last five consulting in between trying to write, has taught me a thing or two about professionalism.
In the business of editing, Stephen Thompson is an absolute professional. Not only does he have the ability to change plodding prose into exciting narrative, or restructure a sentence, a paragraph or a chapter so that it is far more powerful than you could ever have hoped, he also has the knack of knowing when to slip in a modicum of praise to lift you up from the depths of despair at the sight of red lines criss-crossing your manuscript and turn the blues into belief that you really can succeed in this nightmare world of writing.
Allan Bonsall, Marketing/Advertising Consultant
esstee media is the only company that I choose to handle my work. Stephen Thompson is a true professional in the trade and his competency and reliability are second to none.
Apart from very competitive fees, Stephen is someone who will work with you, not just 'take over' your project and leave you guessing. This comforting attitude, along with his expertise, has been instrumental in my success as an author. I couldn't have done it without him.
Many thanks, Stephen, and may the gods always be with you.
Shayne Hall, Author
Satima Flavell Neist is an excellent proofreader and a great academic editor. Her personal approach and wide-ranging knowledge enable her to work within a wide range of disciplines. I felt blessed to find how well her strengths suited my needs. I was finding it difficult to get the right English words to express my innermost thoughts and feelings, but Satima’s understanding and insight captured my intentions. I wish I had known her 15 years ago, so I never would have had to struggle to put artistic feeling into words.
W.K., Art, Bali
We all make mistakes. I don't particularly enjoy having my mistakes pointed out to me in a forthright and unambiguous manner, except when it is by Stephen Thompson and he is editing my work. Stephen has a keen eye for the little things that pass you by unnoticed even after you have read your own sentences countless times. He can see the grammar ticks and language habits that no amount of English classes can cure you of. And he sees the broader flows in your argument, and whether you are making sense. If you don't want your readers to see your flaws, let Stephen see to them first.
Dr. Ellie Rennie, Queensland University of Technology
Hi, I was reading some of the on-line magazine Visions, and I just wanted to say i really enjoyed White Surrender With Yellow Streak by Stephen Thompson. I get increasingly frustrated with bad prose these days, that I found Mr Thompson’s story a joy to read thanks in most part to the descriptive expressions and structures he used. It recalled in part the works (both prose and lyric) of Nick Cave, which I simply adore, and also in part the use of descriptions that another favourite author, Clive Barker, might employ. Can you pass on my regards to Mr Thompson? Thanks.
Aamir Craddick, Fiction reader
If you are in the market for professional editing and proofreading services or need good advice about self-publishing, I highly recommend Stephen Thompson.
Michael Keane, editor:Innovations
Stephen was able to take my verbose thesis and, without change of argument, hone the document of superfluous wording, greatly enhancing its readability. He provided feedback promptly, facilitating a continuous editorial process.
Christine Ballinger, Flaxton Mill
Being immersed in a long-term written project often results in the little details escaping the eye of the author. Additionally, being an 'expert' in a subject area does not always translate into being an expert in articulating that subject. Stephen helped me with this very problem, paying attention to errors in grammar and written expression while also offering useful advice for written communication skills more generally. In my experience, Stephen proved himself to be an excellent proofreader and useful pair of 'fresh eyes', and I would not hesitate to utilise his services again in the future.
Marc Brennan, University of Sydney
Editing specialised academic or technical writing is a delicate and demanding art. It requires the acuity and flexibility to quickly grasp unfamiliar concepts and the intelligence to follow complex arguments through unfamiliar terrain, combined with a particularly rigorous attention to detail. Not all editors have these skills. Stephen Thompson does. He is professional, a pleasure to deal with and he does great work.
Michael Richards, Creative Content Design
