Jane Smith: Editor, Author and Librarian


​I’m a Queensland-based qualified editor and librarian, and a published author.

As an author, I understand what a writer needs from an editor. I’ll treat your manuscript respectfully and communicate closely with you to ensure you end up with a work you’ll be proud of.  

I’m a professional member of the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) with experience in editing fiction and non-fiction for adults and children, as well as masters’ theses. Four of my books have been nominated for literary awards.  I have a sound knowledge of the book industry from the perspective of a traditionally and self-published writer, a reviewer and editor.

Skills and experience

  • Graduate Certificate in Editing and Publishing (USQ)
  • ​Professional Member of IPEd
  • Member of the Freelance Editors' Network
  • Experienced in editing fiction, non-fiction and picture books 
  • Author of critically acclaimed books for children and adults, with over 10 years’ experience in the writing and publishing industry
  • Qualified librarian (Graduate Diploma in Applied Science [Library and Information Management]) with 19 years’ experience in school, public and hospital libraries (that’s a lot of books read!) 
  • Experienced reviewer of children’s books.

​Books I've written
One Free Woman tells the compelling true story of the only female convict to stay in Moreton Bay when the penal settlement closed – a woman who notoriously served three separate sentences of transportation, including two at one of the harshest establishments in the country.
A fascinating portrait of an extraordinary life.’ ​- Sophie Masson
A story of torn loyalties, secrets, superstition and murder, closely based on a true 19th-century Scottish crime.
A riveting story.
- Amazon customer
When 276 British emigrants sail from Plymouth to Moreton Bay on the ship Emigrant in 1850, they know nothing of the ordeal that lies ahead.
​Jane Smith, excellent historian that she is ... has added a rich vein to our understanding of the personal, individual legends of early white settlement in Queensland. 
- Kerry O'Brien
The true story of one of Australia's most audacious bushrangers: a serial impostor, conman and murderer.
What a phenomenal true crime/who-dunnit!... It's an amazing true story of lies, deception, and surprising twists you won't forget!
– Karen Dustman, Goodreads.
Meet Carly Mills, time-traveller, whose adventures bring her face to face with some of the strongest women of our past.
This does more than acknowledge our female trailblazers. ​It teaches our daughters about them in a delightful and entertaining away. ​Gold! 
​- Madonna King, author and journalist
Tommy Bell, Bushranger Boy take time-traveller Tommy face-to-face with some of Australia’s most notorious bushrangers. Shoot-out at the Rock was a CBCA 'Notable' (2017) and The Runaway was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia's Book of the Year award 2019.
A series of non-fiction books about Australia's bushrangers. Captain Thunderbolt was shortlisted for an ABIA in 2015. 
... an engaging, at times riveting, study of six of Australia’s more infamous bushrangers
– Russ Merrin,  Magpies Magazine