Educational qualifications
PhD English Literature (DCU)
MSc Applied Social Research (TCD)
BA Arts (Open University, distinction).
Training and professional development
Advanced Copy-editing, The Publishing Centre (London/Dublin)
Onscreen Editing, Society for Freelance Editors and Proofreaders (Belfast)
Substantive Editing and Rewriting, The Publishing Training Centre (London)
Introduction to Copy-editing and Proofreading, Chapterhouse Publishing (distance learning).
Languages
French (BA level)
Experience
My first ten years or so of working life were spent as a social researcher, mainly for state agencies and the community and voluntary sector, during which time I authored/co-authored a number of published reports. I then retrained as a copy-editor and proofreader, though I continue to provide editing services to the social research/policy sector, as well as to trade publishers (mainly memoir/biography, occasionally fiction).
In 2022, I completed my PhD in English literature (on the writing of Dermot Healy), and my own academic writing has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the OUP’s Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and the Environment (ISLE). More recently, I have begun to provide editing services in trade publishing, mainly for memoirs and other non-fiction genres.
My short story collection, None Of Us Will Be Okay, is due out this December with Broken Sleep Books. I have also written two novels – The Estate and Crookedwood (Hachette Ireland).
Clients include
Current/ongoing:
Gill Books
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)
Past/Ad hoc:
Irish Writers Centre
Health Service Executive (HSE)
Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT)
Eurofound (EU body based in Ireland)
Various individual writers and academics.
Examples of work undertaken
1. Recent trade publishing projects (2024-2025)
Proofreading
The Secret Life of Leinster House by Gavin Reilly (Gill)
Rebuilding A Man by Fergus Farrell (Gill)
Bouncing Back by Michael Flynn (Gill)
Joe the Great by Paul O’Flynn (Gill)
The Trains of Europe by John Holten (Broken Dimanche Press)
From Tip to Top by Peter Murtagh (Gill)
Mad, Isn’t It? by Emma Doran (Gill)
Raised by the Zoo by Gerry Creighton (Gill)
Breaking the Heart Open by Tony Bates (Gill)
Perfectly Imperfect by Ellen Keane (Gill).
Copy-editing
Fear Less by David Coleman (Gill)
The Gobshite Guide by Jarlath Regan (Gill)
Traces of Truth by Ciaran Prior (Gill)
Ireland’s Curious Places by Michael Fewer (Gill)
Waterford Whispers 2024 (Gill).
2. Recent policy analysis / academic writing projects (2024-2025)
Parenting in a Digital Era (ESRI)
Effects of New Residential Developments on Local Healthcare Demand (ESRI)
Embracing Diversity in All Its Forms (ESRI)
Access To Autonomous Housing For Beneficiaries Of International Protection In Ireland (ESRI)
Promoting a Nationwide Collective Response: Lessons from the SAM during the COVID-19 Pandemic (ESRI)
Women in Finance 2024 (ESRI)
Skill Requirements for Emerging Technologies (ESRI)
Drinking Water and Domestic Wastewater Treatment (ESRI)
Trends in Disability Prevalence Among Young People (ESRI)
An Analysis of Population-based Resource Allocation for Health and Social Care in Ireland (ESRI)
Drivers of Income Inequality in Ireland and Northern Ireland (ESRI)
Exploring Investment Requirements for Energy Efficiency upgrades in the Private Rental Sector (ESRI)
Quarterly Economic Commentaries, 2024-2025 (ESRI)
Exploring Investment Requirements for Energy Efficiency Upgrades in the Private Rental Sector (ESRI)
European Migration Network Ireland, Annual Report on Migration (ESRI)
Sexual Health and Wellbeing in Young Adulthood (ESRI)
Economic Overview of Ireland and Northern Ireland (ESRI)
European Migration Network Monitoring Report on Integration (ESRI)
A Study of Minimum Wage Employment in Ireland (ESRI)
The Healthcare Costs of Poor Air Quality in Ireland (ESRI)
Parenting in a Digital Era (ESRI).
Testimonials
‘Thanks to Liza Costello for her excellent edit and feedback on the manuscript.’ John Holten, The Trains of Europe
‘Liza has the rare talent of combining incisiveness and encouragement in her coaching. I found her input invaluable.’ Alph Keogh, The Half-Crown Man
‘Liza was a great help in editing my manuscript. She had an impressive understanding of what I required. I really valued her input and her quick turnaround. … I would highly recommend her to any author. Thanks so much Liza!’ Tatiana Tierney, A Thread of Secrets