Alie Benge
I'm a writer and editor from Wellington, New Zealand, currently living in London. I edit fiction, creative nonfiction, and academic writing. I also provide manuscript assessments, and can write sparkling copy for your brand.
Since 2016 I've worked with Te PÅ«kenga | Open Polytechnic on a diverse range of tertiary courses, from botany to accounting. I also read fiction and nonfiction book-length manuscripts and love to guide writers on how to further develop their work before submission to a publisher. I've written blogs, content and marketing for Child Rescue, an anti-human trafficking agency, and more recently have worked with Hato Hone St John to create content that is accessible and easy to read for people dealing with emergency situations.
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I've developed my own portfolio as a nonfiction writer. I have a strong publication record in New Zealand literary journals and websites, such as The Spinoff. My essay collection Ithaca was published by Te Herenga Waka University Press and has been well reviewed in North & South, The Listener, and Nine to Noon.
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I have a Master's degree in Creative Writing from the IIML and was the winner of the 2017 Landfall Essay Competition. In 2018 I was a guest editor of Turbine \ Kapohau, and am currently the essays editor for Takahē Magazine.
Testimonials
Shortly before my introduction to Alie I was not even aware of these things known as manuscript assessors. I didn’t know what to expect. I received a brilliant analysis of my scribblings, ranging from the general - suggestions for substantial plot changes, to the detailed – sometimes focusing on just a single word. It was invaluable. It seems I have now been accepted by a publisher, which I don’t think would have happened without Alie’s superb insight and assistance.
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- William McCartney
I have worked with Alie on four projects for the Open Polytechnic spanning a range of topics, including property law, mathematics for mechanical engineers, architectural design principles, and counselling for people with addictions, as well as a range of qualification levels from level 5 to level 7 on the NZQA qualifications framework. Alie was very capable of picking up new subject matter at all levels and editing it to a high standard. She also carried out user experience (UX) testing of three courses and provided valuable feedback. I would highly recommend Alie for any editing or UX work. She is very professional and easy to work with. She will bring a lot of value to any project she is tasked with.
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- Hana Craig