About
Renée Otmar Consultancy combines a unique blend of knowledge, skills, experience and expertise to facilitate, co-create and deliver accessible solutions for social impact.
Renée Otmar
Principal Consultant
Renée Otmar is a leading professional writer and editor of books and journals for publication. She is also a researcher and communications specialist with experience and executive-level expertise in strategic planning, public health research, training, coaching and project management.
“Your reports are of such a high standard and I'm grateful on behalf of our authors that you put so much effort into them.”
- Kate, Australian Society of Authors
★★★★★
“Your reports are of such a high standard and I'm grateful on behalf of our authors that you put so much effort into them.” - Kate, Australian Society of Authors ★★★★★
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An inspired world in which words and ideas are used to spread knowledge, understanding, peace, joy and harmony.
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To provide exceptional services and products for writers, editors, publishers, researchers and organisations
To create a fun, welcoming and dynamic hub for people who love words and ideas
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Respect — for all people, animals and the natural environment
Inclusivity and diversity — a commitment to the equality of peoples and nations
Quality — striving for excellence through continuous improvement
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Publishing industry knowledge
Publishing production and online sales
Professional writing and copywriting
Manuscript assessment
Developmental editing
Style editing
Copyediting
Coaching and training for editors
Book coaching for writers
Qualitative research
Research methods and research ethics
Leadership and strategy
Policy development
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Writing and Editing
Senior Writer and Editor with more than 30 years' experience.
Exceptional writing skills and sound editorial judgement.
Efficient, with focus on high-quality content under tight deadlines.
Well-versed in assigning and overseeing the work of individuals and teams in creative and production units.
Highly skilled in all aspects of production, from pitch to content publication.
Expert at interviewing, assigning stories and shaping pieces.
Stakeholder Engagement
Results-oriented and experienced in consulting with a wide range of stakeholders to create effective strategies and campaigns for targeted engagement.
Leadership and Management
High-level skills in team building, team leadership, quality control and project management.
Coaching and Training
Highly successful in providing one-off and ongoing training, coaching and mentoring, including independent coaching assignments with individuals and teams.
Research
Flexible and polished Senior Researcher with well-rounded skills in research supervision and strong expertise in qualitative research and research ethics.
Personal
Outstanding time management and communication skills. Highly motivated individual committed to hard work and intensive analysis. Personable, open, flexible.
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English
Afrikaans
Beginner’s Swedish and German
"I feel fortunate to have had an editor of Renée's experience offer an accurate and encouraging critique of my story and my writing, assisting me to revisit my work with fresh eyes."
- Annette McQuarrie, Fiction author
★★★★★
"I feel fortunate to have had an editor of Renée's experience offer an accurate and encouraging critique of my story and my writing, assisting me to revisit my work with fresh eyes." - Annette McQuarrie, Fiction author ★★★★★
Qualifications & Work Experience
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2018— (current)
Consultant Writer, Editor, Researcher, Trainer and Coach - Geelong, Victoria, Australia
2013–2018Executive Officer, Western Alliance Academic Health Science Centre - Deakin University, Geelong / Western District, Victoria, Australia
2007–2013Freelance Copywriter and Editor
PhD candidate (2009–2012) - Melbourne and Geelong, Victoria, Australia
2002–2007Publishing Manager, Australian Drug Foundation, Melbourne Australia
1998–2002Freelance Copywriter and Editor - Melbourne Australia
1995–1998Managing Editor, Senior Editor - Macmillan Education Australia, Melbourne
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2012
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - The University of Melbourne, Australia
2011
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Learning and Leadership - The University of Melbourne, Australia
2009
Master of Public Health - The University of Melbourne, Australia
2004
Master of Arts (Communications) - RMIT University, Australia
1994
Graduate Diploma in Editing and Publishing - RMIT University, Australia
1991
Bachelor of Arts - Swinburne University, Australia
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IECL by GrowthOps Coach Training
Level 2 certification, 2020
Level 1 certification, 2019Ethics and data linkages
Public Health Research Network, 2019Research in the age of social media
Victorian Ethics Network, 2019Refresher for HREC members
Victorian Ethics Network, 2018Advanced Leadership Program
Women in Leadership Australia, 2017 (scholarship award)Manage Legal and Ethical Compliance; Promoting Ethics and Education in Research
Praxis Australia and RMIT University, 2016Certificate in Governance Practice
Governance Institute of Australia, 2016
"I undertook coaching with Renee during the early stages of re-entering the workforce as an editor. I was unsure of my goals for my business, but with Renée’s patient approach I managed to form a much clearer view of my goals and priorities."
- Kim Wilson, Insight Editing
★★★★★
"I undertook coaching with Renee during the early stages of re-entering the workforce as an editor. I was unsure of my goals for my business, but with Renée’s patient approach I managed to form a much clearer view of my goals and priorities." - Kim Wilson, Insight Editing ★★★★★
Awards & Affiliations
Renée Otmar has longstanding affiliations in the writing community and the editing profession, including volunteer roles since 1992, and in public health as a member of human research ethics committees (HREC) since 2013.
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Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd)
Janet Mackenzie Medal (2022)
Distinguished Editor (2008)
Honorary Life Member (2000)
PowerHouse & St Kilda Hockey ClubClub Woman of the Year (2000–2001)
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Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd)
Lead Exam Assessor (2008—2022)
– IPEd Accreditation exams (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018)
Board Director (2017, 2019)
Convenor, 9th IPEd Editors Conference Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand, Melbourne (2019)
Joint Human Research Ethics Committee, Depts Defence and Veterans AffairsResearcher member category f (2017 to present)
Barwon Health Human Research Ethics CommitteeResearcher member category f (2013—2020)
Deputy Chair (2018—2020)
Member (2016–2017)City of Greater Geelong
Women in Community Life Advisory Committee
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Editors Victoria, a branch of IPEd — Professional Member since 1992
Australian Society of Authors — Full Member since 2011
Life Stories Australia - Professional Member (2020—2025)
Public Health Association of Australia — Professional Member (2009—2020)
Want to work together?
Whether you need an assessment of your manuscript, developmental editing, coaching support (for writers and editors) or other editorial assistance, I am available to help you with your next project. Complete my online enquiry form and I’ll be in touch to discuss next steps.