Topdeck provides strategic editorial, writing and training services.

Hello! I’m Tara Madden, and I established Topdeck in 2006.

I’m an expert writer and editor with more than 20 years’ experience communicating public policy issues in Australia and the UK.

About me

I can help you with editing and writing strategic documents - I’ve done this across the NSW planning and transport portfolios, and in other policy areas such as infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, environment and business.

I’ve worked with various consultancies, small businesses and different levels of government in NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

Having acted in communications roles for public agencies, and with my Masters in Public Policy tucked under my arm, I can help to balance both policy and communication issues when editing or writing your document.

As a sole-trader, I offer you apolitical, objective advice. I retain direct contact with you and direct involvement in projects.

What else is important to know? I’m addicted to chocolate, travel, ocean swims, yacht rock and my cats. Especially my cats.

And my claim to fame is meeting Kylie Minogue and nearly being run over by Queen Elizabeth II – all within a two-month period.

So, how can I help?

I can help you to write or edit technical reports, government strategies and policies, brochures and guides, case studies, annual reports, tender documents, business cases and web content.

I can create a style guide for your organisation or a standalone project. And if you or your team needs some help upfront, my report writing and communications workshops and 1:1 training can improve what you write and how you write.

I group my work into three categories:

• Strategic editorial
• Writing and content development
• Workshops and training.

Strategic editorial. More than a proofread - fresh eyes and a sense check.

‘Strategic editorial’ gives your written communication more than just a spit and polish. It often represents the first time your multi-authored document is read from start to finish.

• I take all your content from different authors and edit it to achieve a consistent structure, style and voice.
• I work directly with you to make sure the final product matches your brief.
• I convert complicated concepts into plain English and iron out any errors, jargon, unexplained concepts or assumed knowledge.

Get in touch to find out more, or to read an info sheet or case studies.

Writing and content development. Cohesive, sensible writing across a range of media.

I can draw from inputs from across your organisation or policy area to create content across different media.

I’ll work with you to determine messages and agree a structure and document size/word count. I can help with annual reports, corporate documents, website content, planning strategies and policies, fact sheets, case studies and how-to guides.

I can also add to, or develop, style guides for your organisation or for a one-off project.

Can I help? Drop me a note to learn more or to see an info sheet or case studies.

Workshops and training.

Less words, less errors, more sense.

I offer two off-the-shelf workshops for planning and policy professionals:

• How to write and structure a planning report
• How to communicate public policy.

I also offer tailored workshops that focus on organisational as well as individual needs.

My 1:1 training can embed workshop advice and achieve a genuine shift in how you approach writing. A live editing process allows us to collaboratively edit a document, learning along the way while advancing live project work.

Ready for your writing to thrive? Contact me for more information.

Contact

Let’s have a chat.

I’m happy to catch up online or can meet you in your office (especially if you supply chocolate). Let’s discuss how I can help you out with a tricky document - or turn around how you or your team bring your smarts to the page.