Victoria Stone

Sub-Editor & Copywriter

photo of Victoria

About me

I am a motivated editor and copywriter with more than 10 years’ experience working on high-profile publications in both print and digital spaces. I started my career in the Production department at Penguin Books Australia, where I learnt about all things design, formatting and printing before moving into the Young Adults editorial team. Here I had the joy of working on titles including The Tiny Star by beloved children's author Mem Fox, the award-winning series Friday Barnes by R.A. Spratt, and inspiring non-fiction books including Shout Out to the Girls. I also had the honour of authoring the adorable I'm Ready for Easter and I'm Ready for the New Baby board books, illustrated by Jedda Robaard.

My next big step was into the world of brand publishing and content-led marketing at Medium Rare Content Agency. Here I worked first as a sub-editor, then as chief sub-editor for the award-winning Coles magazine. With a monthly readership of more than 5 million people, Coles magazine is Australia's #1 read magazine. My role was to develop and uphold the high-standard of editorial copy published in the print magazine and on the Coles website while simultaneously meeting strict weekly deadlines, managing workflow and training in-house and freelance sub-editors.

In 2023 I moved with my husband to Germany, where I set up on own freelance business. I worked for international clients including InStyle Australia, as well as Coles and Bunnings magazines. In 2024 I accepted the role of Content Manager at Fermentis and relocated to Lille, France.

As a writer and editor, I have a passion for inspirational storytelling and crafting copy to the highest possible standard. I have highly developed skills in project management and content planning, research, interviewing, fact-checking and proofreading, as well as experience in digital publishing (web, eBooks and social media) and SEO best practices. For more information, please feel free to reach out for my CV below.

Portfolio

Here are some examples of my writing published in Coles magazine:

References

"I've had the pleasure of Victoria Stone being my sub-editor, then chief sub-editor, on Coles magazine for the past three years. During that time, Victoria has not only worked hard, but extended herself and her skills to be promoted from sub-editor to chief sub-editor. Being a sub-editor on the Coles content account is unlike being a sub-editor on a regular publication. Content publishing for Coles is intense and requires a huge level of organisation and attention to detail while juggling multiple priorities. Victoria's sub-editing work went beyond simply the print publication – she was also involved in creating content for the Coles website focused on SEO, as well as working closely with the food and commercial content teams to ensure quality, high accuracy and editorial integrity within the Coles style.

Beyond her skills and capabilities in this role – including, but not limited to, impeccable spelling and grammar, exceptional attention to detail and excellent organisational skills – Victoria is calm and professional, and respectful of all her team members. She is a fantastic team player and demonstrated this in her day-to-day work dealing with different stakeholders and departments. I would not hesitate to recommend Victoria for any position in the writing or publishing arena."


– Jacqui Kwong, Editor Coles magazine

"I had the pleasure of working with Victoria Stone closely for almost four years. Victoria has excellent attention to detail, a total knack for writing to a brief and an incredible work ethic. She's a team player and always willing to step in and help others with tasks. It was a joy to watch her grow in her role as sub-editor on Coles magazine, and eventually in her role as chief sub-editor – she took on every challenge thrown her way in a calm manner, adapting to new processes where needed and juggling multiple responsibilities.

When it comes to editing and writing, Victoria can do it all – from subbing recipes to a high standard and rewriting marketing copy into an editorial style, to interviewing and creating emotional stories full of passion and warmth.

As a person, Victoria is kind, friendly and has a wonderful sense of humour. I'll miss her greatly and I hope that our career paths cross again. We'd definitely love to have her back on Coles magazine."


– Sarah Geelan, Deputy Editor Coles magazine

Get in touch