Academic Consultancy

Developing postgraduate writing through feedback and dialogue.

We work with Master’s and PhD students in the Humanities and Social Sciences, particularly those writing in a second language, to strengthen their writing, develop their ideas, and support their thesis as it evolves.

Writing in a Changing Academic Context

Writing in postgraduate contexts is changing.

Supervisors are often stretched for time despite their deep subject expertise, and AI is now part of the reality of academic writing and assessment.

Students, particularly those working in a second language, benefit from structured, ongoing support that includes feedback, discussion, and a written record of how their work develops over time.

That’s where we come in.

Thesis proposal support

Many students begin with an idea rather than a clear research question or methodology. Universities often require a formal proposal early in the process, which can feel challenging.

We help students develop initial ideas into a focused thesis proposal by refining research questions and considering appropriate methodological approaches. You share your university requirements and initial thinking, and we help shape this into a workable proposal that reflects your research direction.

Getting started with your writing

We offer a free initial writing review so you can experience our feedback process and see whether it is a good fit before deciding whether to continue.

You can send up to 2,000 words from any section of your thesis or dissertation.

We provide written feedback and a 30-minute Zoom discussion to talk through your writing and next steps.

This is available once per student.

To get started, simply contact either of us directly and send your writing sample. There is no need to decide in advance who is the “right” person. We are happy to discuss your work and, where appropriate, suggest which of us may be the better fit for your particular research project.

Pat Strauss

pstraussnz@outlook.com

Pat on LinkedIn

Susan Sun

studio.yue.gongzuoshi@gmail.com

Susan on LinkedIn

Ongoing writing support

If you choose to continue after the initial review, we work with you on an ongoing basis as your thesis develops.

Structured support as your thesis develops

Written feedback is provided at US$0.03 per word, with the option to submit chapters or sections at any stage.

Optional 40-minute Zoom sessions are available at US$30 per session, sitting alongside written feedback to support discussion, clarification, and planning.

Together, this provides structured, ongoing support as your thesis develops.

US$0.03

Per word

Written feedback on submitted chapters or sections.

US$30

Per 40-minute Zoom session

Optional discussion, clarification, and planning support.

Who we are

Pat Strauss

Academic writing and thesis mentoring

Pat has worked for many years in the teaching and research of academic writing, with a focus on the challenges faced by second-language English speakers in postgraduate study. She has supervised Master’s and PhD theses, including three national award-winning theses, and has published widely in academic writing and higher education. Her recent work includes a book on teaching academic writing for ESL educators. She works with students to strengthen their writing, develop their arguments, and navigate the demands of thesis writing.

Susan Sun

Higher education, curriculum and learning design

Susan’s work in higher education has focused on educational design, curriculum development, and how students navigate complex academic environments. As a first-language speaker of Chinese with extensive experience in English-language higher education, she brings both professional and lived insight into supporting second-language academic writers. Over more than three decades, she has supported students across a wide range of contexts, supervised doctoral theses, and published in higher education and learning design. She works with students to structure their thinking, develop their ideas, and manage the broader demands of postgraduate study.