Our work
Commissioned histories
HistorySmiths specialises in commissioned histories for schools, institutions, companies and private individuals. We have built an enviable reputation for high quality research and writing, as well as outstanding publication values; our books are academically rigorous, highly readable and visually appealing. We have extensive experience in managing projects efficiently to meet tight budgets and timeframes, working closely with commissioning bodies and steering committees, and encouraging broad participation through collaboration including oral history making. We work seamlessly with editors, indexers, designers, publishers and printers, to ensure a meticulous final product.
Editing services
While presentation with flair will attract attention, for effective communication your writing must be clear, concise and correct. No matter how good your ideas are, faulty spelling, punctuation and grammar will undermine them. What is needed is a fresh pair of eyes. The HistorySmiths team combines the talents of dedicated editors, proofreaders and indexers whose professional experience and passion for words ensure a polished written product with a minimum of distracting errors.
Publishing services
We offer a complete publishing service which includes:
- Advice and collaboration on book design, layout and finishing touches
- Design
- Indexing
- Pre-press tasks such as checking sets of page-proofs
- ISBN and Cataloguing-in-Publication data
- Printing onshore or offshore as appropriate
- Publication using HistorySmiths imprint (optional)
- Distribution via our online bookstore
- Advice on strategies to market your book
Research and writing
HistorySmiths team members are available for short projects, such as history articles, encyclopaedia entries, heritage trails, exhibitions and information panels. Examples of our work include:
- Contributions to the Encyclopaedia of Melbourne, 2005
- Contributions to the Currency Companion to Music and Dance in Australia, 2003
- ‘Capturing Recollections’ for the Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association magazine
- Sir Wilfred Deakin Brookes Study display, Melbourne Grammar School
- City of Moreland Municipal Memorabilia project
- Xavier College, Eldon Hogan archive project
- Royal Arcade history information boards
Digital histories
HistorySmiths prepares concise and engaging content for a range of digital formats. Our research and writing are evident on various websites and include digital timelines and podcasts.
Heritage and curriculum
HistorySmiths can provide heritage architects with assessments of the cultural significance of buildings and places. Examining the broad history of an area, we thoroughly research each site, investigating the architect(s) and design of the buildings as well as how the site has been used and altered over the years. Comparisons with similar sites are drawn, providing essential historical context.
Curriculum resources: With qualified teachers on our team, HistorySmiths has completed a number of state and federally funded curriculum projects within the parameters of mandated curriculum documents. Our current curriculum interests include the creation of resources for integrated studies programs.