Sophie Quick
Hi! I’m a writer and editor based in Melbourne. From 2015–2020 I worked as senior editor at the Wheeler Centre. Before that, I was a staff writer and sub-editor at The Big Issue magazine. As a freelance writer, I’ve written for The Saturday Paper, The Weekend Australian Review, Meanjin, The Monthly, the National Communications Museum and more.
I’m an experienced commissioning editor and copy-editor and I write about books, arts, travel, culture and more. As a copywriter, I’ve worked on Wheeler Centre events programmes and weekly e-news campaigns, too.
This page has links to some of my favourite projects and published pieces. I’m always keen to chat about freelance writing, editing and comms projects. You can reach me at sophiecquick[at]gmail.com.
National Communications Museum (2020)
I learned and wrote about communications technology in Australia during the Spanish flu era and about the online communities and cultures that have emerged during Covid-19. (2020)
Notes (2018–2019)
With Jon Tjhia at the Wheeler Centre, I commissioned and copy-edited stories for Notes, a digital publication showcasing original Australian writing and multimedia stories, published at wheelercentre.com. (2018–2019)
Book Reviews and Criticism (2015–2019)
I’ve reviewed books for a few different publications over the years. Here are some I’ve written for themonthly.com.au and The Australian. (You might find paywalls – sorry!)
Unlike the Heart by Nicola Redhouse (March 2019)
Ironbark by Jay Carmichael (May 2018)
Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan (November 2017)
The Library by Stuart Kells (October 2017)
The Passion of Mademoiselle S by Jean-Yves Berthault (February, 2016)
Loitering by Charles D'Ambrosio (January, 2015)
Travel features for The Saturday Paper (2017–2018)
I visited the world’s largest genealogy library, the Family History Library, in Salt Lake City.
Finding family in Salt Lake City (February 2017)
I went to the Singapore franchise of a global economy-themed ‘family edutainment’ theme park and it was pretty horrible.
Kidzania, Singapore (November 2018)
Big Issue feature stories (2014–2023)
In 2022, I wrote about how climate change is compounding Australia’s housing crisis.
In 2021, I reported on period poverty and problems with accessibility/affordability of menstrual products in Australia.
Other features/reports for The Big Issue include:
A reported piece from Utah about Salt Lake City’s groundbreaking Housing First homelessness initiative:
A Place to Lay Your Head (June, 2016)
Vendor Profile with Paul F (2015)
Vendor Profile with Darren (2011)