Editing and proofreading for business
Many businesses produce websites, brochures, leaflets and newsletters. These documents are often the first clue a potential customer gets to the quality & standards of an organisation. Publications containing errors can put off clients & potential customers by creating an un-professional image. We are all aware of the importance of picking up errors before the final print run to avoid wasted time and additional cost. Proofreading protects your professional image.
I can help whether you find it hard to express yourself fluently, or you just need to move on to a task which uses your skills in a more productive way. Reliance on your in-house team is not ideal because:
Using software to format documents can be a very time consuming and frustrating process, particularly if you lack experience. I can sort it out for you, leaving your time free for putting your skills to better use.
I can help whether you find it hard to express yourself fluently, or you just need to move on to a task which uses your skills in a more productive way. Reliance on your in-house team is not ideal because:
- after working for some time on the task they may be seeing what they think they have written, rather than what is there.
- they may be using jargon that would be confusing to the customer.
- if the document has been written by several people, or comes from several sources, it is surprising how errors and inconsistencies can creep in.
- their time may be better used in producing more material rather than going over old ground.
Using software to format documents can be a very time consuming and frustrating process, particularly if you lack experience. I can sort it out for you, leaving your time free for putting your skills to better use.
The evidence that quality control matters
According to a survey by Global Lingo, 59 per cent of British people would not use a company at had obvious mistakes on its website or marketing material.
If you have written the material yourself you may be interested to know that according to a Royal Mail survey, 25% of women and 21% of men are too embarrassed to correct their manager's grammar.
If you have written the material yourself you may be interested to know that according to a Royal Mail survey, 25% of women and 21% of men are too embarrassed to correct their manager's grammar.
How can I help you?
As a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, I can use over 25 years' experience of:
Other ways I can help include:
- writing and editing reports and papers.
- developing contracts for goods and services.
- proofreading statutory accounts and other financial documents to sense-check them, checking cross references and additions for those difficult to spot rounding errors.
Other ways I can help include:
- Document re-purposing: taking something you have already written and making it suitable for another purpose. For example turning a magazine into a shorter item for a newsletter, or turning an instruction leaflet into a web page.
- Writing articles, manuals, policies and similar documents from your notes or on the basis of a discussion. This can be useful if you need to devote your time to other activities, or if writing is not part of your main role.
- Writing a House Style Guide: setting out your organisation’s preferences for things like font, format and descriptions. This ensures that you present a consistent corporate image. Style Guides are particularly useful when more than one person drafts literature.
- Assessing the Reading Age of your outputs: checking whether your documents are accessible to those with average reading age, which is around 12-13. Many of your customers will have a higher reading age, but aiming at the average level will ensure the largest possible number of users will understand your message. I can help you focus your effort where it is most needed.
“Sarah really helped us ensure that our documents were accurate and read well. Her attention to detail is brilliant and she is great to work with.”
Jessica Grant, Director of Higher York.
A useful book for business writing
Many of the books on the market are aimed at fiction writers. While general guidance applies to all types of writing, it is useful to have a book that covers only the ground you need. The FT Essential Guide to Business Writing has useful sections on style, structure & strategy for the business world.
