I help people who are:

• working on a large document over a long period of time and need someone else (with fresh eyes) to do the final edits;
• needing help to translate complex concepts into language that is more accessible but still accurate; and/or
• compiling a document created by multiple authors (with different writing styles) and need to achieve a consistent voice throughout it.

 Here’s what you get

Simple yet accurate information

I’ll help you bridge the gap between your technical information and what elected members and the public need to know.

I will:

• simplify and clarify your content while maintaining technical accuracy
• improve sentence structure and logical flow
• ensure consistent language is used throughout the document.

Result: A document that’s easy to read and meets the needs of your audience.

Extensive local government experience

I have 30 years of local government experience.

That means I can ensure your document is credible and accurate.

I will:

• use my knowledge of local government processes and legislation to review your document, make suggestions and highlight any questions related to your content
• review any relevant council documents and legislation to ensure your document is consistent with these.

Result: A document you can rely on.

 Optional extras

Scoping

Early assistance with document planning can be particularly useful if you are:

• struggling to come up with a content outline for a new document; or
• updating an existing document and could do with some help identifying the key areas where changes are required.
  

Public communications

Once you have completed your technical document, you may need website and social media copy to support consultation or engagement on it.

Style guides

A style guide can be very useful if multiple authors are contributing to a document such as a resource management plan, where consistency is essential.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the editing process take?

This depends on the length and complexity of your document. I’ll provide an estimate of the hours when I quote for the project.

Can you help with specialist council documents?

Yes, I have experience editing a wide range of council documents, including reports, asset management plans and resource management documents.

How do you ensure consistency with legislation and other council documents?

I know where to go to check legislation and what to look for on council websites. I can review your document against these sources to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Can you work with tight deadlines?

I understand that editing is often squeezed between the writing and graphic design processes. I’ll do my best to accommodate your timeframes, but it’s best to get in touch as early as possible to ensure availability.

 What will it cost?

I’ll provide a quote based on the estimated hours to complete your project, which may be a range (e.g. between 12 and 15 hours). I won’t exceed the upper limit without consulting you about this.

I also keep records of the time spent on each client’s editing projects. This allows me to provide increasingly accurate quotes if we work together multiple times.

 Sending me a sample of the work and an indication of the number of words in the document will help me to provide an accurate quote.

 Ready to get started?

Let’s discuss your document.

• Email: debra.bradley@writingforcouncils.co.nz

• Mobile phone: 021 215 4698

• Landline: 03 548 5306