Editing
Have you heard of Occam’s razor? It’s a principle attributed to the mediaeval philosopher, William of Occam, and it states that you shouldn’t make more assumptions than the minimum needed.
This principle is often called the principle of parsimony. It’s also popularly summarised as “the simplest explanation is more likely the correct one.”
Editing is like taking a razor to your text
Well, the same principle applies to good writing. Simple is best.
So, like Occam, I can take a razor to your text. Fewer words = more punch.
This is often painstaking work.
Think Michaelangelo, carving from a great block of marble, labouring to create the figure he’s envisaged in his mind.
Like sculpting, there are lots of ways to approach the task of editing. See Types of editing.
And be assured: I can edit anything you throw at me, from one-page letters to company profiles, books, academic articles and training manuals.
But don’t just take my word for it. Read testimonials from some of my clients.
“Stephen is brilliant at converting dense, technical text into easy-to-understand writing for the general public.”
– Philip Manidis, Director, Manidis Roberts
On any document, I can do any or all of the following:
- Structural and stylistic editing – reorganise the document, tailor it for your audience, establish a consistent style, and create the right ‘voice’.
- Technical editing – check the document’s content for accuracy.
- Copy editing – improve the document’s formatting, style and accuracy, and make it consistent with your ‘house style’.
- Proofreading – check the document to correct typographical and formatting errors.
What you’ll get is a document that says what you want it to say – and in a way that will engage your audience.
And, if it’s a sales document, inspire them to act.
After many years as both a writer and environmental consultant, I am ideally placed to review major reports and submissions. This means that your reports are technically sound, authoritative and also reader-friendly.
“Stephen’s focus on detail, ability to structure and articulate messages clearly and succinctly and his efficiency have made him a real pleasure to work with. Stephen will remain my first choice for all future technical review roles.”
– Dr Andrew Spinks, Senior Environmental Planner, Sinclair Knight Merz