Writing and Research FAQ
WHY DO I NEED TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL WRITER?
Many of the reasons for hiring an editor apply to hiring a professional writer. A good writer is not only flexible and able to work in a variety of genres and media, but he or she can save you a great deal of time and money. Instead of dedicating precious resources and time to producing a document that may or may not be successful, you can hire a writer to produce something that is polished, professional and clear.
Many of the reasons for hiring an editor apply to hiring a professional writer. A good writer is not only flexible and able to work in a variety of genres and media, but he or she can save you a great deal of time and money. Instead of dedicating precious resources and time to producing a document that may or may not be successful, you can hire a writer to produce something that is polished, professional and clear.
WHAT IS PLAIN LANGUAGE WRITING?
Plain language writing is much like its editing counterpart, but instead of working with existing text, I am able to create from scratch a document that is clear and easy to understand. Again, rather than worry about more complex theories of plain language, I follow my number one rule for all successful communication: the right content, language and organization for the audience. The resulting work should be accessible, well-organized and suited to the knowledge or skill of the readers, all without seeming condescending or paternalistic.
Plain language writing is much like its editing counterpart, but instead of working with existing text, I am able to create from scratch a document that is clear and easy to understand. Again, rather than worry about more complex theories of plain language, I follow my number one rule for all successful communication: the right content, language and organization for the audience. The resulting work should be accessible, well-organized and suited to the knowledge or skill of the readers, all without seeming condescending or paternalistic.
WHAT KIND OF DOCUMENTS DO YOU WRITE?
Absolutely everything! In the past, I have written articles, reports, policy guidebooks, newsletters, health education material and even a corporate history! If you are interested in seeing more, you can find some samples of these under the "Past Projects/Portfolio" section.
Absolutely everything! In the past, I have written articles, reports, policy guidebooks, newsletters, health education material and even a corporate history! If you are interested in seeing more, you can find some samples of these under the "Past Projects/Portfolio" section.
WHAT KIND OF RESEARCH DO YOU PERFORM?
While my education was focused on literary and historical research, I am capable of performing research in a number of areas. For example, I not only located business charters and company records during my research for the production of a corporate history, but I also found photographs, advertising material, government documents and even the location of a lost office!
While my education was focused on literary and historical research, I am capable of performing research in a number of areas. For example, I not only located business charters and company records during my research for the production of a corporate history, but I also found photographs, advertising material, government documents and even the location of a lost office!
WHY DO I NEED A RESEARCHER?
Like writing or editing, research is a skill that takes training and practice. To find the really rare materials, you have to know how to use all the available resources, from databases and search engines to bibliographies and microfilm. I can do that.
I also can access resources that many other people cannot. Since I am based in Ottawa, I can easily visit Library and Archives Canada, and as an employee of the University of Ottawa, I have access to online journals, databases and e-book collections that are only available to subscribers. This gives me a very broad base for my research.
Like writing or editing, research is a skill that takes training and practice. To find the really rare materials, you have to know how to use all the available resources, from databases and search engines to bibliographies and microfilm. I can do that.
I also can access resources that many other people cannot. Since I am based in Ottawa, I can easily visit Library and Archives Canada, and as an employee of the University of Ottawa, I have access to online journals, databases and e-book collections that are only available to subscribers. This gives me a very broad base for my research.
DO YOU FACT CHECK DOCUMENTS?
Copy editing requires a small amount of fact checking (for terms, dates and so on), but I do NOT automatically check quotes, citations and other references unless it has been arranged ahead of time. Extra charges will apply.
Copy editing requires a small amount of fact checking (for terms, dates and so on), but I do NOT automatically check quotes, citations and other references unless it has been arranged ahead of time. Extra charges will apply.
DO YOU WRITE ACADEMIC ESSAYS OR ARTICLES?
No. For reasons of academic honesty (or dishonesty), I do not write essays or articles. In fact, I only edit articles, and then only following the guidelines that I have set out for editing dissertations.
No. For reasons of academic honesty (or dishonesty), I do not write essays or articles. In fact, I only edit articles, and then only following the guidelines that I have set out for editing dissertations.
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