Writing, Editing, Indexing and Scribing

We undertake a range of one-off writing tasks for agencies such as writing reports, papers, briefs, submissions and speeches. As required, we undertake research and analysis or work with information supplied by the client. Our experience allows us to prepare documents according to client briefs.

Secretariat Australia Pty Ltd also provides writing support to agencies conducting inquiries that gather large volumes of information, such as public submissions. We have developed proprietory systems to allow us to deal with the quantity and complexity of this information.

The first phase of our writing support to an inquiry that has received many submissions is to log submissions to a database and identify the key issues. Information is summarised and along with the database forms a preliminary output to the agency.

The second phase is to create a hierarchy of issues and associate them with the database and the summaries. The document that emerges from this process informs the report writing that follows and is a powerful tool for secretariat staff and committee members.

Using this approach Secretariat Australia Pty Ltd has prepared report outlines with input documents ranging in number from under one hundred to over three thousand.

Secretariat Australia Pty Ltd provides a complete range of services in relation to editing and will oversee the production of documents from research and initial drafting, to final printing and distribution.

As well as providing editing services for committees and reviews, we also provide editing services on an ad hoc basis, for both small and large jobs, to any client. We will edit: books, reports, papers, annual reports, flyers, brochures, newsletters, magazines, theses and any other type of publication.

Substantive editing
Substantive editing carried out by Secretariat Australia Pty Ltd involves a complete review of the publication to assess whether the document fulfils its intended purpose and to ensure that the language and style are appropriate to the readership. It will also assess whether there is a logical flow to the discussion of the subject matter and whether appropriate weighting has been given to various issues. Overall presentation of text and accompanying tables and figures will be reviewed; clarity of information will also be considered. In consultation with the client, Secretariat Australia Pty Ltd will provide recommendations for restructuring and redrafting the document, where necessary.

Copy editing
Copy editing follows a substantive edit, and assumes that the document is of sufficient standard to be acceptable in terms of overall content, language and style. It involves systematic checking for a range of potential errors and inconsistencies, including:
- clarity of expression;
- grammar, syntax, spelling and punctuation;
- consistent use of spelling, terminology and styles (such as abbreviations, capitalisation, hyphenation, numbers, quantitative data and references);
- formatting of layout and headings to ensure visual integrity;
- cross referencing; and
- document integrity (to ensure all parts of the document are present and complete).

Preparation of copy for publication
Secretariat Australia Pty Ltd will work with clients to produce either in-house camera-ready copy, for low-cost publications, or to produce copy suitable for transfer to a publisher for high-impact publications. Where camera-ready copy is used, Secretariat Australia Pty Ltd will ensure that the copy is complete and that the text and presentation is of a high standard and suitable for printing. Where a publishing house is used for high-impact publications, Secretariat Australia Pty Ltd will canvas the most appropriate options and will provide three quotes for review by the client.

Supervision of printing
Where camera-ready copy is used, Secretariat Australia Pty Ltd will provide three quotes for printing and will liaise with clients as to the preferred printing contractor. Secretariat Australia Pty Ltd will oversee the completion of printing and will arrange for copies to be disseminated. Where a separate publishing company is used, that contractor will usually provide quotes and arrange for printing to be carried out.