What Do I Edit?
Research Reports
In addition to editing the grammar and phrasing, I double check the figures that are cited in the report against the original data tabs to ensure that the numbers were pulled correctly. I also check that the figures that appear in the body of the report are consistent with their accompanying charts and tables. I may also suggest additional data analysis to clarify a point or to explore other possible insights.
White Papers & Thought Leadership
The purpose of these papers is generally to provide insights and promote the expertise of the authors regarding a particular topic. A poorly written paragraph or conclusions that are not supported by the underlying data can undermine the credibility of the entire report. I ensure that the papers are grammatically correct and that the storylines unfold in a highly readable, logical and compelling manner.
Marketing & Communications Pieces
While I often leverage my strong experience in market research to copy edit and proofread research reports, I review all kinds of documents. Whether it is a marketing piece, a brochure, a press release, an annual report, an email blast or a blog, I ensure that language is used correctly, ideas flow naturally and the storyline keeps the reader engaged. I follow guidance regarding the “voice” of the client and any preferred in-house writing style.
Online Surveys
Once a survey has been programmed for online administration, but before it is sent out, I go through it multiple times as if I were a respondent. I enter various possible responses to see how the program responds. I test to see if the skips and filters that were programmed work as intended. I also ensure that questions are phrased in a clear and unambiguous way.
PowerPoint Presentations
Much of business communications is done through PowerPoint presentations rather than through written text. Presentations rely on graphics, accompanied by just a few phrases, to convey the speaker’s message. In this format, each word must be weighed carefully. I review PPT charts (including the speaker notes) to ensure that the text is well written and that it is consistent with the graphic. I also check that the figures in the charts were pulled correctly from the data analysis.