Document Layout

Editing: Business Documents

Given that our clients are all experts in their fields, it’s not surprising that Words at Work does a lot of editing, working with client content, rather than writing from scratch. Our task is to ensure our clients’ content communicates effectively. While every project has different needs, editing generally involves a multi-pronged approach.

We edit to align a client’s objectives with readers’ needs, checking for:

• arrangement of the information
• flow and logic
• tone
• consistency
• grammar

Editing Projects

From technical to marketing to corporate communication documents, recent editing projects have included:

• Business letters
• Manuals:
  • Health, safety and environmental
  • Electrical (for contractors)
  • Operations (Airport; following Ministry of Transportation specifications)
• Reports:
  • More than 40 medical-legal reports
  • Academic research reports
• Website content
• Proposals:
  • Grant applications
  • Business proposals
• Document templates and formatting
• News releases
• Membership collateral for non-profit organizations
• Resumes and LinkedIn profiles
• The book Staying Safe on Our Roads: The Small Margin for Error, by Brian Denton

Presentations

We help clients develop exceptional presentations. Each includes a clear message, engaging visuals, and a strong call to action.

Project example: Airport infrastructure

Project Objective

To secure funding for a large refurbishment project

Project Tasks

• Prepare a PowerPoint presentation with a maximum of 12 slides to be delivered to authorities by the board’s chair.
• Persuade authorities of the project’s urgency.
• Present the business case for the project.
• Demonstrate community and financial benefits.
• Prepare a two-page summary document to accompany the presentation.

Project Outcome

The project received unanimous support, funding was secured, and the project is nearing completion.

Proposals

Preparing proposals is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work. Whether it’s purpose is to seek funding or pitch a business idea, helping organizations achieve their goals is immensely exciting. We’ve prepared successful funding proposals and grant applications for many organizations, among them Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 64 (featured below), Opera Kelowna, a library, a visitor centre and a small airport.

Project: New Rescue Vessel for Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 64

When this campaign began Unit 64 had secured about half the funds they needed for the new rescue vessel. Together, the fundraising campaign and grant application quickly raised more than $250,000. Nine months later, the crew took possession of the new vessel, custom built to handle the rough weather conditions on British Columbia’s north coast, where they volunteer their time on the ocean to save lives.

Project tasks

• Prepare a complete funding application in response to an RFP
• Prepare a fundraising campaign that included a four-page, colour brochure, an appeal letter to potential sponsors, and a sponsor recognition package.

Education Materials 

Project: Natural sciences and physical education materials for a Montessori organization

Description

The project involved writing about 600 pages of new material and editing about 700 pages of existing material, including background information, student activities, charts, tables, and graphics.

Project tasks

• Translate complex technical concepts into engaging language, accessible for non-scientists.
• Apply plain language principles.
• Follow and contribute to an extensive in-house style guide.
• Edit, fact-check, and update two natural sciences manuals.
• Research topics for botany, zoology, microscopic studies, and physical education.
• Write teaching manuals.
• Create student-based activities to meet curriculum requirements.
• Develop graphics, charts, and tables to illustrate concepts.
• Create a glossary and a resource section of print, web, and audio-video material for teachers and students.