Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is technical writing?

People often think technical writing is about preparing instruction manuals for technical equipment, and it can be. But the type of technical writing we specialise in at Ink Communication tends to be at the interface between technical professionals and a general public or non-specialist audience. We typically write newspaper or magazine articles, media releases, specialist reports and other documents, and provide editing and proofreading services. We aim to write in stylish Plain English, so that the writing is interesting to read and makes sense to ordinary people, even when the topic is technical.

Q. What is copy editing?

Copy is the written text that forms the body of a document, article or book. A copy editor ensures that a writer's ideas are communicated to the target audience in the most effective way. This might include changing the order of ideas in a sentence, altering the tone through a change in language used (for example from formal to less-formal), or perhaps adding comments to help the audience understand technical detail.

Q. What is proofreading?

Proofreading involves correcting simple spelling and punctuation errors in a document that is generally otherwise ready for publication. It doesn't typically involve major edits or rewrites.

Q. What services do you offer?

We prepare articles, reports, proposals and executive summaries on a variety of topics, though typically in the technical area. We undertake projects that range from book-length to single page documents. We write, edit and proofread (and research, if required) for private individuals, students, small and large business organisations, and local government authorities. For more details on the services we offer, click here

Q. Do you do research?

Yes. Research is often required when preparing an article or proposal to provide background information to the current situation or idea. Sometimes raw material is provided by the client, and sometimes we need to locate primary information sources ourselves. Research can also involve conducting interviews with relevant people.

Q. What quality standards do you use?

Our chief style guide is 'The ACS Style Guide: Effective Communication of Scientific Information', although we are happy to work to other major standards or the in-house style guide preferred by your organisation.

Our work is subject to continuous peer review, with all copy processed at least three times through two different editors.

Q. Do you offer a guarantee?

Here at Ink Communication, we aim to always put the customer first. We are so sure you'll like what we do, we offer a complete money-back guarantee on our services. Or we will rewrite your material at no cost to you if it isn't to your liking the first time around.