What we do
Biotext uses a three-step editing process to ensure that publications are clear, consistent, accurate and readable, described below.
Diagram illustrating the document publication process that we use at Biotext. (PDF 18 kb)
Step 1 — Assessment and substantive edit
Before starting work on a document, we look at how it is laid out; for example, we check how headings and subheadings are used, whether there are footers and headers, and whether a consistent system has been used for references. We also assess the overall structure of the document, checking that the material is presented in a logical manner, and that it is appropriate for the intended audience. This stage, referred to as a substantive edit (or Edit 1), often involves a close relationship with the author(s) over a period of time, and best results are achieved when there is mutual trust and confidence between author and editor. At Biotext we work closely with authors to ensure that we present complex technical information in a clear and accessible style.
Step 2 — Copyedit
Once the content has been finalised and all queries for the author resolved, the next stage is a copyedit (or Edit 2). The aim at this stage is to ensure that the document is grammatically correct and that the style (eg the use of capital letters, spelling and punctuation) is correct and consistent. After copyediting, the document is ready for layout or graphic design.
Step 3 — Proofread
Before the document is printed or published on the internet, we proofread the designed draft, to ensure that the final text is free of any typographical errors or inconsistencies in style or presentation. We also ensure that the document is complete, including (as appropriate) preliminary pages, summary, text, tables, glossary, references and appendixes, and check the final pagination and table of contents.
Through our training programs, we have produced a paper on how science editing differs from other types of editing.
Examples of work
See below for recent examples of our editing work in the areas of health, and agriculture and environmental sciences.
Health
Australian Participants in British Nuclear Tests in Australia: Dosimetry, 2006 and Australian Participants in British Nuclear Tests in Australia: Mortality and Cancer Incidence, 2006, Department of Veterans' Affairs, 2006.
Scope of work: Formatting, editing, proofreading and preparing final print files for two reports.
Screening to Prevent Cervical Cancer: Guidelines for the Management of Asymptomatic Women with Screen-Detected Abnormalities, National Health and Medical Research Council and NSW Cervical Screening Program, 2005.
Scope of work: Technical review and editing.
General Practice in Australia: 2004, Primary Care Division, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2005.
Scope of work: Comprehensive editing, indexing.
Safe Piped Water: Managing Microbial Water Quality in Piped Distribution Systems, World Health Organization,
2004.
Scope of work: Comprehensive editing, formatting, preparation for publication.
The National Drug Strategy: Australia’s Integrated Framework 2004–2009, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2004.
Scope of work: Comprehensive editing.
National Health and Medical Research Council Health Advisory Committee handbooks on preparing clinical practice guidelines:
- How to Review the Evidence: Systematic Identification and Review of the Scientific Literature
- How to Use the Evidence: Assessment and Application of Scientific Evidence
- How to Put the Evidence into Practice: Implementation and Dissemination Strategies
- How to Present the Evidence for Consumers: Preparation of Consumer Publications
- How to Compare the Costs and Benefits: Evaluation of the Economic Evidence
Scope of work: As series editor, reviewed drafts and consulted with consultant authors to present complex information to a wide readership. These methods of assessing clinical evidence (level, quality, statistical precision, size of effect, relevance) and economic evidence are now being applied in the preparation of clinical practice and other guidelines.
Agriculture and environmental sciencies
Solomon Islands Smallholder Agriculture Study, Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), 2006.
Scope of work: Substantive editing and proofreading.
GM Foods and the Consumer, Food Standards Australia New Zealand, 2005.
Scope of work: Reorganisation and comprehensive editing of 60 page document on genetically modified (GM) foods, aimed at the general public.
National Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan 2004–2007, Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra, 2004.
Scope of work: Editing, indexing and production management of the action plan and writing of a related brochure for the general public.
Values of Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service, 2003.
Scope of work: Editing a 300-page report.
Animal Health in Australia 1999,
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, Annual reports of the state of animal health in Australia, Animal Health Australia, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003,
2004, 2005, 2006 respectively.
Scope of work: Editing, indexing, liaison with designer.
Regional Water and Soil Assessment for Managing Sustainable Agriculture
in China and Australia, Australian Centre for International Agricultural
Research Monograph No. 84, 2002.
Scope of work: Attendance at conference, scientific editing and production
management of fully edited conference proceedings (many of the authors
did not have English as a first language).
AUSVETPLAN (Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan), Editions 2 and 3. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Australia and Animal Health Australia (Edition 2, 1996; Edition 3, ongoing).
Scope of work: AUSVETPLAN is a series of 42 manuals outlining Australia’s emergency response plans for dealing with emergency and exotic animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease, Newcastle disease, anthrax, avian influenza, BSE, rabies and equine influenza. As part of the team that produced AUSVETPLAN Edition 2, Janet Salisbury was awarded an Australia Day Council achievement medal (1996). Since that time, several new disease manuals have been added and many other manuals have been updated (Edition 3). The work included review and editing of draft manuals, liaison with authors, checking the literature as necessary, copyediting, proofreading, indexing and formatting.
What the clients say
'Biotext did an excellent job weeding out inconsistencies and putting a professional touch on the document. The fast turn around time was most appreciated.'
[Eli Szandala, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), talking about Management of Plant Pathogen Collections]
The consultant understood the brief very well and showed an excellent understanding of our requirements. Work was of a high quality.
[Cassandra Gordon, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, talking about the 2004–05 Report on Health IM&ICT Achievments]
The document is large, complex and technical and was created by a number of authors. The consultant was able to edit the document (re-arrange, streamline, give prominence to key messages, ensure consistency) in order to satisfy a diverse range of stakeholders, thus allowing approval from a range of government agencies and two ministerial councils.'
[Ian Newberry, National Environment Protection Council, talking about the National Water Recycling Guidelines]
'The final document is definitely more readable and clear, it met our requirements well.'
[Bronwyn Dixon, Food Standards Australia New Zealand, talking about GM Foods and the Consumer]