What we do
We have developed state-of-the-art electronic methods to streamline formatting and editing tasks. These methods help to ensure consistency across documents and seamless transition between the editing and design components of the production process. They are particularly useful for working on documents with multiple authors and on series of publications.
For simple designs, we lay out pages in Word or FrameMaker, and then produce PDF and HTML files for publication in print or on the internet. For more complex typesetting, we work with professional designers.
Biotext uses the various aspects of the publication process to ensure that the intended message is clear to the proposed audience. For example, we:
- advise clients about the possible components that might be included in a publication
- select design and layout to complement the content
- produce the final product in a suitable format (printed documents, web-based documents, CD-ROMs, etc)
Components of a publication
We find it is helpful to talk with a client at the start of a project, to determine the audience, the purpose and any constraints (eg whether the publication has to match others in a series and whether it will be professionally designed). This discussion with a client helps to clarify what components a document requires; for example, does it require a glossary, list of references and appendix?
Design and layout
Biotext uses a number of strategies to make a document suitable for a broad range of readers:
- Examples and illustrations — to make the report accessible to a wide audience, we work with a designer to use examples, layout and illustrations creatively, to highlight or clarify points and concepts. For example, where a document includes information about a stepwise process, we might use a flow diagram, repeated in different sections of the report and modified to highlight the particular step that is being discussed.
- Layout —we structure and design reports and executive summaries to ensure that the contents are accessible and reader friendly. For example, we use boxes and sidebars to explain the main concepts and to link between sections and to related documents. In this way, we can produce a single document suitable for a range of audiences.
For documents that need full design and printing, we work with a number of design agencies, and can manage both design and print management. By working closely with the designer during the writing and editing of the document, we can ensure that the design and layout add value to the text.
Production
We can advise on the most appropriate means of producing a publication. For example, for printed documents that are to be made available on the internet, Biotext can provide advice on whether HTML files are needed in addition to PDF files. We can also produce a publication as a searchable CD-ROM if required.
Examples of work
Invasive Species in Australia,
series of fact sheets on invasive species in Australia, Australian Government
Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra, 2004.
Threatened Species and Communities, series of fact sheets about
threatened Australian plant and animal species and communities, Australian
Government Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra, 2004.
Scope of work: Writing, editing and managing design and
production of fact sheets on endangered species and invasive species.
Infection
Control Guidelines for the Prevention of Transmission of Infectious Diseases
in the Health Care Setting, Department of Health and Ageing (endorsed
by Communicable Diseases Network Australia, National Public Health Partnership,
Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council), January 2004.
Scope of work: Attending working party meetings, technical
writing, close liaison with committee through many drafts, summary of
public consultation submissions, editing, indexing, design and print management.
Aquatic Animal Diseases
of Significance to Australia: Identification Field Guide,
2nd edition, Herfort A, Australian Government Department of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry, 2004.
Scope of work: Editing, preparation of CD with HTML
and PDF versions of all pages, CD production management.
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.
What the clients say
‘The consultant also value-added to the process by indicating where changes could be made to bring the format and presentation into line with recent changes in AUSVETPLAN.’
[Iain East, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, talking about AQUAVETPLAN manuals]
‘The convenience of having all of the editing, design and printing handled by the one company was great ... this is an added advantage in choosing Biotext over other consultants/editors.’
[Karina Scott, DAFF, talking about Australia's National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health — AQUAPLAN 2005–2010]