<![CDATA[Rule Consulting

At Rule Consulting, we provide uncompromising services in written communications, and to provide some information and clarity about what we can help you with, I've included a description below of the selection of writing and editing services offered. You may also be interested to view my Pinterest boards for general tips and information about some of these services. To find out more, click here.

WRITING SERVICES

Content development and copywriting
This process involves the art and science of writing words to promote your product, business, concept or idea, and then carefully selecting, weaving and constructing those words in a way that will inform, persuade and motivate the reader to action. This service includes the creation of easy to understand and engaging copy for print and online communications and marketing materials designed to target your audience, and inspire a call to action.

Technical writing
This form of writing distils complex technical information into a form that is understandable by your non-technical users. It can involve researching and developing user and reference documentation, policy and procedures manuals, as well as technical and functional specifications. The process may also include editing and formatting documents, in addition to the development of your information architecture (i.e. organising and structuring the content on your website and social media platforms).

Microcopy writing/UX writing/UX copy
Microcopy writing (also known as UX writing and UX copy) includes the words or phrases that are incorporated in your user interface which are directly related to the actions your user takes (i.e. like a 'call to action' on your website). This will include the motivation before their action, the instructions that accompany this action, and the feedback provided after your user has taken the action. This helps to prevent problems for your users when completing an action, saving them time and frustration, and providing a great online experience.

Website content development
This involves writing content for the development of a new website or updating content/copy to reflect your current business practices and services. Often in this process, we will work alongside a digital specialist and be involved in developing and testing the flow of this copy for you via a Content Management System (CMS), as well as providing you with creative advice on the presentation of this information in the overall 'look and feel' of your website.

Ghost writing
This service includes writing books, articles, stories and other texts that are officially accredited to another person. Our involvement in this process may include writing part or all of the content based on a brief from the credited author, or assistance with re-writing/development of a rough draft that has already been written. This process may also involve research required to validate or authenticate the content of the document.

Blog writing and blogging
This service involves writing content for one or a number of blogs which are primarily discussion or informational sites published online that can help boost your online profile and build a community of followers interested in your business. If required, we can also be involved in the initial set up of the blog account/s, ongoing research, posting and monitoring of one or multiple blogs, as well as managing the activity and effectiveness of these.

Social media/SEO content and development
This service involves writing content for social media platforms which is engaging and communicates short and informative posts or messages relevant to your business, brand and/or your industry. This content is always written with SEO in mind (Search Engine Optimisation) so that it promotes online links and social sharing of your posts which increases your trust and authority online, which in turn helps to rank your business well in search engines. If required, we can also be involved in the initial set up of the social media account/s and ongoing research, posting and monitoring of one or multiple social media platforms, as well as the creation and management of an effective social media policy and program.

Transcription
This service converts speech (either live or recorded) into a written or electronic/digital text document. Recordings are transcribed using different levels of verbatim which can include the conversion of everything that is heard on a recording, or the elimination of all non-verbal sounds, repeated and irrelevant words/phrases, and idiosyncratic speech, as part of the conversion process. These services are used for a vast array of business, legal and medical purposes, and clients requiring this assistance can range from large, multinational companies through to individual clients.

Business writing
This involves a range of services that include writing training and technical manuals and workbooks; executive summaries: presentations and speeches; corporate branding materials; letters, memos and emails; reports; advertising and promotional materials; newsletters and e-newsletters; e-zines and e-books; mail outs, brochures and pamphlets; case studies; program evaluations; interviews; articles and media releases; FAQs and how-to guides.

Personal document writing
This service involves assisting you with writing personal documentation that may include resumes/curriculum vitaes; cover letters; emails and letters; personal blogs; short stories and novels; in addition to family history documents and memoirs. For students we also offer services that can assist you in writing assignments and essays, reports, research papers and theses for university/college students.

EDITING AND PROOFREADING SERVICES

Copy editing
This service involves correcting and changing text in order to convey your message in the clearest and most accurate way. A complete copy editing job includes checking spelling, punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, flow, tone, consistency of tense and writing style, headings sequence and placement. It may also include editing the front and end matter of a manuscript, and checking references.

Structural/Substantive editing
This service is about improving the document's concept and intended use, the content, organisation, design and its style. Unlike copy editing, the purpose of structural or substantive editing is to make the document functional for its readers, not just to make it correct and consistent.

Proofreading
This is the final step in the editorial cycle and occurs after all the editing/copy editing has taken place and a typesetter produces a new copy/copies of the document, with the aim of creating a 'press proof'. When proofreading, we compare this proof to the edited (or marked-up) copy to ensure that all the changes have been made correctly before the document is sent to print. Once a 'printers proof' is produced by the printer, we complete the very final round of proofreading that ensures all components of the document are as required.

Website content editing, layout and enhancements
This service involves amending existing content/copy to accurately reflect your business practices, or changes that may have occurred, including the updating of information and documentation on an already functional site. This process can involve working together with a digital specialist/s or we can do amendments, updates and testing of these details directly via a Content Management System (CMS), as well as providing advice to you on the functional and creative presentation of the information on your website.

And here's a couple of other services we can offer you at Rule Consulting ...

Packaging and project management services
This process can involve either a packaged service from initial concept through to completion of a project, or alternatively, elements of this process. We can source and/or work on behalf of your business with experienced graphic designers, digital media specialists, typesetters, print managers, printers and publishers to manage the design and preparation of the project, and if required, to ensure that it is printed and published.

Creative photo projects
This involves assisting you to creatively share and display your photos, stories, journalled thoughts and mementos in the form of unique and creative projects. We can assist you in taking your photos and memorabilia, and organising and displaying these in a variety of digital projects, hard copy photo albums, cards, calendars, stationery, framed art, in addition to helping you journal and write about these memories.