How we work
Welcome to Get it Write! and our writing, editing and proofreading services.
Get it Write! is a Melbourne-based writing, editing and proofing consultancy that has served government, business and community clients for more than 40 years. When we started, the world used manual typewriters, carbon paper, Tipp-Ex and scissors and tape. Times have changed so much — nowadays, many clients want instant online quoting, a range of turnaround options and online document lodgment.
So, we provide two types of services:
- a simple, fast, editing and proofreading service for small documents with online ordering and payment, by starting at the home page then getting a quote (if you know the level of editing and proofreading you want) or by first comparing services if you don't
- a full writing, editing and proofreading service for larger documents, where you contact us and we assess the document, recommend services and submit a proposal for the work.
Get it Write! edits and proofreads reports, manuals, proposals and submissions, policies and procedures, discussion papers, websites, brochures, PowerPoint presentations and other professional documents. We accept documents in the following formats:
- Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx)
- Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx)
- rich text format (.rft)
If you send us a Portable Document Format (.pdf) file which you have not yet sent to graphic art, we will strip the text out, edit it and send you back a Word document. If you send us a .pdf file that has already been to graphic art and needs final proofreading, we will use standard proofreading marks to mark up a hard copy of the document and send it back to you.
How our website works
This website gives you quicker, easier access to quoting, guaranteed prices and turnaround times, and online document lodgement. If you chose our polished, readable or structured editing services, and your document is within certain word limits, you can get a quote and submit your document on the spot, and we’ll have it back to you by the guaranteed time.
It’s that simple. You nominate the number of words in your document, choose a level of service and a time frame, and lodge your document. You then pay through our secure payment system, or tell us the number of your payment agreement.
We will confirm, by e-mail, receipt of your order. If you chose our As soon as possible service, we will also tell you the time by when we will return your edited document.
We will edit your document and return it to you within the timeframe you chose when booking (for 4-hour and Same time next day services), or when we told you (for As soon as possible).
We offer three levels of service because different writers want different things. Some want a final check for basic errors, so the document makes a great impression. Some want a deeper service: trimming, rewriting and clarifying to reduce wordiness, repetition and other things that slow the reader down. Others want a thorough review of the structure and flow of their argument so it has maximum impact.
How we edit
Every document is unique, and every author’s style is different, so how we edit differs from document to document. As experienced editors, we know how much care and attention goes into a draft document. Our mission is make it as good as it can be.
We position ourselves between the author and the reader. We try to understand the author and their writing style, and how we can bring out the best in their messages without losing their unique voice. We also represent the reader: they need to be able to easily understand what the author is saying, and quickly and effectively make use of the information the author provides.
We work through your document, on-screen, sentence by sentence. We use a combination of checklists, style guides and professional judgement. This is slow, careful work, looking for range of issues: for example, Structured editing involves 47 separate steps.
polished, structured and readable editing are quite different types of editing.
Polished editing is almost entirely rules-based. We use our style guide (based on the Australian Government’s Style Manual for authors, editors and printers), our procedures manual, software and checklists to check that every word, phrase, sentence and paragraph complies with hundreds of rules.
Readable editing comprises light-to-medium rewriting of sentences to make them clearer and easier to understand. This is interpretive work, where we aim to say what the author has said, but in a better way.
Structured editing usually involves major rewriting and restructuring of a document. The author will usually have assembled most of the information, but it may not flow logically or be easily accessible to the reader. The writing style may make the document difficult to read, and it may need a higher level of rewriting than we provide with our Readable service. Or there may be separate structural issues: for example, policies and procedures may need to be tightly referenced against, and use identical combinations of words with, statements of responsibility, forms, checklists, registers and files. As another example, a training manual may have to take a step-by-step approach, which the author may not have been able to do.
What your quote covers
An instant quote covers all the items ticked in the table on the Compare services page, for the particular service you chose. Please note that we do not include some items, or include variations of them, in an instant quote, as shown in the table below.
| Service | Item | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Structured |
|
This item is not included in an instant quote |
| Structured |
|
This item is included in an instant quote only if you ask for it in the Tell us any particular requirements you have for the editing section of the Submit your document page |
| Structured |
|
Helping you develop a content outline before you write, and helping you iterate a content outline as you write, are not included in the instant quote |
| Structured |
|
When provided for Structured editing, this includes substantial rewriting |
| Readable |
|
When provided for Readable editing, this includes minor rewriting |
We may make comments or suggestions on your document when we edit your document. If you take our advice, some text may need rewriting, or more text might be needed. Instant quotes do not cover this extra work, or any changes you want made after we return your edited document.
We charge further editing at our current per-hour rate. Clients commonly want further editing of their documents, and we value the opportunity to work with you to make your documents the best they can be.
Any questions?
We’re passionate about editing, and passionate about helping authors make their documents the best they can be. For us, there are few things more fulfilling than partnering with an author who appreciates what an editor can contribute, to really make their words shine.
If you have any questions about any aspect of Get it Write! or our services, please Contact us.
You’re happy with your document, but you’re too busy—and too close to it—to do the final checks. Get it Write! will:
- fix basic grammar, word and number mistakes
- fix style mistakes and inconsistencies
- make tables, figures, images and text boxes neat and consistent
- review references, acronyms and other shortened forms
- do a final proofread
- do a final formatting and layout check. MORE >>
Has your draft become harder to read as things have gone along? We fix tangled language, convoluted sentences, repetition, bloated phrases, too much passive voice and using nouns when you should use verbs. We make the writing style clear, crisp and consistent. Get it Write! will:
- rewrite sentences for clarity and consistency
- do basic accuracy checks. MORE >>
This is our full editing service, like having your own in-house rewriter / editor. Sometimes, a document needs a real makeover to simplify, clarify and organise it. This is our top-of-the range rewriting and rearranging service, to thoroughly review and improve your document. Get it Write! will:
- edit a sample of your document
- structure sentences and paragraphs
- structure headings and sections
- write simple text to fill gaps
- add preliminary and end matter
- incorporate author's responses and comments
- write a summary or case study. MORE >>
This service is available for Polished editing of 6500 words or less, Readable editing of 5000 words or less, and Structured editing of 3000 words or less.
We understand you want your document back as soon as possible, and we’ll make every effort to meet your deadline.
An indicative timeframe for editing your document will appear on the next page. On that page, you can also nominate your preferred time and date for the return of your document. We will do our best to satisfy your preference, but offer no guarantees.
When we confirm, by email, receipt of your order, we will tell you the turnaround time.
Sometimes, you just needed it yesterday! We guarantee to return your edited document to you within four business hours of confirming your order.
This service is available for Polished editing of 2000 words or less, and Readable editing of 1500 words or less. Get it Write! business hours are 09:00 to 17:00 Melbourne, Australia time, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
We guarantee to return your edited document to you, on the next business day and at or before the time of confirming your order.
This service is available for Polished editing of 4000 words or less, Readable editing of 3000 words or less, and Structured editing of 3000 words or less. Get it Write! business hours are 09:00 to 17:00 Melbourne, Australia time, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
This service is available for Polished editing of 6500 words or less, Readable editing of 5000 words or less, and Structured editing of 3000 words or less.
We understand you want your document back as soon as possible, and we’ll make every effort to meet your deadline.
An indicative timeframe for editing your document will appear on the next page. On that page, you can also nominate your preferred time and date for the return of your document. We will do our best to satisfy your preference, but offer no guarantees.
When we confirm, by email, receipt of your order, we will tell you the turnaround time.
You’re happy with your document, but you’re too busy—and too close to it—to do the final checks. Get it Write! will:
- fix basic grammar, word and number mistakes
- fix style mistakes and inconsistencies
- make tables, figures, images and text boxes neat and consistent
- review references, acronyms and other shortened forms
- do a final proofread
- do a final formatting and layout check. MORE >>
This is our full editing service, like having your own in-house rewriter / editor. Sometimes, a document needs a real makeover to simplify, clarify and organise it. This is our top-of-the range rewriting and rearranging service, to thoroughly review and improve your document. Get it Write! will:
- edit a sample of your document
- structure sentences and paragraphs
- structure headings and sections
- write simple text to fill gaps
- add preliminary and end matter
- incorporate author's responses and comments
- write a summary or case study. MORE >>
Has your draft become harder to read as things have gone along? We fix tangled language, convoluted sentences, repetition, bloated phrases, too much passive voice and using nouns when you should use verbs. We make the writing style clear, crisp and consistent. Get it Write! will:
- rewrite sentences for clarity and consistency
- do basic accuracy checks. MORE >>
