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This list is intended as a guideline only as it is difficult to detail the wide variety of tasks
we perform on a daily basis.
If what you require is not listed, please ask. If we are not capable of providing the service you need we will be happy to refer you to an experienced VA who can assist you. |
| WORD PROCESSING | We can help with everything from letters and memos to reports, journals or complete procedure manuals. We are fully conversant with all Office 2000 packages and can supply a professionally finished document on plain paper or your own letterhead. Leave the choice of fonts and layout to us or specify a range of special features, including graphics and desktop publishing options. We can accommodate special layouts such as columns, tables, or charts and a range of styles and colours. |
| EDITORIAL SERVICES | These are available for publishers, literary editors, companies large or small, students, authors and other individuals. We welcome both non-fiction and fiction, from both new and established authors. |
| PROOFREADING |
Checking proofs is a tedious but critical task and any mistakes overlooked can be
costly to correct at the page proof stage. Modern computer spellcheckers
are useful but have their limitations. They are based on US English
and are unable to distinguish the correct tense or even whether a word
is correct (e.g. they would not pick up the difference between here and
hear).
We can mark changes on hard copy and/or change documents electronically, flagging any changes, additions or deletions. We can:
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| CV WRITING | Too much experience to fit into a short CV; too little experience to write a CV at all; or simply not happy that your CV really sells you as the right person for that job? Whatever the problem, with years of experience in recruitment, we can help. |
| DESKTOP PUBLISHING | We can produce newsletters, flyers, menus, posters, adverts, press releases, promotional material or leaflets. These would be charged at an hourly rate for any design and writing involved and then a per copy price. (See pricing page for more information.) |
| PRESENTATIONS | If you need to deliver a lecture or a presentation, but don't have the facility to produce A4 overheads, handouts or slide shows, let us turn your notes into a PowerPoint presentation, printed onto transparency acetate. We can offer a choice of graphics, charts and clip art. We can provide a floppy disk or email the completed output. |
| RESEARCH | Comprehensive library and internet research service available to academics, writers and business people worldwide. We can search and review Net resources on assigned topics and report the findings in whatever form you prefer. |
| BUSINESS WRITING |
We have broad experience in both business report writing and the writing of academic reports/papers.
We can assist with copy for business brochures, information booklets, leaflets, instruction manuals, fact sheets, business plans, reports, proposals, newsletters, press releases and articles. If you need to turn your rough draft or handwritten notes into a full manuscript, we can provide a complete writing service to your specifications. Where necessary we can also carry out appropriate research via the library or internet (travel or telephone charges will be applied on top of the hourly rate). |
| TRANSCRIPTION |
We are equipped to handle all manner of audio dictation whether a letter, report, meetings, seminars, conferences or interviews. For in depth advice on transcription please see our sister site Penguin Transcription
We can transcribe standard audio tapes, micro or mini cassettes or DSS and WAV digital files. Once transcribed, your work can be emailed, faxed or posted.
Editing TranscriptionRarely does spoken English appear concise and clear, particularly in interviews. It can appear rambling, repetitive and full of 'fillers' like 'um', 'er' and 'know what I mean?' The words can easily become incomprehensible.We can edit the literal transcription into a concise easily understood text where the speaker's meaning is clear. Please contact us for details of prices. PLEASE NOTE - we invariably speak much faster than we write or type. It is generally accepted that we can speak four times faster than we can type.It is a commonly held misconception that it takes one hour to transcribe one hour of recorded tape. This is incorrect. The industry standard allows ONE hour to transcribe 15 minutes of clearly recorded speech. It can take a MINIMUM of 4 hours to transcribe a 1 hour tape and as much as 6 or 8 hours depending on:
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| MANUSCRIPTS | This facility is available to both writers and publishers if you need handwritten notes, typed drafts or audio transcription turned into a finished manuscript. |
| DISSERTATIONS/THESES | We can provide you with a speedy turnaround for your handwritten notes. Mail, fax or email your dissertation / thesis and we will produce a printed hard copy, plus floppy disk to your specification. Please note that we offer competitive discounts on our prices for all students - please contact us for details. IF ENGLISH IS NOT YOUR MOTHER TONGUE we can check your document for spelling errors and ensure it is grammatically correct. We offer everything from a simple read-through of your document with handwritten changes and a list of suggestions, to a complete editorial and re-writing service, making alterations where appropriate without changing the original meaning. Please contact us for details of editing prices. |
| WEBSITE DESIGN |
We can assist with basic website design, editing and offer a maintenance package which will cover any amendments / revisions you wish to make. We can offer an editing service for your existing website, checking spelling, punctuation, grammar, syntax, validity of links and the appearance of your website in different browsers. email us for prices. Please note: Our basic website design packages include up to 5 pages. If you require an "all singing / all dancing" e-commerce site or a complicated a database, this is not part of our service but we can put you in touch with a specialist website design service. Please see the Pricing page or email us for a quote |
| WEBSITE SUBMISSION |
Website submission is just as important as design. You can have the fanciest website in the world, but if the site is not submitted correctly and regularly, no one will find it. It is akin to printing a pile of glossy brochures, and then keeping them in your spare room instead of sending them out! We offer a free check on your website's position in the major search engines and a report detailing our suggestions for improvements. We can submit your website to the major search engines and directories and continue a program of regular maintenance and submission to enhance your chances of being found by potential clients. We can also research the most appropriate website business directories and submit your site accordingly.
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| INVOICING | If running your business leaves you no time to issue invoices for completed work, we can take over that chore and ensure invoices are issued promptly. |
| CREDIT CONTROL | Issuing an invoice is one thing; but what happens when it isn't paid? If the answer, in your business, is nothing, or nothing until we get the solicitor involved, then why not use us for those initial reminder calls. This way, you distance yourself from any unpleasantness involved in reminding a client they owe you money! Often the problem is administrative rather than an unwillingness to pay, and a gentle reminder or two can work wonders. |
| ADMINISTRATION | We can carry out all sorts of general office administration duties, either on an ad-hoc or a continuous basis. Email us with the details of your requirements and we will be happy to provide you with a quote. |
| VIRTUAL OFFICE MANAGEMENT |
A useful service for people who spend too much time organising their schedule, or who don't want the commitment and expense of equipping an office.
Let us manage your diary by scheduling appointments. We can help with your conference organisation or the planning of any special events. We can assist with travel arrangements, restaurant reservations, office management and undertake your library and internet research. We can sort your email, respond to routine emails, rid you of junk mail and forward items of importance. We can also handle your phone and fax messages and forward your "snail" mail. Use our reminder service for business appointments, birthdays, anniversaries and bill paying.
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| ACADEMIC PAPERS | We can provide a full and in-depth editing service for academic papers including ensuring that the paper meets the submission requirements of your chosen journal. |
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AMENDMENTS / REVISIONS
- We always hold copies of completed work on our computer for one year. This enables us to make updates or amendments with ease, saving you time and money.
If you would like further information about any of our services or want to discuss an option not mentioned, please call and we will do our best to help. We have access to a network of experienced VA's via the Alliance of UK Virtual Assistants, and between us we cover most of the specialist skills. |
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