Research When confronting urban planning policy, smaller organisations can often find their agendas overridden by municipal imperatives, class interests, or just blind optimism. If you are a voluntary organisation, I can provide cost-effective local and planning research to counter development orthodoxy, and write consultation submissions on your behalf. I can facilitate discussion within your organisation on planning issues, and help you develop your own proposals. For planning consultancies, I can provide a research service on a diverse range of issues -- housing, local economy, sustainable development, strategic and local planning, networked infrastructure -- to bolster your work for clients.

Editorial Newsletters, books, annual reports and publicity, all need to be professionally produced to engage your target audiences. But can you get the best out of a designer or muster the concentration to copyedit text? I can manage the editorial and production process of your publications, edit documents to sharp deadlines, or write your newsletter for you. I can design your publication to fit in with your visual identity, or upgrade your existing marque for new times. I have experience editing translations and text from non-native writers.

Bid writing Making funding applications can be time consuming and frustrating, with organisations waiting on a knife edge to see if they have been successful. Trust funds have their own information imperatives, and demand professional presentation and persuasive, original copy. If you don't have the capacity within your organisation, I can write the first-stage proposal for you, for very little initial outlay. I will work closely with your staff to ensure that information is accurate and that you get bids that reflect your commitment, vitality and expertise.

Fee structure Hourly rates range from £20 per hour to £7 per hour, depending on the nature of the work. Fees can be reduced, for instance, if your organisation provides all supporting documents in hard copy or grants a laser printing facility for the job. For copyediting, I charge £15 per 1000 words. I work on a shoestring budget and with a high degree of transparency. I am happy to visit your premises for no extra cost. Please email to ask for an initial quotation or longer proposal.

CV and references available on request. <c.smith4@lycos.com>