FAQs

Why the name 'Red Pony'?
Where is Red Pony based?
What experience do you have?
What is the difference between 'editing' and 'proofreading'?
Why and when would I use a MS Word template?
What does the term 'technical writing' mean?
What is the Red Pony Express?
How can I engage Red Pony's services?
What are your rates?

Do you have a question that is not answered here? Contact Red Pony to send us your enquiry.

Why the name 'Red Pony'?

The simple answer to that one is 'because we like the name'. There is a little more to it than that though. The Red Pony is a novella written by John Steinbeck, a favourite author of Red Pony founder, Peter Riches. It is also the name of a song by the Australian band, the Triffids, and then the name the late Dave McComb took for his own band. Plus, Peter used to have a red pony called 'Scamp' on the farm where he grew up in Victoria's south-west. And we think it makes a great logo. 'Nuff said.

Where is Red Pony based?

Red Pony is based in Melbourne, Australia. Our clients are located all around Australia and include a number of international organisations.

What experience do you have?

Red Pony has worked for a wide range of government departments and private businesses. Please see our case studies page for some detailed accounts of recent work.

What is the difference between 'editing' and 'proofreading'?

Proofreading and editing are two stages in a three-stage process: writing—editing—proofreading.

After you’ve written your document, it needs to be edited – preferably by someone else. A good edit raises questions about the way the information in the document has been ordered and identifies any missing or unnecessary information. The editor also corrects any errors of grammar and suggests clearer ways an idea might be expressed.

Proofreading is the last stage of the process. It occurs after all the problems identified in the editing stage have been corrected. A proofreader locates misspellings and other minor errors and inconsistencies that are still present in the text. A pair of ‘fresh eyes’ will find errors that the author, due to over-familiarity with the material, will be amazed that he or she hasn’t noticed.

See our Editing page for more information.

Why and when would I use a MS Word template?

A Microsoft Word template is an extremely useful tool to order your ideas or to ensure that a series of documents remain consistent in their appearance. By limiting the set of styles and formats that appear in your document(s), you convey a powerful impression of reliability and professionalism for your business.

See our Word Template Development page for more information.

What does the term 'technical writing' mean?

Put simply, technical writing is writing that conveys explanatory detail or instruction related to an area of technology or specialist knowledge, such as computer software, electronic equipment or finance. A skilled technical writer will provide clarity, ensure logic and reduce complexity in conveying technical concepts without losing the meaning of the original material.

See our Technical Writing page for more information.

What is the Red Pony Express?

Red Pony Express is our bi-monthly newsletter of advice and information about business strategies, grammar and writing tips. You can subscribe to it here, or visit the archive to read previous issues.

How can I engage Red Pony?

Simply contact Red Pony to arrange a confidential and obligation-free meeting or discussion with a Red Pony consultant.

What are your rates?

We can offer a number of options for quoting on a project, depending on your requirements. We generally make an estimate based on an hourly rate, and then provide detailed timesheets of all work undertaken. We can provide capped time and materials quotes, or fixed priced quotes if required. See our Pricing page for further information.

Do you have a question that is not answered here? Contact Red Pony to send us your enquiry.