1. A method for normalizing text in a document, said method comprising the steps of: a) generating a list of reference words and phrases and a list of non-reference words and phrases from a selected group of documents; b) comparing said list of reference words and phrases with a joined list containing said reference words and phrases and said non-reference words and phrases, using an edit-distance algorithm to create an approximate duplicates list; c) filtering said approximate duplicates list to create a thesaurus of standard words and phrases and their variations; and d) editing said selected group of documents with an editor operable to use said thesaurus to replace a word or phrase on said approximate duplicates list with said standard words and phrases.