Editing and proofreading services

Academic Editing

Your Masters or PhD thesis will benefit significantly from the services of a professional editor and potentially improve your grade chances. Leave the spelling, grammar and punctuation details to an expert so you can focus on your research and writing.

Working within the guidelines from the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd), I will ensure your writing is clear, concise and error free. I am experienced in working within university guidelines and style guides and am familiar with a variety of reference systems, including APA6, Chicago Style, MLA and Harvard. If you work with Endnote software, I work with your own file, edit and return it; errors can still occur when files are electronically uploaded so I will check each entry to ensure it is represented correctly to your chosen style.

You (and your supervisor) will be responsible for a more detailed edit for issues with structure and substance, as determined by the IPEd guidelines. These guidelines limit the role of an editor to copyediting and proofreading. 

I work in Word or PDF versions and provide comments and edits using tracked changes. After editing, I give you a tracked changes version and will include a PDF (if using a Word version) of the marked up changes to ensure you have a permanent record of my changes.

I work with academics to ensure:

• clear and concise expression, using an appropriate tone

• clear transitions between paragraphs to ensure flow and coherence

• correct spelling, punctuation and grammar

• consistent use of style (format, layout and referencing)

• correct formatting and titles for tables and figures

• all the required document elements, and in the correct order.

Contact me today to discuss how I can help with your PhD thesis.

Proofreading

The final stage of the editing process is proofreading. It is also appropriate if you feel your work only requires a lighter edit. Having a fresh pair of eyes look over your work can correct unnecessary errors and provide work of the highest quality.

l ensure that your document:

• has correct spelling and punctuation (fixing spell-checker short cuts!)

• uses consistent spelling, abbreviations, terminology and numbering

• has accurate referencing in citations and the bibliography

• adheres to the required style guidelines

If your document has tables or illustrations, I will ensure consistency by cross-checking the illustration guide for:

• title and figure number of each illustration

• caption or description

• page number or location (if electronic)

I work within your own organisation's style guide or use a preferred style such as the Australian Government's Style Manual for Authors, Editors and Printers. Contact me for more information on proofreading services.

Copyediting removes mistakes, inconsistencies and errors of expression which may confuse your readers and affect your professional image. Many of these errors can only be detected through the human eye. The copyediting process corrects mistakes in grammar, spelling, usage and style, ensuring that your writing flows with its intended meaning keeping it clear, concise and professional.

After a copyedit, your writing will flow well with clear ideas and transitions between sentences.

When copyediting your writing, I focus on:

• perfecting spelling, grammar and punctuation

• ensuring that your ideas are clearly and concisely expressed

• identifying and re-writing confusing or complicated sentences

• appropriate transitions between sentences and paragraphs

• appropriate tone

• abbreviations and technical terms

• refining unclear language or variations in tone and focus

• usability testing (for online edits) ensuring links and downloads work

• fact checking, copyright and legal issues

I work with your preferred style guide or the Australian Government's Style Manual for Authors, Editors and Printers.