academic editing

I can copy edit and/or proofread your journal article or research thesis.

Whether you have spoken English all your life, or you are still learning, I can help you express your ideas clearly in English.

Journal articles

I can copy edit and/or proofread your paper according to the required style, for example, APA7, Harvard, Chicago, AGLC, IEEE or the journal’s own style. During copy editing, I will:

• • make sure that your work follows the conventions of formal, academic writing

• • remove errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar and word use

• • make sure that numbers, units of measure, symbols and abbreviations are used appropriately

• • edit citations and reference lists to the required style

• • check for errors in formatting – margins, headings, font, spacing, page numbers, headers, footers, captions and lists.

I’ll also check that you have used Australian, UK or US English, as required. If you are writing for Australian readers, I refer to the Macquarie dictionary for spelling and word use. Please let me know if you need to refer to a specific dictionary.

Research theses

Your research thesis is the result of years of work. During this time you have read and reread your manuscript many times and made numerous changes. Whenever changes are made, errors can occur, but when you are familiar with the text it is difficult to spot mistakes and omissions. A professional editor can copy edit and/or proofread your thesis to make sure that your work is presented in clear English and in the correct format.

Guidelines

The Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) has developed guidelines for editors working on research theses. These guidelines were approved by the Deans and Directors of Graduate Studies, now the Australian Council of Graduate Research (ACGR). Students and supervisors can view the Guidelines for editing research theses here.

Copy editing theses

During copy editing, I will:

• • make sure your work follows the conventions of formal, academic writing

• • remove errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar and word use

• • make sure that numbers, units of measure, symbols and abbreviations are used appropriately

• • edit citations and reference lists to the required style (for example, APA7, Harvard, Chicago, AGLC or IEEE)

• • check for errors in formatting – margins, headings, font, spacing, page numbers, headers, footers, captions and lists.

Proofreading theses

Proofreading is a final, detailed check before printing, to remove minor errors and make sure all parts of your document are in the correct order. You may choose to have your work proofread only. Proofreading can also be done after copy editing has been completed, to check that all changes have been made correctly and no new errors have been introduced.

ESL (English as a second language) students

English is my first language. I am both a professional editor and a trained teacher, and I am familiar with the types of errors that ESL students often make. I can point out these errors and provide examples to help you avoid similar mistakes in future.

When I edit your work, I look for errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar and word use, and I make suggestions to help you:

• • use formal, academic English

• • express your ideas clearly

• • remove unnecessary words

• • link sentences and paragraphs

• • choose the correct English word to convey your meaning.

Speakers of English as a first language

If English is your first language, your writing can still benefit from the skills of a professional editor.

I’m trained to find errors that you might miss in spelling, punctuation, grammar and word use. I also look for formatting errors such as uneven line spacing; unsuitable page breaks; incorrect font or type size; inconsistent margins; errors in headings, headers and footers; incorrect or missing page numbers and more.

I can help you to:

• • achieve a formal, academic tone in your writing

• • express your ideas clearly

• • identify words that may be used incorrectly

• • link sentences and paragraphs

• • use appropriate words to convey your meaning.

Professional editing will make sure your document is suited to its purpose and well presented.