The Editing Process

Unless instructed otherwise, I perform substantive editing. This includes restructuring or reordering the text for logic and flow, if necessary, and ensuring that the formatting complies with the Instructions to Authors or other guidelines, in addition to correcting grammar, spelling, and usage.

If you prefer that I limit my editing to correcting grammar, spelling, and usage (line editing), or have other special requirements, please let me know.

Sending the manuscript

Please send an electronic copy of the manuscript, preferably in Word format. I can also work with RTF or WordPerfect files. Send the figures as well—it can be difficult to interpret the text without them!—and indicate the intended audience, such as the journal to which it will be submitted or the granting agency. Provide a copy of the author instructions if they are not readily available online.

Please allow enough time for a quality job. I make multiple passes through each manuscript, alternating between editing on hard copy and on the screen, so that I fully understand the content and can catch a maximum number of problems. I prefer to have some time between each pass to let the material percolate—time you are not charged for, but that brings added value to my editing.

The approximate turnaround time for a journal article or an NIH R01 application is 1 week—although I will get it back to you sooner if I can. For other project types, please inquire. I will occasionally accept rush jobs, but there will be an additional charge.

If you have a project coming up, please let me know in advance if possible, and I will set aside time in my schedule.

Editing the manuscript

I edit using the Track Changes function so you can easily view the changes I have made and accept or reject them. If questions arise during the edit, I may contact you or I will enter queries into the comment field for you to address when you review the edited document.

Once you have my edits, you can either move forward with the document on your own or send it back to me for another round of review. Please note, however, that I cannot be held responsible for changes that you make to the document or text that you add after editing if I do not have the chance to review them.