Content Editing
Fewer than 20% of the manuscripts I read only need content editing. Your document will be proofread for organization, coherence, clarity, consistency, grammar, and mechanics. This process includes spelling, punctuation, verb tense, passive voice, word choice, sentence structure, and parallel structure. Your document will be edited to include robust words, replace vague language, create smooth transitions, eliminate run-on or fragmented sentences, and align with expectations for exceptional academic writing.
The proof is in the pudding, as the old saying goes. Check out this before and after paragraph. It’s the opening paragraph of a former client’s dissertation.
Developmental Editing
At least 80% of the manuscripts I edit need developmental editing. Developmental editing focuses on the structure and content of your book, dissertation, paper, or other manuscript. If your manuscript lacks focus, developmental editing will help you find the right direction. Development editing is also where problems of inconsistent or inappropriate tone often surface. Developmental editing gives you individualized attention that an acquisitions editor, thesis chair, or faculty member cannot give you.
When working with a developmental editor, be prepared to be challenged. While a developmental editor won’t direct what your manuscript has to be, you may be asked to justify your position when there is disagreement. At all times, however, developmental editing is a collaboration with a single goal in mind: to produce the best manuscript possible.
Successful collaboration allows the author to feel sustained and liberated by knowing that she doesn’t have to bear the burden of creation, development, and refinement alone. Paul D. McCarthy
We will work collaboratively to refine your research focus, identify gaps or inconsistencies in your research design, eliminate redundancy, and suggest ways to strengthen your paper, proposal, dissertation, or other work. This work focuses on three key areas:
- Content: Do the premise, arguments, research findings, and/or conclusions make sense? Are they well supported by previous research and citations?
- Structure: Is the document structure logical and well-supported by chapters, headings, and subheadings? Is there coherence and consistency within chapters? Is technical information better presented in tables, charts, infographics, or appendices?
- Style: Is the author’s “voice” appropriate for the tone of an academic or professional document? Is the writing fluid? Is the document written in a voice that is passive, pedantic, jargon-filled, or culturally or racially insensitive?
Foreign Scholars Writing in English as a Second Language
I am passionate about working with authors and scholars when English is not your native language. I recognize the challenges of writing in a foreign language and the extra level of respect that merits. I can simply edit your manuscript(s) or we can take the extra time to work together to build your capacity to write in English.
Scholars with Disabilities
I have worked with several authors and scholars who are managing disabilities like ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, and physical conditions that impact writing. I recognize the challenges this presents and I am always happy to make accommodations to support you as you achieve your goals.
APA Formatting (and other style guides)
Most of my editing work requires conformity to the American Psychological Association (APA) manual, 7th edition (2020). This 428-page publications manual is the standard for most academic writing. I also work with MLA, Chicago Manual of Style (Turabian), ASA,and AMA. Additionally, many universities and journals have their own manuscript guidelines. I will adapt your manuscript in whatever way you need!
Formatting with the appropriate style guide(s) is the final step in completing a qualifying exam, research proposal, dissertation, or journal article. It involves very light copy-editing and proofreading as well as formatting a manuscript using APA or other style guidelines along with university or journal guidelines. The end result is a manuscript that is ready for submission to a thesis committee, university department, or journal editorial board with no further changes.
Your document will be reviewed for style and format, including margins, headings, numbered or bulleted lists, figures, tables, appendices, in-text citations, parenthetical documentation, and the reference list. Formats conform to APA 7th Edition guidelines unless otherwise specified. If your university has a style guide and you supply that, formatting will conform to those guidelines instead of or in addition to APA.
It is not possible to do “APA formatting only.” APA formatting includes cross-checking references to ensure alignment between in-text citations and reference lists. APA formatting also includes accuracy, organization of headings, figures, tables, etc. It is not possible to ensure a document conforms to APA format without thoroughly reading the entire document.
It’s never too early to start working with an editor!
Set up a complimentary, no-obligation, no sales pitch call today!