EDITORIAL SERVICES

I specialise in academic editing for scholars in the humanities and social sciences. The kinds of projects I work on include the following:

  • monographs
  • edited volumes
  • edited journal issues
  • articles
  • book chapters
  • book proposals
  • curricula vitae
  • grant applications

EDITING

Academic writing is highly specialised and needs an attentive reader who understands academic argument, theory, language and referencing protocols. Copyediting academic writing is never simply about checking for errors in spelling or syntax. This is why I do not separate out structural editing and copyediting. In my work practice, these are the key components in every project requiring editing and they are built into my quoting system.

Structural editing: I work with you to express your ideas more clearly and help you to clarify and strengthen your argument. I provide practical solutions for narrative flow and logical arrangement of material; tighten structure and reduce word count when necessary; ensure consistency of headings and subheadings; ensure a unified voice; and ensure clarity of language and relevance to target audience/discipline.

Copyediting: I correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, ambiguities, omissions, inaccuracies and paragraphing; style and check references; cross-check references against the bibliography; double-check quotes if they look like they’ve been cited incorrectly; check facts; check illustrations, captions and page numbering; and watch for potential breach of copyright or libel.

Includes the following provisions:

  • one additional review and edit of revised draft
  • video meetings, face-to-face, email and phone communication as required

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Proofreading: I correct errors in syntax, spelling, punctuation and typesetting. I check layout features such as illustrations, captions, running heads and page numbering. Please note that this service only applies to publishers’ proofs (for example, in PDF form) or material that has already been copyedited and typeset.

Indexing: I compile the index for your book.

Thesis conversion: I can help you turn your thesis into a book or convert thesis chapters into journal articles or book chapters.

Bibliography compilation: I compile in-text/notation references into a bibliography. Especially useful for edited volumes.

SERVICE EXCLUSIONS

Please note that I do not provide the following services:

  • layout using a publishing program
  • graphic design
  • high-level formatting beyond the minimum requirements of the publisher or university thesis guidelines
  • assessment of quantitative data/statistics
  • editing of undergraduate essays or Honours theses