Proof reading
Proof reading involves closely reading the material to identify errors primarily relating to language and consistency. When proof reading I look for:
Copy editing
In addition to errors identified during proof reading, copy editing involves editing the content of the material. More specifically, I ensure (amongst other things) that:
Academic editing
Academic writing almost always requires that the author produce the work in a particular style. This could be the preferred style of a journal, university assignment requirements and/or the style required for funding applications. In addition to the editing covered under proof reading and copy editing I will:
Thesis editing
In most Universities it is expected that the academic supervisors will provide their students with editorial advice relating to content, methodology and statistical analyses, specialised and/or foreign language, preferred University style and some copy editing and/or proof reading. The editors contribution is mainly restricted to copy editing and proof reading. When I edit postgraduate theses I carry out all the services included in proof reading and copy editing in addition to:
As more PhD students are submitting their theses as a set of publications, I also ensure that there is flow and continuity between sections previously published and those written specifically for the thesis.
I usually copy edit on screen using Microsoft Word's Track Changes. This means that every change is 'highlighted', and all comments or queries are inserted in the margin of the document. When I have finished copy editing your document, I will return it to you as a tracked-changes version showing all of my suggested changes, comments and questions. You are then free to accept the changes you choose and address any issues that I have highlighted giving you control over the final product.
I can do hard copy edits, primarily for postgraduate theses. If this is the format that you prefer, I will post the corrected document to you with clear corrections and annotations.