Frequently Asked Questions

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What do you edit?

Honours, Masters, and PhD theses and academic journal articles in the Social Science disciplines.

How much will it cost?

Pricing is by word count, turnaround, and time-intensity. For example, if your PhD thesis is 80,563 words then your quote will be for one of four options:

  1. GOOD + NON-URGENT: Document assessed as ‘solid/essentially complete’ and not needed before 10 working days = $0.05 x 80,563 = $4,028.15

  2. GOOD + URGENT: Document assessed as ‘solid/essentially complete’ and needed before 10 working days = $0.07 x 80,563 = $5,639.41

  3. NEEDS WORK + NON-URGENT: Document assessed as ‘still substantially in draft form’ and not needed before 10 working days = $0.07 x 80,563 = $5,639.41

  4. NEEDS WORK + URGENT: Document assessed as ‘still substantially in draft form’ and needed before 10 working days = $0.09 x 80,563 = $7,250.67

Working days are Monday-Friday (i.e., weekends are not included). Prices are exclusive of GST.

How long will the quote last for?

Unless already quoted, prices are subject to change at any time. Quotations are valid for 3 months.

Why are your rates higher than editing companies?

My rates bring 30 years of academic experience and include proofreading, copyediting, writing coaching, and/or checks on data reporting accuracy as required. Editing companies are cheaper because they pay their workers much less than what they deserve for their experience and knowledge.

What does the work cover?

Prices are a combination of word count and duration, as some documents may be short but require considerable work. Word count includes publications within theses accepted after or currently under peer review unless they are screenshots of the publications, as all content needs to be read to complete the scope of work including formatting consistency and removal of repetition of content across the entire thesis.

More specifically, the service does not do an electronic plagiarism check (e.g., through Turnitin) but does include the following:

  • ensure the formatting is 'clean' and consistent throughout, inc. the front and end matter;

  • check pagination and table of contents/tables/figures for succinctness of wording and accuracy in cross-referencing within text;

  • check consistency of formatting and completion and accuracy of information within the reference list and cross-references within the text;

  • check spelling, punctuation, grammar, tense, word choice/vocabulary, clarity of sentences, unambiguity and appropriate use of phrasing, writing tone and style, logical flow of argument within and between paragraphs, correct paragraph start/finish to break up big chunks of text, and make suggestions regarding these for your consideration, e.g., material that may be better placed in an appendix, or removing repetition, irrelevant material, or contradictions, etc.;

  • highlight where a reference may be missing and is required to prevent suggestion/accusation of plagiarism from markers/reviewers (‘unsubstantiated contentions’); and

  • whether each section has been done 'justice' content-wise to the extent markers/reviewers would likely be looking for.

How do you decide what rate to charge?

To decide which rate per word to charge, I keep an eye on the time. If I am moving through your document quickly it will be assessed as ‘solid/essentially complete’. If it is assessed as ‘still substantially in draft form’, I will let you know so that you first have a chance to bring it closer to 'solid/essentially complete' (i.e., the version you would be willing to submit). If you wanted me to continue providing this more extensive feedback, then it would attract the higher rate. My role is to add the final polish to your work so that it looks and reads as near-flawless as possible. If most of the data analysis and write-up are inaccurate, I will let you know so that you have a chance to decide how to proceed – such work goes beyond copyediting/proofreading.

Hot tip!

To increase the chances of your work being assessed as ‘solid/essentially complete’ read your thesis out loud. If you are running out of breath, it means your sentence is too long. It will also help you hear repetition. This is the final part of your journey and you have been in your head for a long time. You now need to think about how it will land on a reader’s ears in the final hour. (Note: I read every word of your thesis out loud as I work through it).

Referencing, verifying, paying, and planning

  • I mostly work with documents using APA referencing, but if you have used another style that’s fine.

  • A written acknowledgment for copyediting/proofreading is required by universities. Your supervisors will be included in the email with the edited document to verify it is in accordance with the university’s guidelines.

  • You are advised to first check if there are funds available from your university. The invoice will be issued at the same time as the completed work and will be payable in 30 days. You may need to cover some difference that your university stipend does not.

  • I advise Honours, Masters, and PhD scholars to leave approximately 2-4 weeks from their intended submission date to address comments and add the final touches. I provide clients two versions – one in track changes, one not. The first allows you to see every change suggested and comment made, and the second accepts these to more clearly show what was intended by them and can be used as the version you finalise and submit. This way, you remain the final gatekeeper of your work.

Ready?

Just let me know the dates you are thinking and I'll mark that time in my diary. The approximate word count would also be good to include to assist me in managing and advising on timelines where more than one thesis is requested for editing within the same two-week timeframe. See you soon!