Authors/Technical

The journal's deadline to submit papers is approaching. What is your typical turnaround time?

My normal turnaround time is seven days. When you contact me, I will let you know when I will finish your manuscript. I do jobs on a first-come-first-served basis. Keep in mind that you will need time to work on your manuscript after I return it.

What document types, or file types, do you accept?

I accept the following file types: doc, docx, odt. Ask about other file types.

Microsoft Word is the standard word processor today. Nearly all the documents I receive for editing are in Word format, and that is what I prefer. The native file type of Word is doc or docx. Other word processors can save files in Word file format. Although this may sometimes cause changes to the formatting, formatting a manuscript to the journal's specifications occurs as the last step before submitting the manuscript. Before that, text is text.

Adobe Acrobat files, pdf, do not have a tracking feature. Please convert your pdf to docx.

What page formatting do you recommend?

Editors everywhere adore documents formatted in 12 point Times New Roman, double-spaced, with paragraphs indented or extra space between paragraphs. Double-spaced is the standard spacing for manuscripts. Double-spaced makes it easier for me to read and gives me room to leave comments. Also, I prefer text that is aligned left, not justified. Part of proofreading is to check for correct spaces throughout the text. Justified text adds space between words and makes editing more difficult.

I got my document back, but there aren't any changes or comments. Did you send me the wrong one?

I suppose there's a first time for everything. :-)

First make sure your word processor is not hiding the changes. In MS Word, try Review > Show Markup (varies with version). You also need to select View > Print Layout. In OpenOffice try Edit > Changes > Show. With any word processor, a quick visit with the Help system and you will know how to bring the comments and changes into view. The following links will help if you use Word or Writer:

Turn changes on or off with MS Word
Turn changes on or off with OpenOffice Writer

May I mention you in my acknowledgments? May I quote you? May I use your name to promote my work?

Sorry, but no. I do not endorse any manuscript or author. You do not have permission to put my name or company name in your acknowledgments. My comments about your manuscript are only for the purpose of improving the writing. They are not for redistribution.

See my Terms of Service for more details.

I'm concerned about my intellectual property and confidentiality. Will you show my paper to anyone, especially anyone in my field?

Protecting your intellectual property is very important to me. Anything contained in the document you submit willll never be disclosed to anyone. That includes ideas, notes, text, data, figures, photographs, graphs, tables, conclusions, discussions, names of authors and co-authors, title, subtitles, and references.

See my Privacy Policy for more details.

You say I can accept, modify, or reject the changes you make. How do I do that?

First, you need to be able to see the changes. Make sure your word processor is setup to show changes. See the above question "I got my document back, but there aren't any changes or comments.", or visit the Help system in your word processor.

Once you can see the changes I made, use the Track Changes tool, or equivalent, in your word processor to accept, modify, or reject any change. Visit your word processor's Help system for instructions. Alternatively, if you use Word or Writer, the following links might help you learn how to use the Track Changes tool:

Track Changes in MS Word
Track Changes in OpenOffice Writer

I live in another country. Can I still use your service?

Yes, of course I can help you with your document. You can pay with any major credit card in your country, or your own PayPal account. See the questions below under Pricing/Payment.

What if I'm not satisfied with your work?

I take customer satisfaction seriously. If you are not satisfied, please contact me and I will look into the matter.

There are things about my manuscript I want to explain, but not through email. Can we talk?

Definitely. I understand your concern, and it is not uncommon. We can talk anytime during the editing process.

Do you edit documents written in UK English?

Yes. I have edited many journal articles written in UK English.

I have a big manuscript (like a PhD dissertation). Can I send it in pieces as I write it?

Yes, definitely. This approach has benefits. Authors can see the editor's comments on earlier chapters while they are writing later chapters, which can make the writing process more efficient. Also, it is a nice way to spread out the cost of editing.

Even with these benefits, this approach presents risks with large editing services. A large service may assign different chapters to different editors, introducing inconsistencies to the overall manuscript. With my service there is no risk of multiple editors. No matter how long you spend writing that dissertation, I will be the only editor.

How do I get a word count for my manuscript?

It's easy. Your word processor has a tool for counting words and characters in the entire opened document and in any selection. In MS Word or OpenOffice, go to the Tools menu and select Word Count. In other word processors, visit the Help system for instructions, or do an internet search.

I determine the word count on all documents I receive. Let me know if there is a section you don't want checked.

Can I see a sample of your work?

If you have a large manuscript, editing costs add up. I offer a way for you to sample my services before you commit the entire manuscript. If your document is greater than 40 pages (10,000 words), send me two pages (500 words) and I will mark them up and send them back for free. There are no obligations. It's a free sample designed to help you choose an editor.

Pricing/Payment

What do you charge? Do you charge tax? Are there any hidden charges?

I charge by the word. It might be easier to think of charge per page. One page equals 250 words. See the Prices page for numbers. Charges are based on the level of editing required. The stated price per word or page is what you pay. There are no other charges.

Do you have a minimum order?

There is no minimum order, but there is a minimum charge of $100.

Is there a way to lower costs?

Costs can be lowered by reducing the number of pages to edit.

Can I get a quote? How long is a quote valid?

With the complete document, I can determine an exact word count and the level of editing required. With that information I will give you a firm price, or quote for the job. Quotes do not expire, but become invalid when you make changes to the document. So if you resend the document, the old quote is invalid and I will give you a new quote.

When and how do I pay?

When work is complete, I will send an invoice via email. Payment is due upon receipt of my invoice. You can pay with any major credit or debit card, PayPal account, wire transfer, ACH transfer, Western Union, money order, or personal check. Money orders or checks must be drawn on US dollars.

Can I get a hard copy of the invoice, or a pdf file, for my records?

Yes. You can print the invoice or receipt, or save them as pdf files.

Can I pay without a credit card?

You can use your own PayPal account, if you have one. You can make a wire or ACH transfer. You can use Western Union. You can mail a check or money order. Money orders or checks must be drawn on US dollars.