Editing

Experience

Ihave 11 years’ experience as a freelance proofreader and copy-editor.  In addition to academic editing (for both staff and students), I have worked on a number of books, magazines and websites.  From 2009 to 2010, I was employed by UCL’s Centre for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching (CALT) as the Writing and Learning Mentor for the Department of Anthropology.  Since leaving the post, I have continued to offer private tuition in academic writing alongside my services as a proofreader. 

To date I have worked with around 200 students from over 20 different countries.  I have edited some 40 Masters dissertations and 12 Ph.D. theses from a wide array of disciplines, including anthropology, ecology, philosophy, politics and sociology.

Services

Editing

The academic editing service is open to all university students and staff.  Common tenders include essays, dissertations, conference papers and journal articles. 

All editing is carried out electronically using the Track Changes function on Microsoft Word.  In addition to correcting typographical and grammatical errors, I offer suggestions relating to sentence structure, metre (rhythm), coherence and word choice.  Where applicable, I will also read for conceptual clarity.

Once the first edit has been completed, clients are invited to resubmit their work for an optional second reading, the first hour of which is offered free of charge.  This is particularly advisable in cases where the original text has been modified in line with earlier suggestions.

Unless otherwise requested, all proofreading is carried out in accordance with the conventions of UK English (Oxford Style Manual). 

Turnaround Time

Clients are advised to register their interest at least two weeks prior to any deadline so that time may be set aside for completion of the work.  For documents over 10,000 words (e.g. Masters dissertations), at least four weeks’ notice should be given.  (N.B. Clients requiring proofing of books, Ph.D. theses, etc. may wish to submit their work in sections.)

Once a request has been received, the client will be contacted to arrange a proofreading window, which is usually a few days prior to their deadline.  The turnaround time is dependent on the size of the document and the standard of English; typically, it takes one hour to proof one thousand words, though this rate often increases as the work progresses.  Native English speakers may find that their work takes considerably less time to edit.  For an idea of the hours required for proofreading (and hence the cost), clients are welcome to submit a one-page sample of their writing to receive a free quote.


Private Tuition

Many clients, particularly overseas students, wish to complement editorial assistance with private writing tuition.  This service is intended to help clients improve all aspects of their written English, from spelling and grammar to style and structure.  For more information, or to book a session, please feel free to email me.

Prices

For details of hourly rates and concessions, please feel free to email me.

Testimonials

For a sample of my academic references, please click here.