Services

Comprehensive language editing

Comprehensive language editing can be seen as the metaphorical fine-tuning of a text. The purpose of this editing is to ensure that your writing has a smooth and polished presentation while meeting all scholarly expectations of academic institutions and reviewers. All suggestions are made via track changes and comments for easy reference. My language editing service includes sentence-level editing, formatting, a reference audit and proofreading.

Sentence-level editing includes: 

  • attention to spelling, typos, punctuation, grammar and sentence structure;
  • consistency of style, contractions, passive voice and the avoidance of over-quotation;
  • the identification of and alternative options for an overly-subjective tone; and
  • the revision of content to ensure cohesion and a scholarly tone.

Formatting includes:

  • the application of specific journal or institutional formatting requirements;
  • consistent referencing according to a chosen reference style (APA or Harvard for example);
  • body formatting, proper spacing, figure and table captions, table formatting, block quotes, etc;
  • the editing and correct order of all front matter and appendices;
  • an automated table of contents and lists of tables and figures.

A reference audit entails:

  • making sure that your in-text citations are correct according to the required style guide;
  • checking that each citation has a corresponding source in the reference list, and that all the sources in the reference list are cited at least once in the body of work;
  • checking the alphabetical order of the reference list; as well as
  • identifying missing sources in the reference list, where possible.

Proofreading entails:

  • changes and suggestions to help improve clarity, flow, structure and readability of the text;
  • tracked revisions for you to see and review all changes and suggestions;
  • in-depth critical commentary; and
  • a short summary of any major concerns and suggestions.

WHAT TYPE OF DOCUMENTS CAN THESE SERVICES BE USED FOR?

Afrikaans and English texts:

  • Doctoral theses
  • Master’s and honours dissertations
  • Academic proposals
  • Academic texts, online learning modules and training documents
  • Journal, newspaper and magazine articles
  • Fiction, non-fiction and eBooks

Technical editing

Technical editing involves the formatting of your document in line with the required style guide (APA, Harvard, or any other) and specific requirements of the academic institution or journal. Technical editing can include a reference audit if required.

Technical editing includes:

  • body formatting, proper spacing, capitalisation, numeration, figure and table captions, table formatting, block quotes, etc;
  • the editing and correct order of all front matter and appendices;
  • an automated table of contents and lists of tables and figures; as well as
  • addressing a journal’s style guide and preferences.

Basic proofreading

Proofreading is a thorough read-through of your work. It ensures that your work is reviewed and appraised for its content and includes changes and suggestions to help improve flow, structure, clarity and readability of the text. Tracked revisions are made for you to see and review all changes and suggestions.

In-depth critical commentary can point out problems and provide suggestions for solutions in order to help you to fully develop the text. A short summary of any major concerns and suggestions is provided. Basic proofreading does not include language or technical editing and is a tool for content development.

Reference auditing

This can be a stand-alone function which entails:

  • making sure that your in-text citations are correct according to the required style guide;
  • checking that each citation has a corresponding source in the reference list, and that all the sources in the reference list are cited at least once in the body of work;
  • checking the alphabetical order of the reference list;
  • identifying missing sources in the reference list, where possible.