Academic Editing

I edit scientific manuscripts to make sure that the information presented is clear, logically sound, and grammatically correct. Depending on what the client needs, this can mean restructuring the document, cleaning up sentences, formatting references, or all of the above. I edit research papers, grant proposals, dissertations, and reports for clients from different institutions. I got my start in editing by working with Cactus Communications and AsiaEdit, for whom I have edited over 400 documents till date. I also copyedit issues of Inside Precision Medicine magazine.

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of editing services I offer.

• Line editing: This is the most common type of service requested. Here, you have a manuscript ready and need help with wording, phrasing, or presenting your arguments. I edit to make sentences, logic, grammar, and the overall flow better. This may or may not include reference formatting, depending on what you need.

• Copyediting: Here, your document is written well but might not meet journal formatting guidelines or styles like APA. I edit to meet these stylistic guidelines and ensure consistency and grammatical correctness. This usually includes reference formatting.

• Proofreading: This is often what I do for institutional and annual reports. Here, your document is written well and meets style guides, but you want to make sure there are no lingering mistakes. I look over your document to catch any stray commas or spelling errors, and ensure that it’s as error-free as possible.

• Developmental editing: This is usually requested for grant proposals and dissertations. Here, you have a scientific idea or story, but are not quite sure of the best way to present it. I help you figure out a clear and logical layout for your document. Once you finish writing, I can line edit the document if needed.

Subject areas

• Life sciences: I work on documents in a broad range of fields, like cell biology, immunology, neuroscience, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, and ecology.

• Medicine: I work on documents in the fields of public health, nursing, psychology, pharmaceuticals, and clinical research.

• Chemistry: I work on documents in organic chemistry and to a small extent, structural inorganic chemistry.

• Earth sciences: I do light editing on manuscripts in geology and hydrology.

How can we work together?

• If you want to work with me, send me an email. I usually begin with a video (or phone) call to discuss the document to be edited. Once expectations and a work plan are set, you email me the document for editing.
• I return the edited document within the stipulated time (usually about a week for a standard research paper), along with an invoice for the work done.
• You review the edited document and let me know if you need another round of editing or proofreading (this is often the case when papers need to be submitted to journals with specific formatting guidelines).
• If you need a second round of editing, you send me the revised document. I do a final clean-up and return the edited document, along with a second invoice for the work done.
• You pay me after each round of editing. I currently take payments through bank transfers (ACH).
• (Optional) If you’re happy with the edits, you refer me to your peers and colleagues so that I can keep working.

If you’re not sure whether I can help you with your research, shoot me an email anyway and I can refer you to other editors with the right expertise.

How much will this cost?

I bill on an hourly basis, starting at USD 70/hour. This will vary depending on the type of document and exact services required. If you’re a graduate student and cannot afford the rate, please email me and we can figure something out. I remember all too well what life was like a student and do not like to withhold services from those who need it.

I also work with the Academic Editing Circle, which offers free editing services to BIPOC undergraduate and graduate students. I edit a few manuscripts for free every year through this network, so please do check it out if you need help.

I know scientists love their data tables, so here’s one of some clients I’ve worked with.