Copy editing scientific manuscripts11/29/2023 Do you want them to do a copyedit but also improve the passive voice and shorten the text? They can do that. If you are working with a good editor, they will tailor their editing to meet your needs. Do you just want to make sure your writing does not contain any grammatical errors? Then copyediting might be the way to go. Do you overuse passive voice or wordy phrases? Editing might be right for you. Do you struggle to organize your ideas in a logical way? You might consider substantive editing. To choose the right kind of editing help, you need to know what your strengths and weakness are as a writer. Is the document in the required format (e.g., fonts, margins)? Copyediting, however, is a lighter style of editing that focuses on removing language errors and inconsistencies.Ĭopyediting addresses the following questions:Īre the punctuation and capitalization correct?Īre all of the abbreviations defined when first used?ĭoes the writing consistently use US or UK English? Proofreading generally refers to minor edits that correct a proof from the publisher. Proofreading and copyediting are often thought to be the same, but they are slightly different. Is there excessive use of the passive voice that can be reduced?Īre there shorter words that can be substituted for longer ones?ĭoes each sentence deal with one idea? Does each paragraph discuss one topic?ĭoes the document fit within the page or word limits?ĭo the callouts refer to the correct tables and figures?Īfter editing, your document will be ready for copyediting. Stylistic editing addresses the following questions:Īre the same terms and ideas used consistently?Īre there any repetitive or redundant words, phrases, or sections?Īre there any wordy phrases that can be eliminated? It looks at sentences and paragraphs to correct language errors, inconsistencies, repetition, and awkward phrases that disrupt the flow of your writing. Stylistic editing has a sharper focus than copyediting (to be discussed later). Is the significance or potential impact of the work clear?Īre the methods explained well enough that they could be repeated by other researchers?ĭo the results support the conclusions? Are the conclusions overdrawn?Īre there any inconsistencies or repetitiveness in the content?ĭoes each section include relevant information?Īre the ideas explained in a logical order?ĭoes a single voice come through in the writing?Īre the tone, formality, and readability appropriate for the targeted readers?Īre the tables and figures presented in the most effective way?Īfter substantive editing, your document will be ready for editing. Is there enough background information to understand what is being proposed or what has been done? Is all of the information relevant?Īre the research question and/or hypotheses clearly stated? Substantive editing addresses the following questions:ĭoes the abstract clearly describe the background, rationale, aim, general approach, principal findings, conclusions, and significance of the work? It focuses on ensuring that your content is well presented in a clear, concise, and compelling way. Substantive editing is also called developmental editing. Each of these levels incorporates the lower levels and can be customized to meet your individual needs. There are three main levels of editing: substantive editing, editing, and copyediting. How do you know what kind of editing help you need? Levels of Editing There are different levels of editing that each has a different focus. While all writers can benefit from working with an editor, not all writers need the same kind of help. A good editor will help you share your ideas in a clear and compelling way. But a professional editor has a trained pair of eyes. In general, a fresh pair of eyes can be helpful. To prevent poor writing from limiting your success, you can work with a professional editor. But one of the most common reasons for rejection is poor writing. The approach may not be sound, or the rationale may be weak. There are many reasons why manuscripts and grants and rejected. This reality is a fact of life as a researcher. Not all proposals are selected for funding, and not all manuscripts are published after the first submission. All researchers face rejection at one time or another.
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