Editing Services for Academic Writers
Clear, credible manuscripts—ready for submission.
Let’s refine your manuscript so it’s ready for readers and platforms alike.
Written estimate within 1–2 business days.
Integrity & Boundaries
I do not ghostwrite, change findings, or claim contributions.
PhD only for theses/dissertations; editing with written permission and following your institution’s rules.
What I work with
Journal articles • research reports • conference papers
PhD dissertations (editing within institutional policy)
Book chapters & academic monographs
What I do
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Journal submission preparation (references) — format and standardize reference lists per venue/guide
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Citation & style conformance — APA/Chicago; in-text ↔ reference list consistency
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Proofreading — final typos, punctuation, spacing, minor formatting fixes
- Line & copyediting — precision, tone consistency, clarity, reduced wordiness
- Structural & argument editing (selected fields only where I have familiarity.
Editing Services for Academic Authors
Journal Article Formatting
Align your manuscript and references to your target journal’s style guide.
Style and structure formatting
Applies the journal’s required formatting for headings, citations, references, tables, figures, and layout, based on the client-supplied guide or example.
Light consistency polish
Light touch-up for clarity, logic, or usage but only if explicitly requested. This is not a full copyedit.
Submission formatting check
Final review to ensure that tables, references, and overall structure meet submission guidelines.
Note: Extra charges may apply if tables are submitted as images and must be rebuilt. One revision included; requests due within 10 days.
Format Journal Citations & References Only
Ensure your citations and references meet the rules of your target journal.
Reference list formatting
Formats your sources to match a specific style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, ACS, etc.), including punctuation, italics, and ordering.
In-text citation alignment
Checks that every in-text citation appears in the reference list—and that formatting matches your chosen style.
Final consistency pass
Flags duplicates, missing entries, and other common reference errors. No changes to manuscript content are made.
One revision included; requests due within 10 days. Client may need to supply the journal style guide.
Proofreading
Final polish to catch typos and formatting flaws before submission.
Mechanical cleanup
Checks grammar, punctuation, spelling, and spacing for errors that can slip past spellcheck.
Light formatting pass
Corrects small layout issues like double spaces, inconsistent indentation, or rogue line breaks.
Submission-ready finish
No citation, style, or structural edits, just a clean, professional final draft.
One revision included; requests due within 10 days.
Copyediting
Refine tone, precision, and paragraph flow across your draft.
Sentence-level clarity
Fixes grammar, usage, word choice, and structure for stronger readability and academic polish.
Paragraph flow
Improves transitions, logic, and the rhythm of ideas without changing your core message.
Voice and tone alignment
Keeps your voice intact while tightening phrasing and reducing redundancy. Formatting is not included.
One revision included; requests due within 10 days.
Line Editing
Paragraph-level clarity and flow. We smooth transitions and trim wordiness while preserving your unique voice.
Sentence tightening
Reduces redundancy, clarifies phrasing, and improves readability—without overstepping your tone.
Paragraph restructuring
Light reshaping at the paragraph level to improve flow, cohesion, and transitions.
Voice protection
All edits aim to sound like you, just sharper. Formatting is not included.
One revision included; requests due within 10 days.
Structure & Argument (Selected Fields Only)
Get strategic feedback on clarity, flow, and logic without rewriting.
Argument structure review
Identifies gaps in logic, missing transitions, or unclear progression.
Margin-only feedback
No in-line edits, just high-level comments and coaching-style insights.
Projects accepted by topic fit
Comfortable working across science, policy, and the social world, especially when clarity and structured argument matter.
One revision included; requests due within 10 days.
Just curious about pricing or timelines?
No problem. You don’t have to be ready to book.
Click over here to receive an estimate based on your draft and goals. No pressure, no hard sell.
What to Expect from the Editing Process
Every editing project starts from a base of a clear scope of work including detailed service definitions, so you know exactly what to expect. There will be at least two editorial passes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and flow. For authors seeking a polished, publication-ready manuscript, there may be three or four passes. Along the way, I’ll check in with you to clarify details or confirm revisions before finalizing the work. If you’re working to a tight budget or deadline, I can adapt the process to balance speed, cost, and quality — without losing the essentials your readers will notice.
My process looks like this:
- You fill out a short intake form. Attach your manuscript or a sample of it, if you like.
- I review your needs and send back an estimate. I might consult with you first if questions come up.
- You either approve the estimate, or we refine it together.
- I send a contract that includes a retainer, a kick-off 30-minute meeting option for you, and a schedule of deliverables and payments.
- You finalize those details and send any further materials, and the project begins!
- You can expect at least one update as work proceeds.
- I send your final deliverables when the project is done, for your approval.
- You get support after approval for any follow-up questions.
Rates for Academic Authors
Each project begins with a written estimate and a signed contract, never a one-click purchase. Your project is scoped to your draft: length, level of edit, references, and complexity. After a review of a sample, I’ll send a written estimate with scope, deliverables, fee, payment timing, and a proposed start window. When possible, I quote a fixed amount; if the scope is uncertain, I’ll give a clear not-to-exceed range. No surprise bills.
Typical Examples
Journal Article Formatting (body + citations): $475–$1,100 (22–30 pages, body + citations, light copyedit, style guide provided)
Citations & References Only: $235–$610 (APA/Chicago standardization, 30–40 references)
Proofreading: $215–$350 (final check before submission; no format review)
Copyediting: $440–$750 (grammar, flow, clarity, 25–35 page paper)
Line Editing: $485–$645 (tone, transitions, and paragraph flow, 25–30 pages)
Structure & Argument: $535–$835 (comments only; selected fields)
What’s included in an edit (passes & “silent changes”)
I work in deliberate passes to keep your voice intact and your document clean:
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Diagnostic skim – fast read to spot patterns and plan the edit
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Silent changes – standardized fixes applied without comment (spacing, basic styles, page numbers, font/line consistency)
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Primary editorial pass – the core work for your service (proofreading, copy/line editing, or structure comments)
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Targeted sweeps – focused checks for one issue at a time (e.g., headings consistency, figure/table callouts, citation cross-matches)
Result: your draft reads smoothly and credibly—without drowning you in accept/reject clutter.
Billing: milestone-based—≤2 weeks: 50/50 • 2–8 weeks: 30/40/30 • >8 weeks: milestone or monthly.
Estimates: calculated at 250 words/page; one within-scope revision included within 10 days. Estimates reflect a multi-pass workflow (diagnostic skim, silent changes, focused edit, targeted sweeps). Invoices via HoneyBook; ACH/card accepted.
Each project begins with a written estimate and a signed contract, never a one-click purchase. Your project is scoped to your draft: length, level of edit, references, and complexity. After a review of a sample, I’ll send a written estimate with scope, deliverables, fee, payment timing, and a proposed start window. When possible, I quote a fixed amount; if the scope is uncertain, I’ll give a clear not-to-exceed range. No surprise bills.
| Service | Scope & Inclusions | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Journal Article Formatting (body + citations) | Scope & Inclusions (replace block): Format the manuscript body to the target journal’s guide and standardize all in-text citations and the reference list. Includes: • Apply journal style (headings, captions, tables) • Align tables/figures and callouts • Format in-text citations and rebuild the reference list (APA/Chicago/etc.) • Light copyedit for clarity (by request) • Journal style guide supplied by author | $475–$1,100 |
| Format Journal Citations & References Only | Scope & Inclusions (tighten): Standardize in-text citations and rebuild the reference list only. Includes: • Apply consistent citation style (APA/Chicago/etc.) • Reformat and proof reference entries • Check punctuation, years, and author names for accuracy • No body formatting | $235–$610 |
| Proofreading | Scope & Inclusions (clarify single-pass surface level): (Two-pass QA available by estimate) | $360–$500 |
| Copyediting | Scope & Inclusions (add voice + AI-aware note): Improve clarity, grammar, and sentence flow while preserving voice. Includes: • Fix grammar, syntax, and consistency • Clarify awkward phrasing • Maintain author tone • Format-neutral (citations handled separately) • Calibrated for AI-influenced drafts (keeps your voice, removes generic phrasing) | $440–$750 |
| Line Editing | Scope & Inclusions (tighten outcomes): Refine academic tone and paragraph flow for readability. Includes: • Tighten language and remove redundancy • Strengthen transitions • Adjust for concision and precision • Preserve author voice; align tone with venue/audience | $485–$645 |
| Structure & Argument (Selected Fields Only) | Scope & Inclusions (be explicit about “comments only” and limits): Structural review for logic and flow (marginal comments only; no rewrite). Includes: • Identify gaps and suggest section re-ordering • Comment on argument strength and coherence • Offered only in fields of expertise | $535–$835 |
Compare Services:
Standard vs. Enhanced
Every service comes in two package levels — here’s what’s included.
Services
Standard Package
Enhanced Package
Journal Article Formatting (body + citations)
Format the manuscript body to the journal guide and standardize in-text citations + reference list.
• Apply journal style (headings, captions, tables)
• Align figure/table callouts
• Format citations; rebuild the reference list (APA/Chicago/etc.)
• Light copyedit for clarity (by request)
Everything in Standard, plus a second quality pass on references and layout.
• Cross-check in-text citations ↔ reference list
• Resolve duplicates/mismatches; flag missing data
• Verify numbering and journal-specific nuances
Format Journal Citations & References Only
Standardize in-text citations and rebuild the reference list to one style.
• Apply consistent punctuation and order
• Proof years and author names
• No body formatting
Everything in Standard, plus manual verification that every in-text citation appears in the list (and vice versa).
• Fix mismatched or duplicate entries
• Note missing info for the author to supply
Proofreading
Final polish after formatting—surface-level check for submission.
• Typos, punctuation, spacing
• Light layout touch-up
• No citation edits or reformatting
Everything in Standard, plus a consistency sweep.
• Hyphenation, numerals, captions
• Reference punctuation tidy
• Brief note on recurring issues
Copyediting
Improve clarity, grammar, and sentence flow while preserving voice.
• Fix grammar, usage, and consistency
• Clarify awkward phrasing; tighten wording
• Calibrated for AI-influenced drafts (keeps your voice; removes generic phrasing)
Everything in Standard, plus deeper stylistic polish.
• Rhythm and concision
• Stronger transitions
• Short margin notes for major changes
Line Editing
Refine tone and paragraph flow for readability.
• Remove redundancy; tighten language
• Strengthen transitions
• Maintain academic voice
Everything in Standard, plus targeted polish for venue/audience.
• Section-to-section flow
• Readability improvements; reduce jargon without losing precision
Structure & Argument
(Selected Fields Only)
Comments-only Comments-only structural review for logic and flow.
• Identify gaps/overlap; suggest re-ordering
• Strengthen argument coherence
• No rewriting
Everything in Standard, plus section-level recommendations.
• Brief memo summarizing logic, clarity priorities, and next steps
Add-Ons & Options (on request)
- Rush Turnaround – Accelerated schedule when capacity allows. Typical +30% (up to +50% for weekend/holiday or multi-author work). Requires ≥48 hours’ notice and a confirmed deadline in the estimate.
- Submission Compliance Check – Final checklist against the journal’s author guide (word/abstract limits, headings order, figure/table numbering, file naming). Pairs well with Journal Article Formatting; prevents last-minute desk rejections.
- Reference Audit Memo – A concise 2–3 page memo that inventories citation issues (style drift, missing entries, mismatches) and includes 5–10 corrected exemplars. Delivered as a separate document. Can be converted to a full reference rebuild if approved.
- Similarity Report (iThenticate) — $295 flat
Pre-submission scan + a 1-page note explaining the results and next steps. Includes one free re-scan within 14 days. (Similarity ≠ misconduct; no rewriting included.) - Writing Coaching – Light-touch, ICF-aligned coaching to build clarity and traction before, during, or after editing. $100/hour or $250 for a 3-session series. Focus areas: scope/aim, voice, and revision planning.
Add-ons appear as separate line items in your estimate.
I only recommend them when they help you submit with greater clarity, confidence, or alignment with journal expectations.