EDITING 101: Why You Need an Academic Editor

In past posts, I have described the many hats that an editor may wear, and why you might need an editor if you're a novelist, or if you are looking at punching up your resume. Did you know that studies indicate that over 70 percent of those who hold master's and doctoral degrees, when polled, wished that they'd had an editor when they were writing their thesis or dissertation? You might take a step back and say, "But they're pursuing advanced degrees! Surely they have the English language mastered!" You might be surprised to know that no matter what level a student may reach in their academic career, there is always a need for a good editor!

I have seen this in my own rather long career as an academic editor and writing coach: We all tend to write like we speak, oftentimes forgetting the difference between informal and formal, academic register. No matter how "good" of a writer we are, we still make little (and not so little) mistakes when it comes to presentation, flow, and communication of ideas. And it's hard sometimes to admit to this reality. I know this to be true, because I am an editor and author. I have written a thesis and a dissertation, and I consider myself to be the "Grammar Queen," and it irks me to no end when I find silly typos or even more serious flow issues in my writing. But that's where a good editor comes in!

A good academic editor will do the following:

• Check for general flow and easy understanding of ideas, thoughts, and concepts in your writing

• Know the format in which your paper should be written, and know it well

• Ask you for a general style and form guideline from your particular institution so that they may ensure your paper follows not only the general format it should be in, but conforms to your particular institution's requirements

• Give you DETAILED feedback, which includes the GOOD THINGS you're presenting in your manuscript, as well as what should be re-worded/fixed

• Will not pretend to know your CONTENT, but will edit the WAY YOU PRESENT YOUR CONTENT

• Will defer to your dissertation chair/committee for questions they cannot answer

• Ask questions, even if they might be tough to hear

• SUGGEST rather than INSIST on changes

• Always remember that this is YOUR project, and won't try to change your manuscript's voice or general trajectory

I would love to help you make your manuscript the best it can be! Make an appointment for a free consultation today!