organic editing
ABN: 70 414 137 873

An editing service for scientists, medical researchers, educators, and other writers.

Editing of
  • books, particularly in the life science/natural history fields
  • government scientific reports
  • environmental impact statements
  • scientific and medical research manuscripts for publication in academic journals
  • online text
  • submissions, e.g. for VCAT environmental issues
  • exhibition text
  • educational materials (primary, secondary, tertiary)
Other enquiries are welcome.


1. Formatting
  • formatting of work in accordance with journal instructions for authors/grant submission rules/publishers' guidelines
  • reformatting of a manuscript for resubmission to another journal

2. Styling and template application

3. Copyediting
  • formatting as described above
  • indicating spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors
  • styling (for spelling, punctuation, font, heading hierarchy, etc.)
  • checking for correlation between citations and the References list
  • suggestions re. inappropriate syntax and over-long sentences
  • checking for conventions of scientific word usage
  • checking for words repeated within a paragraph
  • clarifying ambiguities
If the intended meaning is obscure or if readability could be significantly improved, a higher-level copyedit or a structural edit may be recommended.

4. Structural editing
  • copyediting as described above
  • rewriting sections that are not clearly presented
  • inserting transitional words where appropriate to connect ideas and improve the flow of an argument
  • deleting excess words to enhance readability, clarity and conciseness
  • checking for contradictions
  • checking for presentation of ideas in a logical order
  • suggesting possible improvements to the text to enhance impact

5. Writing and research
  • educational materials
  • other project enquiries welcome

Turnaround

I will be enthusiastic about helping you get your research published, and I understand the need for quick turnaround for editing once you are ready to submit your paper. I can generally offer five days maximum turnaround after 'go-ahead' for a copyedit of a manuscript of up to 10,000 words. Faster and larger project turnaround is negotiable. A structural edit or higher-level copyedit may require a second round of editing (in which case the agreement is normally a turnaround of three additional days maximum after receipt of author replies for up to 10,000 words). Editing commences upon email confirmation that you wish to proceed.

Process

Email me your manuscript (including tables and figure legends) in the form of one Word document (Windows or Mac), together with a readable copy of your figures. If your files are too large to email, I can send you details of an ftp site to which you can upload them. To save on additional correspondence time, please ensure you follow the heading format requested by the journal (e.g. Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Supplementary Data, Acknowledgements, Conflict of Interest, Funding, References, Tables, Figure Legends) and provide all information required (your selected scientific journal, type of manuscript, shortened title, etc.).

I will advise whether the manuscript has been assessed as requiring (i) a format, (ii) a copyedit and format, and/or (iii) a structural edit, and provide an obligation-free quote. For large projects for new clients, a sample of the edited work will be provided free of charge.

After copyediting, the manuscript will be returned to you with changes tracked so that you are at liberty to accept/reject suggested edits. A list of author queries will be included. If needed, I will provide information on how to view author queries and suggested alterations to text.

A structural edit or a higher-level copyedit is generally completed and returned to the author with queries checking meaning has not been misconstrued, and enquiring as to any author expression preferences. A second edit can then be performed on receipt of the author's replies to queries if needed.

English language editing can be adapted for Australian, UK, US or Canadian English publications.


Costing
  • reasonable rates
  • free quotations provided for writing and editing projects
  • sample edits provided free for large projects for new clients

Client responsibilities
  • accuracy and validity of content, logic and conclusions of documents (although any glaring discrepancies noticed will be mentioned)
  • reviewing tracked changes for acceptance/rejection (proofreading is available after author review at a reduced rate)
  • compliance with plagiarism legalities and copyright regulations
  • compliance with the requirements of educational institutions
  • compliance with confidentiality requirements of organisations

Organic Editing responsibilities

Organic Editing has an excellent record of satisfied clients. You will receive well-edited work adhering to style guides and specified formatting requirements within the agreed time-frame. Fees cover labour provided and are non-refundable. The editor is highly qualified, experienced and dedicated, but human! Organic Editing will correct any error at no cost. Organic Editing retains the right to refuse work deemed unachievable within the time schedule or more appropriate for another editing service.


Confidentiality

The client is responsible for observing the confidentiality requirements of employers. All work submitted to Organic Editing remains the intellectual property of the client and confidentiality will be strictly observed.