You need |
your manuscript
|
You get |
1. a clean manuscript with
2. an editorial report or email with broad feedback 3. a style sheet, detailing how certain elements were treated in the manuscript (see: how to use style sheets) |
Cost |
USD50 per hour or project-based quote. See my FAQ for rates and process. |
File types |
Word (preferred, with tracked changes), Google Docs |
A solid copyedit and line editing will help make sure that you can effectively communicate what you want to your intended readers.
- Academics: Your research and findings will be more convincing, and your manuscript will be ready for submission.
- International development agencies: Your writing will be clearer and the communication will professional, respectful, inclusive, and accessible for your international audiences.
Her editing and editorial advice helped keep the messaging crisp and concise.
— Ira Martina Drupady, Research Associate, National University of Singapore
What kind of edit do you need?
You might need just a technical “surface” clean-up (copyedit) or something that goes a bit deeper (line editing). Here are the broad distinctions that I make between the two.
Copyediting: A “technical” clean-up
Copyediting is mostly about cleaning up the text so it’s ready for the designer to lay out. (CIEP calls this a “technical” level of copyediting.)
I’ll check your document for
- style and consistency
- grammar, spelling, and syntax at the sentence level
- completeness: all the pieces that are supposed to be there are there (for example, are all figures there? Are the references complete?*)
- basic accessibility (in headings, lists, tables, images)
Line editing: A deeper review
With line editing, I’ll help you make sure your messages are clear and the paragraphs flow logically and convincingly. (CIEP calls this a “structural” level of copyediting.)
Some questions I might ask:
- Are there any ambiguous terms and sentences? Can the language be tightened?
- Does the overall organization and flow make sense? Is it easy for a reader to follow the writing?
- Is each argument clear and supported by evidence?
- Are there any inconsistencies in claims?
- Is the tone and level of language used appropriate for your intended audience?
You can learn more about the two in my article on copyediting vs. line editing. In the end, it doesn’t really matter what you call it as long as you know what kind of edits you need and tell me.
*A note on references
I will spot-check references for completeness. However, if you want me to thoroughly review and format all references, we need to agree to it before you hire me. Kindly note I charge checking of references by the hour.
Ema handled the complex and abstract language in my manuscript with precision and speed
— S.S., doctoral candidate
Get in touch to discuss whether we might be a good fit for your scholarly or international development writing project!
Examples of past work
Baldwin, Richard, Jeison Cárdenas and Cristina Fernández. Telemigration and Digitally Enabled Service Exports: Opportunities for Colombia. Geneva: Thinking Ahead on Societal Change Platform, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, 2021.
Baldwin, Richard, and Simon Evenett. COVID-19 and Trade Policy. London: Centre for Economic Policy Research, 2020. (Edited selected chapters.)
Fernandes, Ana, Nadia Rocha, and Michele Ruta. The Economics of Deep Trade Agreements. Centre for Economic Policy Research and World Bank, 2021.
Also:
- Articles on VoxEU.org, the policy portal of the Centre for Economic Policy Research (regular & ongoing)
- Chapters in edited books on social security systems (2022) and on social work and communication (2023)
- Six reports to the Singaporean government on nuclear governance, 2021 and 2022.
- Academic abstracts
- Lay summaries for the web of academic research
- Fundraising documents: pitch decks, concept notes, project proposals
- Project documents, project completion reports
- Learning needs assessment reports, evaluation reports
- Communication materials: website articles, press releases, calls for applications, social media
- Letters to donors, agreements
- Website text for small companies and non-profit organizations
- Training materials for a public-speaking training company
- Pitch deck for biotech startup
- Print ad and promotional video text and captions for a clinic
- Meeting “scripts” for a project manager in the private sector
- Internal presentation on business-expansion plans for a major private hospital in Bangkok
- CVs and coverletters
Other useful info
Learn more about working with me and about the differences between proofreading, copyediting, and line editing.
FAQ
What do you need? Copyediting vs. proofreading