About copy editing
Depending on the draft at hand copy editing can take on different forms. As principle authors we all make mistakes. We tend to have preferred sentence building or use specific words excessively. We overlook awkward sentences, use insiders wording incomprehensible to outsiders or end up in very long sentences. We forget to polish these mistakes because we focus on data, arguments and storyline which can be hard enough when 10 or more authors all pitch in. Even if these are minor, such mistakes are still detrimental to the reader's experience and can lead to a prolonged review-process.
In my copy editing I focus on the fluidity if the text. Is it a strenuous read ? Is the narrative conveyed properly ? Does the wording fit the audience ?
I then try to find subtle corrections that will increase the readability. If it needs a bit more; I will change a bit more.
In short: My copy editing aims to shorten the time you spend on writing as much as possible and (in case of scientific manuscripts) to avoid letting language get in the way during the review process.
About substantive editing
Substantive editing focuses on the storyline, arguments and data presentation. There is often much to be gained by substantive editing by an an outsider.
This is because after working years on a project we get a certain level of narrow mindedness that, more often than not, filters through to the manuscript. We have a predetermined organisation of the results that may not be logical for reviewers. We tend to forget pointing out why this particular binding event, enzymatic cleavage or translocation demonstrate our conclusion. We assume reviewers also see the logic of this particular normalisation, showing the omit map at 0.7 sigma or a T-test etc.
With substantive editing I focus on avoiding reviewers rejecting the manuscript due to some utterly unforeseen focus on details the authors might find completely insignificant. Firstly, by playing the devils advocate (or that "2nd reviewer"). Secondly, by suggesting changes to that may clarify details or change focus in parts of the manuscript.
In other words my substantive editing aims to shorten the writing process but also to add an extra perspective on the manuscript and ideally shorten the review process.
Why me ?
I am highly qualified and have experience in writing and editing for a wide variety of subjects within Life Sciences ranging from transgenic plants to structure based drug design.
My feedback is honest, concise and straight to the point.
I am flexible and an efficient communicator
Which subjects?
I edit within my comfort zone and I have listed examples of my preferred subject areas below:
Structural biology: X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, SAXS, SANS etc. as well computational and theoretical chemistry
Biochemistry: Protein-protein interactions, enzyme kinetics, protein purification. Anything protein basically.
Biophysics: Thermodynamics, mass spectrometry, fluorimetry, surface plasmon resonance
Molecular biology: Cloning, heterologous protein expression.
This is to provide an overview and does not mean that your manuscript needs to be a perfect for the above. I have also edited manuscripts within subjects such as microbiology and translational medicine.
Types of texts
I edit journal manuscripts, theses, proposals and other texts
Procedure
Provide as much detail on your text as you prefer though the contact page. If needed we will sign a digital non-disclosure agreement. Note that I am 100% confidential at all times. I will then provide a quote.
In general I customise all jobs.
Deliverable
When I have edited the text I will send a document (word format if nothing else is agreed upon) with changes tracked and margin comments.
For substantive editing I also deliver a report.
Note that: It is possible to let manuscripts to go back and forth.
Timeframe
The editing process typically takes a day but there may be other assignments ahead in the pipeline. For short deadlines contact me for pricing, timeframe etc.
Pricing
Copy-editing: 1 - 1,5 SEK per word words depending on delivery time
Substantive editing 1,5 - 2,5 SEK per word depending on delivery time
Prices exclude VAT - contact me for an offer.