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As a native English speaker and author, researchers often don’t feel the need to take the help of professional editors when finalizing their manuscripts. Besides, artificial intelligence (AI) tools have simplified the editing process, right? So, do academic editing services still provide value for money?
We’ve previously addressed the difference between AI editing and human editing, where we explored how human intervention becomes necessary despite the excellent support provided by AI editing tools. In this blog, we give you a checklist of 10 questions that you must ask—and answer—before selecting an academic editing service.
1. What training do your editors receive? What kind of experience do they have?
2. What types of services do you offer?
3. How much will your academic editing service cost?
4. What types of academic documents do you edit?
5. Can I see some sample edits?
6. Do you have tie-ups with publishers and will it help my publication?
7. Do you also format the manuscript as per target journal guidelines?
8. What if I’m not happy with the editor’s work? Do you offer a refund?
9. Do you provide post-publication support?
10. Can you help me write a cover letter for journal submission?
1. What training do your editors receive? What kind of experience do they have?
You do not just want an expert English editor working on your manuscript. You want the editor to be an expert in your subject area as well. Academic editing warrants a significantly deeper assessment than simply checking for accuracy in language and grammar. So here’s what you should ask:
- Is the editor from my study background? Are they equipped to validate the technical accuracy of my paper?
- May I know how many years of editing experience they have? And in this period, how many manuscripts have been successfully published through their support?
- I like the editor’s profile. Would it be possible to see user testimonials shared for this editor?
- Do you provide special training for your editors? Are they BELS certified?
2. What types of services do you offer?
A manuscript requires unique editing support at varying stages of preparation. It is never a one-size-fits-all scenario.
- For instance, if you’re an author quite confident of your academic writing and only require quick checks for publication-ready language, technical accuracy, and structural flow, you probably require a Standard English Editing service.
- For a more in-depth editorial review and to make a strong argument for your research with correct logic and structured sentences, you would want a Premium English Editing service.
- Some services also offer Scientific Editing, wherein a pre-submission expert peer review evaluation gives you a better idea of your manuscript’s submission readiness. This service could be useful for mid-career or senior researchers targeting high-impact journals.
So ask yourself: “What type of service would help me achieve my goal?” and check whether the academic editing service covers your needs.
3. How much will your academic editing service cost?
Pricing matters! So get a quotation for the service requested, with clear details of what the service will cover. Often, websites mention the cost on a per word basis. For example, Editage’s Premium English Editing costs $0.065 per word. But what exactly does this pricing entail?
- FREE manuscript formatting and re-editing for a year (when submitting the same manuscript to the same journal)
- Crafting a compelling cover letter
- 1 round of plagiarism check
- Unlimited Q&A with your expert editor
So, it’s more than just English editing. But always clarify the cost and coverage before finalizing the service.
4. What types of academic documents do you edit?
The next question to ask is regarding the type of document they edit, along with the file type. Some journals require you to submit LaTeX files, while others prefer the MS Word template. Check whether the editors are adept at handling all file types.
As for the document type: What is it that you wish to submit?
- Research article
- Review paper
- Case report
- Clinical case study
- Monograph
- Conference paper
- Thesis or dissertation
- Book manuscript
- Abstract
Determine whether the service is known for managing all types of documents.
5. Can I see some sample edits?
Top academic editing services often include sample edits of documents from various subject areas on their website to give you some idea of what to expect from the service.
But if that’s not enough, ask whether they are willing to edit a small portion of your manuscript, like say 500 words, for a lesser fee. Alternatively, you may request that they share a published manuscript previously edited by the editor assigned to your paper. This way, you will know that you are getting insights from the right expert.
6. Do you have tie-ups with publishers and will it help my publication?
Academic editing services typically collaborate with established publishing houses to support their in-house editing. Inquire about these. It cannot guarantee publication. Truly, no one can. And if the journal or service “promises” publication, run! It is highly likely to be predatory!
But what you can check is this: Will this collaboration speed up my publication in any way? Will my manuscript be prioritized for review over other submissions? Ask feasible questions to set the right expectations.
7. Do you also format the manuscript as per target journal guidelines?
Journal formatting is one of the most tedious tasks, and researchers cannot always devote time from their busy schedule to get every single journal instruction right! So, see if this service is available.
- Manuscript formatting could be an entirely separate service; for example, Editage’s Manuscript formatting Service is offered at $60.
- Alternatively, it could be part of the English Editing service depending on the package you choose.
Check which suits your needs best before finalizing the service plan.
8. What if I’m not happy with the editor’s work? Do you offer a refund?
It is only natural to want your money’s worth when using any service. And if you are dissatisfied, your first instinct is to demand a refund!
However, in academic editing, frame the question slightly differently: “What if I’m not happy with the editor’s work? Will you rework on it until I’m satisfied with the outcome?”
As authors, look for long-term collaboration with your editing service providers. If one editor’s work is not up to the mark, point this out and explain what went wrong.
- Were the suggestions unclear?
- Was the feedback insufficient?
- Did you receive negative feedback on language and grammar from the journal post submission?
- What are your expectations from the re-editing support?
Highlight the problems so it can be addressed in the second round of editing. Remember, the goal is to prepare a strong, publication-ready research paper that can contribute to your field positively. So, rather than insisting on a refund, figure out the best way to work together for a stronger research paper submission.
9. Do you provide post-publication support?
Research publication goes beyond getting published, and it is no longer just about editing and proofreading. You need research promotion support as well. From creative eye-catching graphical abstracts to meaningful carousels that still speak academic language through simplicity, an expert post-publication support system from your editing service can push your research to the next level.
Check if this is an option and whether the academic editing service is experienced in supporting researchers even after journal publication.
- Is there a suite of services or a complete publication support package available?
- May I see some success stories of your clients?
- Can visual abstracts truly help promote my research on digital platforms? If yes, how?
- Do the benefits match the expense?
Ask the right questions and determine if an end-to-end publication support package fits your budget and time.
10. Can you help me write a cover letter for journal submission?
A cover letter is a must for journal submissions. And as the author of the research paper, there’s no one better than you to write a cover letter that talks about your work, is there?
But the cover letter should do more than just “talking” about your research; it should convince the journal editor that your research is worth being published in their esteemed journal. So, even if you are confident of writing it, check whether an academic editing expert can review it.
- Is the argument strong enough?
- Has the novelty been highlighted?
- Is the match with journal scope clearly explained?
- Are the findings and implications mentioned in the letter align with the topics of interest to the journal?
An expertly crafted cover letter can go a long way in expediting your paper acceptance. So, do not underestimate its importance!
Conclusion
As the research landscape adapts to this new AI-driven support, academic editing services with a human touch adds incredible value to your research paper. Ask the correct questions and choose the right academic editing service that aligns their interests with your publication goals.
