Richard Ashcroft


Biomedical editing and proofreading


richard.ashcroft@anglopolonia.com

Editing services

I always make text corrections in Word documents using Word's 'track changes' mode. This provides a clear record of all changes made to the text, which can be accepted or rejected at the author's discretion. For a theoretical example of text modified during proofreading using 'track changes', see here. Apart from such basic copy editing, I also often provide comments for elucidation, or to indicate unclear passages of text or other problems requiring further discussion with the author. Read more about the editorial process.

I provide editing services at three levels, described as follows in order of increasing workload and editorial input:

Proofreading

This involves checking the text once for mistakes in vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations and units of measure. All technical terms are checked by consultation with specialist dictionaries. Sentences using faulty word order are rearranged. The style principles set out in the AMA Manual of Style, or the house rules of a particular journal or publisher, are adhered to. In case of any doubt, comments are added to the text, and I encourage discussion of such doubtful terms or phrases by email or phone.

Manuscript editing

This includes all of the services described above under proofreading, and additionally the following.
All clumsy or confusing sentences are re-written for improved clarity and naturalness of style. In the case of translations or texts written by non-native users of English, this includes changing 'translationese' into more natural English, as far as possible within the constraints of accuracy and maintaining the author's individual voice. Consistency of terms is applied throughout the text. References are checked in full against the original reference titles. After completing the editorial changes, I then check the whole text again to ensure that no mistakes remain.

Full editing services

This includes all of the services described above under proofreading and manuscript editing, and additionally the following.
I provide in-depth commentary on the text and suggestions for improvement. Where necessary to meet publication standards, major re-writing will be undertaken, in cooperation with the author. After completing the original editing, I am ready to provide unlimited further checking, re-writing, proofreading and consultation regarding the manuscript, for an unlimited length of time, and at no further cost. I will address in full any comments and suggestions concerning language made by journal editors, reviewers or other commenters. A quality guarantee is also provided: If for any reason the client is not fully satisfied at the end of the editorial process, a 30% discount on the fee is granted unconditionally.


© Richard Ashcroft, AngloPolonia, 2010 top