Dawes Scientific Editing
  • Scientific English Editing
    • Details of editing service
    • Recently Edited Publications
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Please contact me here with editing requests or questions

Practical details

  • My hourly rate for editing services is CHF 100 (CHF 75 for self-paying students). The amount of time I need for editing depends not only on the length of the text but also on quality of writing in the original text and the level of editing requested (see below). I can provide a cost estimate after an initial review of the text if necessary.
  • I usually require one week to edit a manuscript for a journal article of standard length, but I try to accommodate more urgent deadlines. Please include your preferred deadline in your request. For larger assignments (e.g. books, reports, websites) I work with the author to arrange deadlines.
  • I add my suggestions electronically, using the ‘Track Changes’ function in Microsoft Word, the OverLeaf interface (for LaTeX documents), or the editing tools available in Adobe Acrobat (for PDFs).
  • I offer translation services (German to English) in addition to editing assistance. Please contact me to discuss your specific translation needs.

Standard language editing

CHF 100 per hour = approx. CHF 60 per 1000 words
I complete meticulous language editing so that readers can easily focus on the science you present.
  • I correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and syntax.
  • I optimize word choice and sentence structure for readability and conciseness.
  • I offer suggestions to improve the logical flow of the sentences and paragraphs.
  • I provide detailed comments directly in the manuscript explaining why I made certain changes. I am happy to reread sections after further revision and to address questions and more complex points via email or phone.
  • I correct for consistent use of American or British English language conventions.
  • I ensure that the manuscript follows the style and formatting requirements of the provided target journal or the standards set by a specified style guide (e.g. Chicago Manual of Style, New Oxford Style Manual).
  • I point out errors and inconsistencies in the reference list and in-line citations (I edit these sections in detail only when specifically requested).




Substantive editing

CHF 100 per hour = approx. CHF 100 per 1000 words
In addition to completing standard language editing, I carefully consider the scientific content of the manuscript. This part takes more time but often makes more of a difference to the scientific impact and publication success of the paper. I believe this input is what sets my work apart from many other language editing services.
  • I consider how effectively the main messages are conveyed and offer suggestions to enhance the overall paper structure and argumentation.
  • I point out aspects of the methods that may need more explanation for the work to be fully understood or repeated.
  • I check all figures and tables carefully, pointing out formatting issues or aspects that seem unclear, inconsistent, or repetitive given the results reported in the manuscript text.
  • I check for consistent terminology throughout the main text, figures, tables, and any Supplementary Material.
  • For papers that have been through the review process with a journal, I offer to read (and edit if requested) the reviewer response letter, checking any linguistic points and offering suggestions to present the manuscript revisions in the best possible light.
Please contact me here with editing requests or questions
  • Scientific English Editing
    • Details of editing service
    • Recently Edited Publications
  • Research
  • Contact