Why use a professional editor?
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Your time is valuable! Most students prefer to focus on research and writing content. An editor can save you precious time by helping with proofreading, formatting, and citations. Additionally, it's nice to have "fresh eyes" take a look at your content and help you improve clarity, flow, and organization. I would like to help you every step of the way, from rough draft to successful defense.
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May 2023 Graduation
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What services do you provide?
My typical services include:
Formatting
Using the template appropriate for your work (thesis, dissertation, project), I will check front and back matter (title page, table of contents, lists, appendices, bibliography, vita, etc.), titles, spacing, pagination, sub-heading styles, fonts, indentation, normal vs. block quotations, margins, tables, and figures.
Proofreading
I will check for typos, capitalization, punctuation, misspelling, and other minor issues. If you would like more comprehensive editing, I will check for grammar, word choice, expression, etc.
Citations
I will correct your footnote and bibliography citations. This includes validating each source to ensure you have the complete title and subtitle, author name(s), and publication details. If I do not have access to a source (especially e-book sources with irregular pagination), then I will ask you for the information needed to correct the citation.
SBTS Style
I will ensure your content adheres to standards set forth by the SBTS Manual of Style, the SBL Handbook, and the Chicago Manual of Style.
Formatting
Using the template appropriate for your work (thesis, dissertation, project), I will check front and back matter (title page, table of contents, lists, appendices, bibliography, vita, etc.), titles, spacing, pagination, sub-heading styles, fonts, indentation, normal vs. block quotations, margins, tables, and figures.
Proofreading
I will check for typos, capitalization, punctuation, misspelling, and other minor issues. If you would like more comprehensive editing, I will check for grammar, word choice, expression, etc.
Citations
I will correct your footnote and bibliography citations. This includes validating each source to ensure you have the complete title and subtitle, author name(s), and publication details. If I do not have access to a source (especially e-book sources with irregular pagination), then I will ask you for the information needed to correct the citation.
SBTS Style
I will ensure your content adheres to standards set forth by the SBTS Manual of Style, the SBL Handbook, and the Chicago Manual of Style.
What additional services do you offer?
I offer services in addition to the typical services most editors offer. These include:
Statistical Analysis Assistance
I have extensive experience with Microsoft Excel, including reviewing summary statistics, frequency distributions, and t-tests. I can review your tables and formulas to ensure your statistics are correct and your interpretations sound.
Research and Ethics Committee Forms
I can guide you through the process of preparing the ethics approval forms for review by your faculty supervisor and the SBTS Ethics Committee.
Post-defense Editing
If you have defended your project, and your supervisor and/or reader has asked you to add to or edit any content in your project, I can review these changes and prepare updated drafts for your final printing.
Failed Style Readings
If you have failed a style reading (preliminary or defense draft), and I have suggested you hire an editor to correct your draft, your doctoral office can provide a list of editors who can assist you in correcting your draft. My name is on that list, but I still recommend that you contact several editors to determine who is available, especially if it is close to a submission deadline,
All of these additional services are offered at the hourly rate outlined in the next section.
Statistical Analysis Assistance
I have extensive experience with Microsoft Excel, including reviewing summary statistics, frequency distributions, and t-tests. I can review your tables and formulas to ensure your statistics are correct and your interpretations sound.
Research and Ethics Committee Forms
I can guide you through the process of preparing the ethics approval forms for review by your faculty supervisor and the SBTS Ethics Committee.
Post-defense Editing
If you have defended your project, and your supervisor and/or reader has asked you to add to or edit any content in your project, I can review these changes and prepare updated drafts for your final printing.
Failed Style Readings
If you have failed a style reading (preliminary or defense draft), and I have suggested you hire an editor to correct your draft, your doctoral office can provide a list of editors who can assist you in correcting your draft. My name is on that list, but I still recommend that you contact several editors to determine who is available, especially if it is close to a submission deadline,
All of these additional services are offered at the hourly rate outlined in the next section.
How much time does this take, and what does it cost?
Complimentary Consultation
I invite all potential clients to take advantage of a free initial consultation (usually a 30-minute discussion via Zoom). Prior to the consultation, you would send me your work, and I would review approximately 15 pages of your content as well as your formatting, adherence to SBTS style, and citations to date. During the consultation, I would suggest what editing services you may consider. You should ask also any questions you have about the editing process. My previous clients have described this consultation as very helpful in their decision-making process.
Estimating Time of Completion
Each person’s project is different and their specific editing needs vary. I am typically able to edit 5 to 7 pages of content per hour, dependent on the quality of the draft. I work as quickly as I can. It is difficult to estimate the total time of review. This is one reason the initial consult is very helpful—you can get an idea of what will be needed in your project. I also frequently updated my clients on time spent on their project.
Rate for SBTS Students
I charge $40 per hour for projects or papers on a typical timeline. I charge $45 per hour for projects due within 6 weeks and less than 100 pages. I charge $50 per hour for projects due within 6 weeks and greater than 100 pages. The page count includes front and back matter since every page is edited. I do not establish whole project fees or estimates as each project is different and specific editing needs vary. I track my time to the minute and invoice the pro-rated hourly charge. You select the editing services you need, and I focus only on these services. This maximizes the value of my services and your investment.
Book / Commercial Editing and Editing for Students at Other Institutions
I no longer accept editing work outside of SBTS.
I invite all potential clients to take advantage of a free initial consultation (usually a 30-minute discussion via Zoom). Prior to the consultation, you would send me your work, and I would review approximately 15 pages of your content as well as your formatting, adherence to SBTS style, and citations to date. During the consultation, I would suggest what editing services you may consider. You should ask also any questions you have about the editing process. My previous clients have described this consultation as very helpful in their decision-making process.
Estimating Time of Completion
Each person’s project is different and their specific editing needs vary. I am typically able to edit 5 to 7 pages of content per hour, dependent on the quality of the draft. I work as quickly as I can. It is difficult to estimate the total time of review. This is one reason the initial consult is very helpful—you can get an idea of what will be needed in your project. I also frequently updated my clients on time spent on their project.
Rate for SBTS Students
I charge $40 per hour for projects or papers on a typical timeline. I charge $45 per hour for projects due within 6 weeks and less than 100 pages. I charge $50 per hour for projects due within 6 weeks and greater than 100 pages. The page count includes front and back matter since every page is edited. I do not establish whole project fees or estimates as each project is different and specific editing needs vary. I track my time to the minute and invoice the pro-rated hourly charge. You select the editing services you need, and I focus only on these services. This maximizes the value of my services and your investment.
Book / Commercial Editing and Editing for Students at Other Institutions
I no longer accept editing work outside of SBTS.
Can you describe the editing process?
The method I use for comments, corrections, and suggestions is as follows:
- You send me your draft and tell me exactly what you want in editing services (if it differs from what we’ve already discussed). You tell me approximately when you would like me to return the revisions to you. I appreciate 5 to 7 days’ notice.
- I edit all documents in MS Word using the Tracking Changes and Comments features on the Review menu. I provide clean and edited versions to you and suggest that you work from the clean version.
- I make direct edits (punctuation, typos, spelling issues) that do not add or remove content but rearrange it to improve construction or clarity. If you request content feedback, I can make direct edits that improve or remove content. This is common when a client wants to elevate academic tone or reduce word count. I do not add original/new content.
- Indirect edits are made using the Comments feature. These may include suggestions to reduce repetitiveness, reorganize sentences in a paragraph for improved flow, or add transition wording for better readability. I may comment with a question concerning what you intend to convey. Ideally, you would answer that question and make the necessary change to your text.
- When you have approved the content for that editing round, I will send a clean copy of the file to you with an invoice for services.
What about the Style Reading?
Your preliminary draft and defense draft must be reviewed
by the SBTS Doctoral Style Reader.
Note: As of July 1, 2023, I am the SBTS Doctoral Style Reader.
by the SBTS Doctoral Style Reader.
Note: As of July 1, 2023, I am the SBTS Doctoral Style Reader.
SBTS Style Reading Process Overview
submission does not conform to the SBTS style reading guidelines, it will be returned for correction and resubmission. This can be a time-consuming and costly process, as there are fees associated with failing a style reading. If you are not confident that your draft will meet all the requirements in the Style Submission Checklist, it is worth your time and money to invest in an editor.
As the SBTS Style Reader, when I complete a style reading, I comment on all of the errors that need to be addressed in a draft. You could make all of these corrections yourself using my feedback, the SBTS Manual of Style, and the Citation Quick Guide. If you prefer to hire an editor, I will provide a list of editors who can assist you in correcting your draft. My name is on that list, but I will recommend that you contact several editors to determine who is available, especially if it is close to a submission deadline.
Preliminary Style Reading Editing Services
If you are early in your project and preparing for the Preliminary Style Reading, I will prepare your draft in MS Word and PDF formats. You will submit the PDF format via the PDS or RDS portal. I will guide you through this process. If I edit your work, you are guaranteed to pass the preliminary style reading. Prior to becoming the Style Reader, my style reading pass rate was 100%.
Defense Draft Style Reading Editing Services
If you are preparing for the Defense Style Reading, I will prepare your draft in MS Word and PDF formats. You will submit the PDF format via the PDS or RDS portal. I will guide you through this process. If I edit your work, you are guaranteed to pass the defense style reading. Prior to becoming the Style Reader, my style reading pass rate was 100%.
submission does not conform to the SBTS style reading guidelines, it will be returned for correction and resubmission. This can be a time-consuming and costly process, as there are fees associated with failing a style reading. If you are not confident that your draft will meet all the requirements in the Style Submission Checklist, it is worth your time and money to invest in an editor.
As the SBTS Style Reader, when I complete a style reading, I comment on all of the errors that need to be addressed in a draft. You could make all of these corrections yourself using my feedback, the SBTS Manual of Style, and the Citation Quick Guide. If you prefer to hire an editor, I will provide a list of editors who can assist you in correcting your draft. My name is on that list, but I will recommend that you contact several editors to determine who is available, especially if it is close to a submission deadline.
Preliminary Style Reading Editing Services
If you are early in your project and preparing for the Preliminary Style Reading, I will prepare your draft in MS Word and PDF formats. You will submit the PDF format via the PDS or RDS portal. I will guide you through this process. If I edit your work, you are guaranteed to pass the preliminary style reading. Prior to becoming the Style Reader, my style reading pass rate was 100%.
Defense Draft Style Reading Editing Services
If you are preparing for the Defense Style Reading, I will prepare your draft in MS Word and PDF formats. You will submit the PDF format via the PDS or RDS portal. I will guide you through this process. If I edit your work, you are guaranteed to pass the defense style reading. Prior to becoming the Style Reader, my style reading pass rate was 100%.