




Essay Editing Steps
Structural editing:
Looking at the paper as a complete unit to identify and address any significant structural problems.
1. Developmental/Structural Editing
Looking at the paper as a holistic whole to assess the effectiveness of the structure
Developmental editing involves looking at the big picture. For example, when editing an common application essay, we will take a step back and consider what the essay is about and what the main topics of interest are. You will then help the our editor develop a broad outline to support the flow and structure of the common essay.
Typically, by the time you have produced the first draft of your common essay, you will have developed a clear hypothesis, structured your main ideas, and developed an overall direction for your writing. If your first draft is not yet clearly structured, it is highly likely that you will require a rewriting, as opposed to editing, service.
What we mainly do at this stage.
• Reorganize the structure to ensure the main arguments flow in an effective manner
• Remove any repetition or redundancy
• Highlight any areas of inconsistency or flaws in logic
Substantive editing:
Finding and addressing any issues associated with the organization, readability, clarity, and flow of the paper.
2. Substantive Editing
Comprehensively editing the content of the document to ensure it meets its objectives.
Substantive editing is a form of heavy editing that includes reviewing the overall structure, style, grammar, and spelling of an academic document.
During the substantive editing process, the editor will identify and fix problems associated with the clarity, organization, readability, and flow of the document. In some cases, some high-level rewriting may be required to make sure that the overall hypothesis and associated arguments are clear and that the main points are presented in a logical and accurate manner.
What we mainly do at this stage.
• Clarify main concepts
• Improve paragraph transitions
• Assess quality of argument and logic of discourse
• Check coherence
• Restructure text where required
Copy editing:
Significantly improving the mechanics of the manuscript as a whole.
3. Copy Editing
Copy editing is imperative when finalizing an academic document. It spans several functions including identifying and fixing word usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax errors in the text while also ensuring that the author’s original message and voice are maintained.
During this stage of the editing process, the editor will also ensure that a coherent style and consistent format are preserved throughout the file. He or she will also check for clarity, highlight any inconsistencies in the argument, and verify references to pictures, tables, and figures.
What we mainly do at this stage.
• Ensure a consistent style and voice is maintained throughout
• Find and fix issues with clarity and accuracy
• Check facts
• Improve flow and readability
• Highlight flaws in logic
Proofreading:
Fixing any remaining spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style errors in the document.
4. Proofreading
Proofreading represents the final stage of the academic editing process. During this phase, the editor will perform one last check for any minor spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors that have been missed during the previous editing stages. In addition, the editor will address any outstanding formatting and referencing issues.
What we mainly do at this stage.
• Correct grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling mistakes
• Verify word usage and diction
• Check referencing, formatting, and general style against style guide requirements
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