Thesis editing

I format your manuscript according to the specific guidelines of your university or discipline.

This includes:

• ensuring consistency in fonts, spacing, margins, and heading styles

• checking that all sections required for submission are present (e.g. Table of contents, Declaration, List of abbreviations)

• applying consistent formatting across citations, footnotes, and reference list

If your institution provides a style guide, I’ll align the layout accordingly. Where no guide is given, I apply widely accepted academic standards appropriate to your field.

I check the formatting of all references in the reference list and in in-text references or footnotes.

This includes:

• cross-checking all in-text references against the reference list and vice versa

• marking all incomplete or missing references for your attention

If your institution requires a specific reference style, I’ll format the references accordingly. Where no guide is given, I apply widely accepted academic standards appropriate to your field.

I check and correct all matters that have to do with language. spelling, punctuation and grammar.

This includes:

• correcting grammar mistakes

• correcting incorrect punctuation

• correcting spelling mistakes

• correcting improper word usage

• correcting improper use of passive voice

If your institution calls for the use of plain language, I will edit the text accordingly.

I read the manuscript for the argument.

This includes:

• checking that the flow of the argument works

  • within sentences

  • within paragraphs

  • across paragraphs and sub-sections

  • across chapters

• flagging when I get lost or struggle to understand something

• identifying where linking (or flagging) sentences are required for easier reading

• flagging repetitions

I do fact-checks of basic facts.

This includes:

• checking the names of persons and organisations

• checking dates

• checking quotes from the literature

I mark inaccuracies and consistencies for your attention.

I check all figures, graphs, maps etc and their captions.

This includes:

• formatting graphs and tables

• fact-checking the details in the figures etc

• ensuring all figures etc have a caption

• checking the captions contain the source of the figures etc

I provide you with an editing certificate for submission with your thesis, as this is what many universities now request.