Services
The right level of editing for your manuscript, and no more.
Structural editing
A review of the whole manuscript, delivered as a report with margin comments.
- Organisation and logical order
- Argument and signposting
- Balance, gaps and repetition
- Fit for the intended readers
Not offered for theses: content and structure are for you and your supervisors.
Ask about structural editing →Copyediting
A line-by-line edit for accuracy, clarity and consistency, in Track Changes with a style sheet.
- Clear expression and flow
- Grammar, spelling and punctuation (AU, UK or US)
- Consistent terminology and style
- Citations and references to your required style
Proofreading
The final check before submission or print.
- Remaining errors and typos
- Completeness and order of all parts
- Cross-references, contents and captions
- Layout problems
Typesetting
A clean, readable book interior, ready for the printer.
- Page design and layout
- Notes, quotations, tables and figures
- Preliminary pages and running heads
- Print-ready PDF (e.g. for IngramSpark)
What’s the difference?
Editing moves from the big picture to the fine detail.
| Stage | Focus | Theses? |
|---|---|---|
| Structural editing | Organisation, argument, balance | No |
| Copyediting | Clarity, flow, accuracy, consistency, references | Yes |
| Proofreading | Final errors and layout | Yes |
My copyediting includes sentence-level work on style, clarity and flow (sometimes called line editing). More on types of editing.
Ethical thesis editing
I edit theses in line with the IPEd Guidelines for editing theses (2025) and your university’s policy: copyediting and proofreading only. I flag issues of content or structure, but don’t fix them.
Before you book
- Get written approval from your principal supervisor
- Allow at least a month before submission
- Tell me about any published chapters
Journal articles
Copyediting and formatting to the journal’s guidelines, trimming to word limits, and a check of your response to reviewers.
Non-fiction books
Any or all stages, from structural editing to typesetting and proofs, with one consistent style sheet throughout.
Clear rates
Work out your cost before you enquire. For example, copyediting a 60,000-word thesis is $3,000.
Proofreading
The final check before submission or print.
Copyediting
Clarity, grammar, consistency and references, line by line.
Structural editing
Organisation, argument and flow of a book or article. Final quote after seeing the manuscript.
Typesetting
Print-ready page layout for books.
Rates are a guide; I confirm a fixed quote after seeing a sample. Short pieces (e.g. articles, grant applications) may attract a minimum fee. Urgent work, extensive formatting, or reference checking without reference management software may cost more.
In line with IPEd’s indicative costs for academic editing.
Common questions
Why use a copyeditor?
After months with a manuscript, you read what you meant, not what’s on the page. A copyeditor catches what you can’t, so readers focus on your ideas. Read more.
Wouldn’t a publisher use its own editors?
Not always. Theses have no publisher. Journals expect polished submissions and may reject unclear ones before review. Book publishers do edit, but prefer manuscripts in good shape. If your publisher will edit, I’ll tell you if you don’t need me.
What’s the difference between structural editing, copyediting and proofreading?
Structural: the whole manuscript. Copyediting: accuracy, consistency, clarity and flow. Proofreading: the final check. See the table.
How much does it cost?
Proofreading is $25 and copyediting $50 per 1,000 words (AUD). Structural editing is from $75 per 1,000 words, quoted after I see the manuscript; typesetting is by quote. See Pricing. Payment is 50% upfront (work begins once this is received) and 50% before the final files are returned.
Do you use AI?
I don’t put clients’ manuscripts into generative AI tools. My view on AI.
How long does it take?
Usually [X days] for an article and [X weeks] for a thesis. I confirm a date in the quote.
Nearly there with your thesis, article or book?
Send a short sample for honest advice and a fixed quote.