FAQs
I provide specialist scientific editing and communication support tailored to the needs of researchers, technical professionals, and scientific organisations. The questions below address common topics relating to editing services, workflow, confidentiality, project estimates, and support for EAL researchers.
If your question is not addressed here, please feel free to contact me for further information.
FAQs
Do you use AI editing tools?
I do not upload author-created content to generative AI tools and I do not use generative AI to perform editing tasks.
In limited cases, I may use generative AI tools with editor-generated text only, such as when locating difficult-to-find style guidance or confirming terminology usage. No client-created or unpublished material is used in these searches.
What disciplines do you work in?
I have extensive editing experience in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, forensic sciences, natural products, and traditional medicines.
I also work with interdisciplinary scientific material and projects involving communication across technical and non-specialist audiences.
Do you edit for non-native English researchers?
Yes. I have extensive experience editing for English as an additional language (EAL) researchers, including scientists from throughout Asia and Europe.
I provide collaborative editorial support that helps researchers strengthen clarity, structure, scientific communication, and confidence throughout the publication and peer-review process.
My interest in supporting EAL researchers developed through international scientific and professional experiences, including collaborative writing support during a science summer school in Singapore and an internship with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (Thailand) during my PhD.
What level of editing do you provide?
I provide substantive editing and copyediting services. Depending on the condition of the document and the level of support required, projects involving extensive revision may also incorporate elements of developmental editing.
Editing support is tailored to the document type, publication context, and author requirements.
How are projects quoted?
Projects are quoted individually based on document type, technical complexity, turnaround requirements, and the level of editing required.
I can provide a tailored estimate after reviewing your files and, where relevant, completing a short sample edit (approximately one page or 250 words).
Is my work kept confidential?
Yes. All client work is handled confidentially. I do not upload author-generated text to generative AI tools, and all files are stored securely throughout the editing process.
Files are deleted following project completion unless otherwise requested by the client.
Do you edit theses or dissertations?
My work primarily focuses on scientific manuscripts, grant applications, technical documents, and publication-oriented scientific communication. As a result, I generally do not undertake thesis or dissertation editing projects.
I specialise in collaborative editorial support for researchers, scientific organisations, and technical professionals preparing material for publication, funding, or professional communication contexts.
What is the difference between copyediting, substantive editing, and developmental editing?
Copyediting focuses on improving grammar, punctuation, consistency, clarity, and adherence to style conventions.
Substantive editing involves more detailed review of structure, logical flow, organisation, transitions, readability, and clarity of scientific communication.
Developmental editing is broader and may involve restructuring sections, refining argument development, identifying gaps in explanation, or improving the overall presentation of complex ideas.
In scientific and technical documents, these levels of editing often overlap depending on the condition of the text, publication requirements, and the level of support required.
Can you help with grant proposals?
Yes. I have experience editing and providing feedback on the structure, clarity, flow, and logical development of grant proposals and funding applications.
I can also assist with maintaining consistency across accompanying documents, including CVs and supporting materials, particularly for multidisciplinary or collaborative submissions.
If you would like to discuss a manuscript, grant application, or editing project, please contact me for further information or a tailored project estimate.
Specialist scientific editing for the scientific manuscript submission and review process.