Getting published in leading English-language journals is no easy task, especially if English is a second language for you. Journals expect authors to adhere to formatting guidelines and submit papers that reflect high standards of written English. How do you cope with these language requirements given the time constraints and career pressures you face?
An online manuscript editing service can help you improve the English within your manuscript and thereby decrease your chances of rejection (on the grounds of language). But a simple Google search will reveal that there are a large number of manuscript proofreading and editing services out there. How do you know Wissenschaftliches Lektorat which one is right for you?
Here are 5 tips to help you choose a manuscript editing or proofreading service that will take you closer to your publication goals.
• Look for native speakers of English.
Mastering the English language can take years. There are several idiomatic expressions that are peculiar to English. That’s why it’s important to look for native speakers of English (people for whom English is a first language). When you visit a manuscript editing company’s website, search for information on the editors they staff. Look for an editorial team that comprises editors who are native speakers of English. That’s the only way to ensure that your manuscript reflects truly international standards of written English.
• Choose subject experts.
Punctuation, terminology, conventions, and phraseology differ from subject to subject. What is incorrect in general English may be accepted usage in medical English, for example. Even editors who are native speakers of English may not recognize the linguistic nuances of a specific subject area, and may thus make incorrect changes to your manuscript. So make sure that your manuscript editing service gives you access to editors who are from or experienced in your subject area. If possible, check the credentials and qualifications of the editors listed on their site.
• Look for adequate experience in academic and scientific editing.
Journals can be very strict about formatting guidelines and writing conventions. Formatting correctly requires experience with reference and citation styles, font faces, indentation, page setup, and much more. That’s why it’s important to make sure that your editing or proofreading service provider has a thorough knowledge of publication practices and research writing conventions as well. To do this, you can look for samples of their past work (are these research manuscripts?), names of their clients (do these include journals and universities?), and resource articles they provide (do these discuss topics relevant to academic and scientific publishing?).
• Check for after-editing support.
Even after your manuscript has been edited, you may need to consult your editor to resolve a question or to revise some part of the manuscript. This is why it is important to ensure that your service provider will help you get a quick answer even after your manuscript has been edited. Look for re-editing support as well as easy access to your editors, should you have a doubt. You wouldn’t want to be stuck without help if a submission deadline is looming over you.
• Check for stringent security measures.
Your manuscript represents your hard work. And until it is published, you need to safeguard it and ensure that no one steals your information. When selecting an English editing service provider, ensure that the company has the right IT security measures in place to guarantee the security and confidentiality of your research. Preferably, look for an internationally recognized security certification (such as the ISO 27001: 2005 certification) that will assure you of the safety of your research.
“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” Rudyard Kipling
And I am admittedly a word addict, Wissenschaftliches Lektorat ever enthralled by the infinite potential of words to enable people to reach out, express, forge relationships, and build our own languages, histories, and futures.
