Academics & Students

If you’re like most academics, you have almost-but-not-quite-finished articles sitting on your desktop because…

  • the thought of opening them and having another go makes you want to hide

  • you haven’t looked at them in so long you’re worried you won’t know where to start

  • you know you still need to check a few things, but simply don’t have the time

  • you still have to check your references, formatting, and a few other details

  • you’re not sure it meets submission requirements or that it’s print ready

  • there’s no actual deadline for when it’s due

  • you’ve moved on to another project

Don’t worry. It’s totally normal and you’re not alone.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Click above for my free Publication Priority Chart that helps you prioritise unfinished publications.
(No email required. Opens in new tab.)

Working with an editor

Working with an editor can help get papers off your to do list quicker and more efficiently by allowing you to focus on the conceptual ideas, data analysis, and writing phases. The areas of your speciality, expertise, and probably passion and interest as well.

When you send drafts around to colleagues, co-authors, or supervisors, they’re usually focussed on ‘big picture’ content, flow, and arguments. Formatting, cross-checking references, grammatical errors, editorial consistency, etc… are simply not a good use of their time or expertise. Unless it’s a really obvious mistake, they’ll assume you’re checking these… but are you? Will you?

Editors look at things in a supportive, objective, and more detailed way. We are dedicated to supporting writers.

My role here at Elm Tree Words is to support you and your work by looking for the “little” but important things that are holding you back from submitting.

How much does it cost?

The cost ranges between $50-$99(AUD) per 1000 words (plus GST for Australian residents), and varies depending on the quality of the document received. Generally the more polished the draft, the less time I’ll need to spend, which means a lower cost for you.

How does it work?

Before we commit to working together, I prepare a custom no obligation quote with a short sample (500 words) of edits so you can see how I can improve your document and help you submit with confidence.

Step One
Once you’ve accepted your quote, I note the word limits, referencing style, approved formatting, and any other instructions sent through.

Next I get into the nitty-gritty and start copyediting for…

  • editorial consistency (spelling, capitalisation, abbreviations, hyphenations, etc)

  • correct formatting (line spacing, font size and style, page numbering, headings, etc)

  • grammatical errors (incorrect word choice, punctuation, etc)

  • consistent and properly defined acronyms, abbreviations, and initialisms

  • correct labelling of tables, figures, graphs, and images

  • correct and consistent referencing and cross-checking to the reference list

  • cross-checking references made to pages, tables, figures, images, footnotes

  • general readability, clarity, and conciseness

Step Two
I send my marked-up document through for you to accept/reject, answer, and review my questions, comments, and suggestions.

Step Three
You send the document back to me, I do a final proofread, then send it back to you along with my invoice.

How can I get started?

You have a few options…
1. Fill in my Initial Quote Form here.
2. Connect with me via my Contact page.
3. Send an email to hello@elmtreewords.com

What else should I know?

I edit in Microsoft Word and use tracked changes and comments so you can review everything I’ve done.

If you have slides, posters or another document that is less than 1000 words, contact me here, and I’ll be in touch about a custom quote.

I’m here to support and edit your work, but can’t promise it will be accepted for publication. At the end of the day, what you submit is at your discretion and your final decision.