Substantive Editing

Our Substantive Editing

Our substantive editing contains all elements of copyediting and proofreading. In addition, in our substantive editing, we ensure that the intellectual content of the writing is significantly improved. Our substantive editors ensure that we significantly improve the overall quality and effectiveness of a document by focusing on its content, structure, and clarity. Unlike proofreading or copyediting, substantive editing involves deep engagement with the text to ensure that it is logically organised, well-argued, and clearly presented.

Specifically, our substantive editing involves:

• Identifying and addressing gaps in the content, such as missing explanations, examples, or evidence, to make the document more complete.

• For academic texts, ensuring that the arguments are intellectually robust and that the research or theoretical foundations are sound.

• Making sure all content aligns with the document's intended purpose.

• Expanding sections where more detail or depth is required to adequately cover the topic.

• Making sure that key terms, concepts, and arguments are consistently presented and aligned with the overall purpose of the document.

• Ensuring that the document is logically structured, with a clear and effective flow of ideas from one section to the next.

• Detecting and removing unintentional plagiarism from the work.

• Where necessary, adding figures, images or diagrams to improve the presentation or clarity of points.

• Adding references where necessary to improve the argument(s).

• Where needed, addressing reviewer’s feedback and comments on the work.

For our substantive editing, we:

• use track changes in Microsoft Word to highlight edits and provide detailed feedback on areas for improvement.

• provide you with two versions of the edited document – one clean final version, and the other using track changes to show where the edits have been made.

• ensure that your final work conveys your message succinctly and effectively, helping you leave a positive impression on your readers.