What to look for in an editing service
I. A native-English-speaking scientist
Of course, the editor must be a native English speaker—but this is not sufficient.
To understand the subtleties of scientific terminology, the editor should be a scientist as well, preferably from a field related to your research. Consider the following three fragments:
1. the data demonstrate
2. the data imply
3. the data indicate
A non-scientist could not know that (1) is the strongest statement, (3) is less strong, and (2) is the weakest statement, and such a mistake could change completely the message of your article.
In addition, working with a scientist as editor means that your logic, argumentation, and presentation are thoroughly reviewed to ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy. For example, the clarity of your argument will suffer greatly if your editor does not understand the proper use of the term “rate,” the difference between a “time delay” and a “time interval,” or the meaning of “adsorbed” versus “absorbed.”
II. The possibility of re-edits
Because editing is not a linear process, your editor should be willing to work with you, the author(s), in editing your manuscript several times to ensure that it accurately conveys your message. Although many editing services offer only a single edit, it is almost impossible in a single edit to produce a manuscript that is ready for publication. The first edit will correct grammar mistakes, but all issues of confusing text that can lead to misinterpretations must be addressed by communication between the editor and the authors, followed by a second (or nth) edit. That is why I offer unlimited re-edits—so that the editor and author(s) can discuss these important issues to ensure that the final manuscript delivers a clear and accurate message.
III. A long-term relationship with your editor
Finally, to allow the editor to become even more familiar with your research topic, it is advisable to work with an editor over an extended period. This strategy allows your editor to better understand the subtleties of your research, which translates directly to clearer, more persuasive, results. Many large editing services cannot guarantee that your will work with the same editor, but a goal of my service, on the contrary, is to establish a long-term relationship with my clients.
Science is a two-step process
The scientific process can be divided into two steps:
1. the creation of new knowledge, and
2. the communication of this new knowledge.
Neglecting the second step can render all your hard work in the first step irrelevant. With Physical Sciences Communication, you can rest assured that your research will be communicated in the clearest, most accurate manner.
