Language editing is usually targeted at authors who do not speak English as their primary language, but even native speakers can benefit from a fresh pair of eyes on their work.

Language editing ensures

• Correct fundamentals like subject-verb agreement, spelling, punctuation, and complete sentences;
• Clear language, for example, no ambiguity in the use of "it", "this, "they" or "which";
• Proper use of frequently confused words, like "principal" and "principle", "affect" and "effect", or "greatly" and "largely";
• Concise, uncomplicated phrasing, frequently resulting in a lower word count.
  

When's the right time for language editing? The ideal time is before the initial submission to a journal. This eliminates language problems as a reason for rejection. However, language editing can also be performed after review. I can provide a certificate of editing as proof to the journal that your paper has been reviewed by a professional for proper English language usage.

Some papers may benefit from substantive editing, which involves restructuring the text more comprehensively to improve logic and flow. I'll cover that in a future post. Ready to take the next step in getting your paper ready to publish? Contact me!