Whether you are writing a white paper for your business or applying to business school, it’s always a safe bet to get your paper looked over by another set of eyes. Paper proofreading and editing services allow you to get it done quickly and without having to ask a colleague or friend for a “favor”
We spent some time looking at the various paper editing and proofreading services online and in the process came up with a list of ten important things to consider.
1. Deadline
Think about when you will be completing your paper and when it is due. It is also important to consider when you want to receive the paper back from the editor to allow yourself sufficient time before your deadline to review their suggestions and arrange your final draft. Does the website have a service for the time-frame? Also realize that you can get the best rates for proofreading services by completing your paper in advance.
2. Cost
Though rates vary considerably, the standard cost for academic editing is $5-$8 per page with a 72-hour editing deadline. Notice whether the rates are clearly stated and if they are easy to understand. You may want to avoid sites that don’t clearly post their rates or have complicated formulas, like 2 cents a page plus a base rate of $7 per page minus 10%.
3. Ease of Purchasing Services
Is it obvious how to purchase services and what the process is from payment to submitting your paper to receiving the edited draft? Do you have to complete a long and involved user account set-up or an extensive contact form to access services? Look for a site that offers the quickest and smoothest payment process.
4. Simplicity of Submission Process
The proofreading website you choose will likely need some information from you about what your specific editing concerns are and what guidelines you have been given for the completion of your paper. This can be done through email or basic contact forms. If the website requires you to submit extensive amounts of information along with your paper or has a very complex and confusing submission process, it might be best to look around for another service. One such site that provides high quality service but makes you jump through some unnecessary hoops to use the service is PaperCheck.
5. Genre of Paper
Does the website seem to cater to the type of paper that you want edited? Some proofreading websites are designed for undergraduate students, some for ESL students, some for graduate students, some for business clientèle, and others for internet editing. Many websites also offer resume and cover letter assistance. And some specialize in college admission essays. If you have a more unique piece, like poetry or a screenplay, you may want to use the website’s contact form to inquire whether they would be qualified to proofread.
6. Specific Style Guide
Unfortunately, American English has several different writing styles that dictate how an academic paper is structured, punctuated and referenced. The most common style guides are APA, Chicago, MLA and CSE. Some universities specify one particular type be used for all papers, but sometimes it is decided by individual professors. Some professors are not concerned whether submissions conform to any style guide, and others will lower your grade when you don’t follow the specified style guide, even if your content is fine. The main area you have to be cautious about is how to reference outside sources within the text of your paper and how to list references or bibliographic material at the end of the paper. The way to punctuate these is determined by a style guide. If you are aware that you must use a specific one, then make sure the website advertises competency with that style guide, and it is likely that you will have to pay extra for assistance with conforming to a writing style guide.
7. Qualifications of Editors
If you are still unsure whether the proofreading website is right for you, then read about the editors. The website should provide some type of information on their qualifications, and you can verify that they are accomplished in your area of need. Do they have experience working with students and ESL students? Do they have experience instructing English? Have they worked in your field to know the jargon, like marketing, journalism, or pharmaceuticals?
8. Testimonials
Check out the website’s testimonial page to learn what others have thought of the service. It is important to remember that websites will likely only post positive feedback, but still it is possible to ease any concerns you might have about reliability, deadlines, or confidentiality. Also notice if the previous customers had the same proofreading needs as you-are they students, businesspeople, or a mixture?
9. Opportunities to Learn
Observe whether the paper will be returned to you in a form that will enable you to learn from the editing process. Will the editors provide you specific feedback on strengths and weaknesses in your paper? Will you easily be able to compare your original paper with the editor’s recommendations to understand how to make future improvements? Will you have a chance to communicate with the editor about your concerns before, during and after the editing process?
10. Appearance of Website
Finally, anytime you are considering whether to purchase a product or service from an online provider, it is necessary to consider how polished the website is. You are more likely to receive a quality product if the website appears professional and organized. Does it look clean and crisp? You may want to investigate further if it is confusing and cluttered, if it appears poorly designed, and if you don’t feel confident when you see it. Especially for an editing website, it is important to consider if the text is well-written and free of errors.
