Dissertation Editing

The proper editing of a dissertation is as essential to success as is the road testing of a car after it has been serviced or repaired. Dissertation editing involves a variety of important tasks. The editor must, of course, edit the work on a purely mechanical level. That is, the editor must search for and change all wording that is inappropriate or incorrect. In addition, the editor must correct errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and formatting.

On a deeper, more organic level, professional dissertation editing should include a careful review of the document to make sure that the thesis is clearly stated and that all of the sentences and paragraphs that follow the thesis statement flow naturally from it. The inner logic of the dissertation must be clear and properly laid out so that the reader is able to understand it.

In addition, good dissertation editing should include, as much as possible, and within the scope of knowledge of the editor, verification of the fundamental content of the document. That is, the editor should, when necessary, insert comments or questions about statements in the paper which may appear to be incorrect, imprecise, or stated in a questionable manner.

Good dissertation editing should also include ensuring that the formatting and documentation style (MLA, APA, ASA, AMA, Chicago, CSE, Turabian, AP) are correct. This is a vital function.

Professional dissertation editing is a crucial last step that should be taken before this all-important written work is submitted for review. The proper editing of a dissertation can spell the difference between its being accepted or rejected.