Academic Editorial Services
Are you looking for a medical writer with a scientific background for academic, technical and medical editorial services? I love to take apart messy, complex scientific terminology, jargon and language to shape and polish it into something beautiful.
My clients engage me to identify and distil key health, medical research and scientific information into concise, easy-to-understand, engaging content for journal reviewers, university examiners, healthcare professionals, patients or the general public. I will ensure your Style Guide is adhered to, or create one for your project and future projects, so that your organisation's voice stays consistent.
Academic editing and proofreading
I offer substantive editing, copyediting and proofreading of submissions, publications, manuscripts, theses, journal articles, abstracts and grants. I look for aspects of scientific writing that most people are not even aware of, such as passive language, Australian vs US style and when to use a hyphen or an em dash.
Please be aware that my role is to find and replace errors and improve a draft manuscript or thesis as much as possible while adhering to the ‘Guidelines for Editing Research Theses’, which means that I will edit and make suggestions in certain areas, but I won’t write it for you or do the analysis for you, as that would be unethical.
Editorial and project management services
I offer editorial and project management services to organisations, and manage the process to ensure that publications are clear, evidence-based and impactful.
One of my recent projects involved working with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care to produce the AURA 2023: Fifth Australian Report on Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Human Health report. This report analysed data and highlighted trends in antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in Australian acute and community healthcare settings. I also wrote targeted materials to communicate AURA 2023 key messages to aged care, primary care and pharmacy audiences.
Medical editing and proofreading
I provide structural editing, copyediting, proofreading and fact-checking for academics, communication agencies, government organisations, healthcare not-for-profits, healthcare practitioners, medical specialists, medical device start-ups, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, patient groups, specialists and researchers. I also work with health practitioners and medical practices to edit their website content for compliance with regulations, such as TGA and Ahpra.
Translation and localisation
I work with international clients who need localisation and translation of their content for a targeted audience, e.g. Australia or Asia.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between copyediting and substantive editing for academic manuscripts?
A: Substantive (or structural) editing addresses the logic, argument flow, clarity and organisation of your manuscript to ensure your scientific argument is coherent and well-supported. Copyediting focuses on grammar, spelling, punctuation and style consistency. Proofreading is the final check before submission for minor errors and formatting. I offer all three levels.
Q: What are examples of recent editing and proofreading projects?
A: I edit and proofread content for apps, books, blogs, case studies, CPD education modules, eBooks, eDetailers, grant proposals, journal manuscripts, manuals, newsletters, PhD theses, reports and more. Some of these are available online, but many are not, as they are either confidential or for private clients.
Recent academic editorial projects
AURA 2023: Fifth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health
AURA Report: Sixth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health
AV, Government client
Hi Melissa,
The AURA report is now in the design phase, with publication expected in January. I also want to thank you for all your work development of the report. It was a complex and detailed task, and we appreciate the effort you put into it.
DX, Biotech CEO
Melissa has been our rock in getting these manuscripts to publications to a place and we would not be where we are without her hard work.
LT, Researcher
Hi Melissa, it was great to work with you and you added a lot of value in a short time. I would be very keen to work with you again. I will reach out when the next opportunity arises (highly likely will be a grant application).
