Authors feel relieved after finishing their writing, but one vital step, known as manuscript editing, decides when they can send it to journals or publishers for successful publication.
What is manuscript editing?
S. Alex Martin said, “The point of editing is to create a straight line out of a knot.” Manuscript editing means refining the content to fix errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and more. It also involves improving the manuscript’s logical flow, structure, format, and tone to enhance overall quality, coherence, and readability, increasing the chances of better publication.
Now, let’s address an important question: Why is manuscript editing needed?
- Quality Enhancement: Manuscript editing refines everything, from structure to grammar, bringing authors closer to being publication-ready.
- Research Impact: Even exceptional research may not stand out if not well-presented; manuscript editing distills unnecessary elements, making research more impactful.
- Polishing Writing: Manuscript editing makes critical changes to grammar, punctuation, tone, and overall writing quality, helping authors submit an error-free manuscript.
Why does manuscript editing improve publication chances?
Opting for professional manuscript editing by an experienced subject-matter expert (SME) is highly beneficial. It ensures correct language quality, logical flow, structure, and compliance with publication standards, significantly boosting the chances of publication success.
What are the stages of manuscript editing?
- Proofreading: The final step before submission, proofreading ensures the manuscript is error-free in grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, formatting, etc.
- Line Editing: This not only fixes errors but also polishes writing for effectiveness, refining word choice, sentence structure, style, and flow.
- Structural Editing: Restructuring the entire manuscript, it considers structure, logical flow, narrative, paragraph positioning, approach, formatting, consistency, in addition to basic grammar, spellings, and punctuation.
Manuscript editing is crucial for authors seeking publication success. It improves quality, making authors submission-ready.
Undoubtedly, manuscript editing is tedious, but when done properly, it sets authors’ research apart. Many authors opt for professional editing services to ensure their manuscripts are expertly edited and ready for submission.
What should authors look for in a manuscript editing service?
- Expertise of the Editor: Choose a subject-matter expert experienced in high-impact factor journals and, importantly, a native speaker.
- Quality Editing: Authors opt for professional editing for quality improvements; the editing service should deliver the expected quality.
- Precision and Timeliness: Whether proofreading or developmental editing, the service should be precise, accurate, and delivered on time.
In conclusion, the efforts put into preparing a manuscript bear fruit when it’s well-edited and ready to publish. Choose a professional editing service to make your manuscript publication-ready! If you’re in Nigeria, consider book editors in Nigeria for top-notch manuscript editing services in Nigeria and writing services throughout the country.
