Substantive Editing

What is substantive editing?

Substantive editing is an advanced level of editing. We will dive deep into your writing to ensure the story, content, structure, and language convey your work in a clear, concise, and compelling way.

Is substantive editing right for you?

Substantive editing is right for you if:

  • You’re submitting a manuscript or grant proposal and you want the best chance of success

  • You want a fresh, professional pair of eyes to do a deep review of your draft

  • You want to create a compelling story that persuades reviewers and influences readers

  • You want to craft prose that smoothly guides readers through your writing

  • You need to condense the text to meet a page, word, or character limit

What questions does substantive editing address?

  • Does the title clearly convey the core idea of the story?

    Does a single voice come through in the writing?

    Does the paper tell a compelling story?

    Does the abstract clearly reflect the story elements in the main text?

  • Are all the required sections included?

    Are the research question and/or hypotheses clearly stated?

    Do the callouts refer to the correct tables and figures?

    Does each section include relevant information?

    Is the background information enough to understand the study?

    Is the rationale clear?

    Are the methods explained well enough that they could be repeated?

    Do the results support the conclusions?

    Are the limitations discussed?

    Are the conclusions overdrawn or undermined?

    Is the significance or potential impact of the work clear?

    Does the writing include redundancy or repetition?

    Does the text meet the agency’s word limit?

  • Does each paragraph discuss one topic?

    Does each sentence convey one idea?

    Are the ideas explained in a logical order?

    Are the tables and figures presented in the most effective way?

    Does the writing have a smooth flow that guides readers through the content?

  • Are any sentences too long?

    Does the writing use inclusive language?

    Are all abbreviations defined when first used?

    Are the words spelled correctly?

    Is the grammar correct?

    Are the punctuation and capitalization correct?

    Does the writing include excessive use of the passive voice?

    Does the writing have repetitive or redundant words or phrases?

    Are the correct terms used?

    Does the writing have wordy phrases that can be condensed?

    Does the writing have unnecessarily long or complex words?

    Are the same terms used consistently?

    Are the tone, formality, and readability appropriate for the targeted readers?

  • Does the writing follow to the agency’s style?

    Does the layout conform to the agency’s requirements?

    Are the tables formatted consistently?

    Are the references complete and in the correct format?

What People Are Saying

“I am perpetually thankful for Crystal’s diligence and timely responses to edit my work. Her contributions are invaluable to creating an articulate message with attention to formatting details. Not only is Crystal talented in her words, but she is a true professional who adapts her approach to the needs of the paper and author. Crystal works well 1:1 or within the team context, where she listens to understand the message and aims before curating the best strategy to communicate with the desired audience. She has helped me increase my productivity, and I enthusiastically recommend her services.”

– MD, Weill Cornell Medicine

Ready for us to edit your draft?