FAQs

Keep reading for the answers to common questions. Do you have a question that’s not answered here? Please let me know!

GENERAL

I originally chose the name Blue Eagle for my business because I focused on providing proofreading and editing services; editors have to be eagle-eyed to catch mistakes! However, the number of services I offered grew and I began to work with more trainers to provide courses; I wanted a name that was more in alignment with this new direction and encompassed those I worked with.

TRAINING COURSES

At present (2023), courses are taught remotely via Zoom.

The Demystifying EPSRC Peer Review course is available as a self-guided session that participants can watch online at a time that suits them.

Yes, I am happy discuss the specific needs of your research group, department, or university to determine whether I can develop a bespoke course for you. If I am unable to provide training about a specific topic, I may have a colleague who can assist; just contact me at hello@academic-smartcuts.com to arrange a chat.

Please drop me a line at hello@academic-smartcuts.com or use the contact form below and I will respond as soon as possible.

PROOFREADING AND EDITING

The terms proofreading and editing are often used interchangeably, but there are two key differences: timing and amount of work involved.

  • Academic editing typically takes place when a researcher has a completed draft of a document but before they’ve shared it with their supervisor or co-authors. There is more work involved to make sure the structure of the document itself, each section, and each paragraph link together and present the content in a clear, understandable way. Non-native English speakers may also want to use editing to ensure they’ve addressed any problems with grammar, syntax, and language.

  • Proofreading should be treated as the final stage of the writing process. It allows a fresh pair of eyes to look for typos and other minor problems. For example, have you followed the instructions provided by a publisher or funding body? It should not involve  substantial re-writing or alteration of the text. In theory, a paper should be ready for submission after proofreading. 

I am typically booked at least one month in advance, and larger projects such as PhD dissertations can take three to six weeks to complete. Please contact me with information about your project so I can pencil your work in my diary and give you a delivery date.

Rapid turnaround work for smaller projects is available but will involve an urgent delivery fee.

I am experienced in proofreading and editing other writing styles such as fiction, websites and blogs, business documents, and even poetry. Please contact me with information about your project and I will provide a quote.

As each academic project is different, prices vary accordingly. Please contact me with a description of your work and I will provide you with a quote and delivery date.

For proofreading and editing, prices range from £28.00 – £38.00 per 1000 words in alignment with the recommendations of the Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders; the rate is dependent on the level of work required and the desired turnaround time.

For a quote, please send the following information to hello@academic-smartcuts.com and I will respond as soon as possible:

  • Total word count for the project: This will allow me to gauge how long the job will take; an approximate count is fine if the writing is still in progress.
  • Project type: If you would like a paper formatted according to publication guidelines, please let me know who you will be submitting to (a link to the guidance document is also much appreciated!). 
  • Deadline: Please let me know when you need the document returned and if you will have time to review comments before the submission date.
  • File type: Are you working with Word, Google Docs, PDF, or LaTeX?
  • A writing sample: A representative section of the paper will help me determine whether proofreading or editing is needed.

I provide proofreading and editing services only.

If you are interested in freelance writing for other purposes, such as blogs, newspaper or magazine articles, or other content, please see my website dedicated to my writing.

While I do my best to ensure that proofreading, editing, and proposal reviews are delivered to the highest standards and help clients submit polished documents, I cannot guarantee an increase in grades or marks, acceptance to a conference, publication in a journal, or that a grant will be successfully funded.

Please send me a message at hello@academic-smartcuts.com or use the contact form below; I will respond as soon as possible.

MASTERMIND AND ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRAMME

MAP groups are established to meet twice a month for four months. After that time period, the group can decide to disband, continue on their own, or engage further facilitation.

If you are interested in participating in MAP as an individual, please contact me to be added to the waiting list. As soon as enough people register their interest, I will get in touch to form a new group. Groups are limited to four to six people.

Please drop me a line at hello@academic-smartcuts.com or use the contact form below; I will respond as soon as possible.

Have a question? Please send it my way: