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Editing/Proofreading

The Writing Center provides writing support for students at all levels in all programs at the University. However, our focus is on one-to-one writing instruction, not editing (proofreading). For doctoral students who wish to hire an editor for dissertations, the Writing Center maintains a list of editors who are available under private contract.

Some of the editors on our list were selected for their reputations as academic writing professionals in the Twin Cities area. Others were located through Internet searches. You will hire your editor as an independent contractor, not as an employee of this University. The University is not responsible for any agreements made between student and editors or for the quality of the editing work.

Editing can be expensive. You will find significant differences in fees, however, depending on the experience and expertise of the editor and on the kinds of services he or she performs. You will need to select an editor who provides the kind of editing service you need and then come to an agreement with him or her on expectations and price.

You will save yourself time, money, and heartbreak if you (a) make sure your paper is ready for editing before you submit it to an editor and (b) provide the editor with your program's style guidelines, especially as they differ from the APA manual. The campus Writing Center will be glad to answer your writing questions, but only your dissertation advisor can determine whether your paper is ready for editing. Dissertation layout guidelines are found on Blackboard (My SMU> EDD student pages>Dissertation Info) and on the Writing Center Web page (Style Manuals>APA Templates>Education Leadership Doctorate). Check for updates before you give instructions to your editor.

If you employ an editor, you must name him or her in the Acknowledgements section of your dissertation.

List of Editors