The Substantive Copy-editing Service is the most advanced proofreading services we provide to professionals and ordinary individuals.
This is a very comprehensive service in which our proofreaders and editors scrutinise your manuscript for many aspects: grammar, punctuation, spelling, word choice, sentence structure, readability, flow of language, clarity, organisation, among other elements.
We have provided below specific examples on each of the areas covered by the Substantive Copy-editing Service.
1. Grammar check
We will correct any grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement, upper case and lower case, tenses, use of modifiers, possessive pronouns, connectors, and the apostrophe.
Original: My manager and I am considering the applicants for the vacant position.
Edited: My manager and I are considering the applicants for the vacant position.
Original: I am in receipt of your letter applying for a course at this College.
Edited: I am in receipt of your letter applying for a course at this college.
Original: I apologise for failing to attend the interview. I assure you that I should definitely be there on the rearranged date.
Edited: I apologise for failing to attend the interview. I assure you that I will definitely be there on the rearranged date.
Original: Thank you for your hospitality yesterday. I shall make a follow up visit next week.
Edited: Thank you for your hospitality yesterday. I shall make a follow-up visit next week.
Original: I have explained all the options in this letter. Now, the choice is your’s.
Edited: I have explained all the options in this letter. Now, the choice is yours.
Original: I look forward to see you next week.
Edited: I look forward to seeing you next week.
Original: Its too late to book a room at the hotel; it is already fully booked.
Edited: It’s too late to book a room at the hotel; it is already fully booked.
2. Spelling check
Original: The decision on how many students we accept this year is dependant on the quality of their CVs.
Edited: The decision on how many students we accept this year is dependent on the quality of their CVs.
* They wanted too (to) discuss this in their academic paper.
* The researcher has recommended that they sotp (stop) making mistakes and use English proofreading services.
* In the peeface (preface), they explained what they will discuss in their book.
Original: I have obtained a science degree from Cambridge University and now it is my intention to applu for a position in the field of engineering.
Edited: I have obtained a science degree from Cambridge University and now it is my intention to apply for a position in the field of engineering.
We will replace any American words or expressions with British equivalents, as exemplified below:
* Learned (American) Learnt (British)
* Focussed (American) Focused (British)
* Center (American) Centre (British)
* Characterize (American) Characterise (British)
Example: (where the client requests British English)
Original: I shall be traveling to London next week, so maybe we could arrange to meet and discuss the proposal.
Edited: I shall be travelling to London next week, so maybe we could arrange to meet and discuss the proposal.
3. Punctuation check
We will also correct any punctuation errors. A few recurrent examples we come across include the use of colon, semicolon, and quotation marks.
Original: I have qualifications in the following subjects: English: history: philosophy: psychology.
Edited: I have qualifications in the following subjects: English, history, philosophy and psychology.
Original: We shall be interviewing potential new staff tomorrow, they need to be well qualified.
Edited: We shall be interviewing potential new staff tomorrow; they need to be well qualified.
Original: When we last met, you said "I am planning a holiday in Egypt".
Edited: When we last met, you said, "I am planning a holiday in Egypt."
4. Word choice
In English, some words have a greater impact than others; and other words fit a certain purpose than others do, or convey the meaning in a better way.
Original: If the professors like my CV, they may accept me at Oxford.
Edited: If the professors are impressed with my CV, they may accept me at Oxford.
5. Sentence structure
One recurrent problem that we often come across in editing and proofreading is what we call run-on sentences...i.e. sentences are excessively long.
Original: Thank you for your invitation received today, I have made enquiries about travelling to South America and I plan to book a flight to Rio next month because I want to see Brazil and also Argentina and Chile and I want to take a boat trip up the Amazon so I can see the rain forest and also the mountains in Chile and the grass plains in Argentina so I will send you an email as soon as I book the flight and look forward to seeing you again.
Edited: Thank you for your invitation received today. I have made enquiries about travelling to South America and I plan to book a flight to Rio next month. This is because I want to visit Brazil, Argentina and Chile. I would like to take a boat trip up the Amazon and see the rain forest. I would be interested in seeing the mountains in Chile and the grass plains in Argentina. I will send you an email as soon as I book the flight and I look forward to seeing you again.
6. Comprehensibility
We will help ensure your written manuscript is digestible and comprehensible in a way that would attract readers, rather than turn them off.
Original: I hope you accept the job offer and I think you will find us a good firm to work for and that you will tell me you want the job, I think you will like it.
Edited: I hope you accept this position as I am confident you will settle into our company.
7. Clarity of ideas
As part of our service, we also help you get your ideas and themes across to readers in a clear and unequivocal manner.
Example:
Original: This cover letter explains why I want the job. I want to use my financial qualifications in work.
Edited: I believe that my financial qualifications and experience will be useful for the company if I am offered this post.
8. Organisation
We also assist professionals and individuals with the organisation of their written copy and manuscript. We offer suggestions on how better organisation can be achieved.
