Dissertators
copyediting
One of the most important things you’ll write is your dissertation, the document that showcases your expertise and reflects your scholarship.
I follow the copyediting guidelines prescribed by your degree-granting institution to comb through your writing. I use Word’s Track Changes to correct spelling, grammar, and word usage; adjust verb tense; point out wordy, awkward, and foggy sentences; amend passive voice when appropriate; and format headings, citations, references, graphs, tables, and figures. I also insert comments and queries to alert you to language or ideas that are not clear or conscious.
If you have questions after the copyedit, I walk you through the revising stage to clarify any comments and address any issues—basically, easing the revision process so you feel more confident about the choices you make.
Note: Consult with your adviser or committee about hiring a copyeditor to help prepare your dissertation for submission. If editing aid is permitted, inquire further about the level of editing allowed so we adhere to the rules of your institution in presenting your work. Our agreement states that either your institution permits the hiring of a professional copyeditor or your adviser or committee has granted permission for you to do so.
“I couldn’t have been more blessed to have Dana as my copyeditor. Her attention to detail and knowledge of APA rules is impressive, but for me, it was Dana’s kindness and empathy that I valued the most. During an incredibly stressful period in my life as I worked to complete my dissertation while searching for a new job, she provided invaluable guidance, encouragement, and support.“
JOHN KIM, EDD, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AT UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY MARKEY CANCER CENTER AFFILIATE NETWORK
Other testimonials
With a deadline looming, I was so grateful I found Dana. I researched several editors on the Editors of Color website, read Dana’s bio, and reached out to her. Dana was patient, receptive, and a great communicator. She gave me the option to go through her feedback and edits on my own or with her. Her feedback was constructive, positive, and I never felt judged. I had the best experience working with her and have referred her to several colleagues. I won’t forget how much her editing meant to me during a hectic and tenuous time in my life. — M. Wolfgramm, MA, PhD
I had a very tight timeline and needed an editor who was available quickly. Dana’s communication with me was fast and reliable! Though she had many other projects, she was willing to work with my timeline. Dana is very knowledgeable and edits with a culturally conscious framework. I loved her feedback and comments on my dissertation paper, and I felt that my money was well spent. I have referred her to many colleagues because of my positive experience. — Erica Alcantara Aros, PhD
Select dissertations
Aros, Erica Alcantara. 2022. “A Path to Visibility and Leadership: How Mentoring Relationships Impact Career Advancement in Student Affairs for Asian American Women.” PhD diss., Claremont Graduate University and San Diego State University.
Diggs, Leonesha. 2024. “Enhancing Patient Engagement to Reduce Usage of Restraints and Seclusion on an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit.” DNP project, Bradley University.
Fleming, Diane P. 2018. “AdvancED Systemic Process Approach Versus Michigan Department of Education Nonsystemic Process Approach to School Improvement.” EdD diss., Concordia University–Portland.
Kim, John. 2017. “An Analysis of Church Leaders’ Perceptions of Bullying: The Willingness and Capacity to Engage in an Anti-bullying Initiative in a Rural Kentucky Community.” EdD diss., Northern Kentucky University.
Madry, Thomas Scott. 2020. “Mentoring: A Leadership Tool for Black Greek Fraternities.” PhD diss., Union Institute and University.
Martin, Robin. L. 2013. “African American Leadership in Urban Institutions of Higher Education: A Case Narrative of the Social, Cultural, and Institutional Impact of an Individual Leader at a Historically White Institution.” EdD diss., University of Cincinnati.
McKenzie, Richard. 2014. “Spirituality and the Adult Degree-Seeking Student: A Mixed-Methods Study.” EdD diss., Northern Kentucky University.
Pangatungan, Marlyn Torregosa. 2018. “The Impact of Read-Aloud Accommodations of Fourth- and Fifth-Grade Elementary Students with and Without Learning Impairment: A Descriptive Case Study.” EdD diss., Concordia University–Portland.
Pearson, Antoinette. 2013. “The Relationship Between Servant Leadership Style and Michigan Public School Superintendents as Measured by MEAP Reading and Math Proficiency.” EdD diss., Eastern Michigan University.
Ulrich, Michele. 2013. “Examining Stakeholder Perceptions Concerning the Future of a Catholic School.” EdD diss., Northern Kentucky University.
White, Mattie. “Lived Experiences Regarding Health Care Access as Expressed by Black Men Who Played Division I Football in College: A Phenomenological Study.” PhD diss., Indiana University.
Wolfgramm, Marlena Vi. 2021. “The Influence of Community Cultural Wealth and Tauhi Vā on the Navigation of Pacific Islanders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).” PhD diss., Claremont Graduate University and San Diego State University.
What does a copyedit with me look like?
- You reach out using the contact form or by email to tell me about your dissertation (e.g., topic, timeline, word count, concerns).
- We meet by phone or video call to introduce ourselves and discuss your project.
- I assess your manuscript, determining the project rate based on the writing’s quality, complexity, density, and other factors. If you’re interested, I provide a 750-word sample so you can see how I work with Word Track Changes.
- We enter into an agreement outlining specifications, including the selection of one or two rounds of copyediting; handoff and due dates; project rate and deposit amount; payment information; and contingencies.
- You sign and return the agreement and pay the deposit.
- You send your finalized manuscript and any institution-specific editing guidelines by the handoff date. I complete the copyedit by the due date(s) following the schedule, updating you on progress, and informing you of any issues that arise.
- You pay the balance of the project rate, and I send your copyedited dissertation.
- If you opt to follow up, we discuss any questions about specific edits or the revision process so you feel confident about reviewing and revising your copyedited manuscript.
- You revise and submit your dissertation.
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