Author Archives: editing

A Year in the Life of this Editor: Words, Boundaries, and a Few Adventures

This year kicked off at a cracking pace… and somehow stayed there despite quite a lot of travel (including the absolute privilege of two overseas trips and a handful of local ones). The year began strong, with busy editing days and a steady stream of work. Proof, if any were needed, that laptops and Wi-Fi…

Wandering words: Reflections on English as a global language

As an editor, I spend most of my days fine-tuning words behind a screen—chasing clarity, consistency, and rhythm in English prose. I was recently lucky enough to take two international trips, hence the long silence since my last post… Now, I am not ashamed to admit that language is not the first thing I think…

❤️✍️The Romance of Editing: What I love (and don’t) about freelance text editing ❤️✍️

I’ve been quiet over the past few months, soaking up the South African holiday festivities while also making the most of the international peak editing season. With love in the air and a temporary lull in projects, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on what gets me out of bed (and what keeps…

Mastering the marathon: A survival guide to thesis triumph

As the end-of-year submission deadline for theses and dissertations approaches, many postgraduate students find themselves balancing stress, excitement, and a ticking clock. I remember this stressful time all too well. Whether you’re in the final stages of writing or polishing up your work, here are a few pointers I found super helpful in navigating this…

The evolving role of editors in examinable academic texts: What students need to know

When I was a student, a very long time ago, I had not heard of anyone working with an editor to complete their proposal, thesis, or dissertation. These days, however, it is almost standard practice! So one may ask oneself: What has changed, and why is there a need? In South Africa, at least, it…

Mastering academic writing: how to avoid the common mistakes

Academic writing demands precision, clarity, and adherence to specific standards. Yet, even seasoned scholars fall prey to common mistakes. Identifying and addressing these pitfalls can significantly enhance the quality of your academic work. Be clear and precise Ambiguous statements and vague language can confuse readers and obscure your argument. To avoid this, use clear and…