Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

APA format is confusing. How do I list the sources I used?
This is one of the most common areas of confusion. As long as you include all the elements of the source, I can put them in the correct order and format. If some of the elements are missing, like publisher name or location, volume or issue of the journal, complete author name, inclusive page numbers, DOI numbers, or similar elements, I will ask you to supply those.

Can you help with the new sixth edition of the APA manual?
Yes, I can help you with the new requirements of this publication. I can format your paper using APA sixth edition from the onset, or I can convert your fifth edition document to sixth edition requirements. Keep in mind that many universities have proprietary guidelines that students must follow, and strict APA format might not align with those requirements. If you will provide me with a copy of your university guidelines, I will format accordingly.

What do I need to know about sixth edition APA requirements?
Although several differences were introduced, two will have the greatest impact. First is the change in heading styles and appearances. The new APA sixth edition now allows use of bold font, which is reflected in the headings.

The second major change is in the References section of a paper. Entries are now required/encouraged to contain the DOI number; that is, the digital object identifier. Although it appears most often in a document from an electronic source, increasing numbers of hard copy sources also have a DOI. It appears on the first page of a document and it is presented as the last entry in the reference source of your paper. See sixth edition APA pp. 188-192 or visit the DOI website at http://www.doi.org for more information. There is no master database for DOI numbers, so you will have to use other resources to find the numbers.

What types of documents do you accept for editing?
I work primarily with doctoral candidates editing comprehensive questions, proposals, and dissertations. I prefer to work in APA format. Although I will consider editing with other formats, such as MLA, I accept such work only on a case-by-case basis. I have worked on university courses and curriculum, and I helped a brand new university launch its program. I also work on journal articles, as well as an assortment of other documents. I’m open to a variety of editing opportunities in helping students and academic institutions and programs succeed.

Can you work with documents using Endnote reference tracking?
I must add a caution about using Endnote or other software that tracks references sources. Some of the earlier versions of such software presented problems in editing. The format the software used for references was not completely accurate according to APA style. Although I could correct the format errors, sometimes when the client opened the corrected document, the errors within the master database negated the corrections and the corrections were lost. Newer versions of the several software products offering such services might have overcome these issues. However, please be aware that such a situation is possible.

Can you help me with writing my document?
No. Occasionally, I encounter a document that is very poorly written. No matter how well edited and formatted a paper is, it must be credible, make sense to the reader, and be true to your topic. While I can help with grammar and mechanics, word choice, and similar issues, I am not a ghostwriter for academic papers. For help with your writing skills, I recommend a writing coach.

Can I continue to work on my document after I send it to you?
Document version integrity: This concept has a long name, and it is critically important. Once you have sent your document, please be aware that you cannot continue to do additional work on the version you keep. If you want to make any changes, either send them to me and tell me where you want me to place them, or wait until I have returned your document to you and then insert them. Revisions of even a word or two can change paragraph, section, and page breaks, as well as table and figure placement. If you send a revised version of your document, all the edits I have made to that point would have to be made over again, which is not cost-effective for you.

English is my second language. Can you help me?
Many of my clients are not native speakers of English. I will help with sentence construction, verb tense, correct choice of prepositions, singular/plural issues, and other oddities of the English language.

Can you help with tables and figures?
If you have constructed tables that are not in the correct format, I will correct them for you. However, I will not construct the tables from scratch if you provide only the information. I can usually correctly format figures and provide some help with their content, but if you paste in a photo, screen shot, or other image that is not editable, I will be unable to make corrections within the figure. I will be able to format only its size and placement in the document.

Will you help me with the research or statistics?
I don’t conduct any research for the documents I edit. Likewise, I am not a statistician and I cannot verify the accuracy or legitimacy of any statistical tests you use. I do not offer statistical consulting or math checking.

Can I telephone you if I have a question?
I’m sorry, but I’m unable to offer teleconsulting services or accept client calls. No client is more important than the one whose document I am editing, so I keep distractions to a minimum. I do all the editing work myself and have no staff to handle phone calls.

What about confidentiality?
Because I do all my own editing, your document is never shared with any other entity. I promise I will not sell or share your name, e-mail address, document content, or any other information with any organization or individual.

Is your work guaranteed?
If there are errors in grammar, mechanics, format, or other issues within my control, I will correct them at no charge. If your academic advisor or committee has issues with content, research methods, sources, data analysis, and so on, of course, that is your responsibility.

Also see:
     How much does it cost?
     How do I pay you?
     How long will it take?
     What is the process?