Navigating the Complexities of Academic Writing: A Recent APA 7 Editing Project
As an approved APA 7 copy editor for Columbia International University (CIU), I recently had the opportunity to work on a fascinating capstone project exploring the constructs of steward leadership and servant leadership. This project exemplifies the challenges many graduate students face when crafting complex academic papers, and I'd like to share some insights from the editing process.
Project Overview:
Document type: Capstone paper
Word count: 3,327
Topic: Constructs of steward leadership and servant leadership
Editing time: Approximately 6 hours
Key Challenges and Solutions:
APA 7 Formatting: One of the first tasks was to ensure the document adhered to APA 7 guidelines. This included adjusting the title page, abstract, headings, and reference list.
Grammar and Style: The paper presented several recurring grammatical issues, particularly the misuse of "while" and "since". I provided alternatives to enhance clarity and adhere to academic writing standards. For instance, replacing "while" with "although" or "whereas" when not referring to time, and using "because" instead of "since" when indicating causation. I provided the student with a handy info sheet about APA 7’s rules about these words.
Paragraph Structure: Many paragraphs were too short, consisting of only two sentences. I highlighted areas where the author could expand their ideas to meet the standard three-sentence minimum for academic paragraphs and merged paragraphs where possible.
Capitalization and Hyphenation: Consistency is key in academic writing. I standardized the capitalization of theory names (e.g., "strategic contingencies theory") for compliance with APA 7 and the hyphenation of terms like "well-being" throughout the document.
Reference List and Citations: It is also important to ensure proper formatting and alphabetization of the reference list. I cross-checked in-text citations with the reference list, identifying and resolving discrepancies, particularly with multiple sources from the same author and year.
Logical Flow: While maintaining the author's voice and ideas, I noted areas where concepts were repetitive, suggesting where the student might refine their arguments for a more cohesive narrative.
Lessons Learned: This project reinforced the importance of a systematic approach to editing. By using a custom APA 7 style sheet and running through specific checklists, I was able to efficiently address formatting, grammar, citation, and structural issues.
It also highlighted the delicate balance editors must strike between correcting technical errors and preserving the author's unique voice and ideas. Our role is to enhance clarity and adherence to academic standards and allow the student's work to shine through.
Every editing project presents unique challenges and learning opportunities. This capstone paper on leadership constructs not only allowed me to apply my APA 7 expertise but also deepened my appreciation for the complexities of academic writing. As editors, we play an important role in helping students present their ideas clearly and professionally, setting them up for success in their academic careers.
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