As an experienced academic editor, I recently had the opportunity to work on a fascinating dissertation project that exemplifies the challenges and rewards of in-depth editing for a student at CIU.

Project Overview: This dissertation spanned multiple chapters, each requiring attention to detail and a deep understanding of both APA 7 guidelines and the specific requirements of the institution. The project involved editing the dissertation initially at the proposal stage, with a commitment to continue through the full dissertation defense later this year (2024). When this happens, I block off my calendar for that student about six months from the proposal edit, so they receive priority access when they finish with chapters four and five.

Key Editing Tasks:

1. APA 7 Compliance: One of the primary focuses was APA 7 guidelines. This included formatting headings to create a document map, adjusting margins, and applying consistent paragraph styles throughout the document, using Word's style function.

2. Tense Adjustment: An interesting challenge in this project was the need to shift the entire Chapter One and Three from past to future tense, as the dissertation proposal had not yet been approved or carried out. This required careful attention to maintain consistency and clarity throughout the text.

3. Citation Management: I cross-checked in-text citations with the reference list, and adjusted the in text citations for APA rule 8.16 regarding repeated citations within paragraphs.

4. Structural Improvements: In Chapter Two, I made significant structural changes to enhance the logical flow, as several authors' theories were presented in the wrong order for APA citation guidelines (alphabetically).

5. Table and Figure Formatting: I adjusted tables and figures to comply with both APA and the university's guidelines, including left-aligning content, removing tab stops, and adjusting title formats.

6. Abbreviation Usage: I standardized the use of abbreviations across chapters, spelling out terms used infrequently.

Outcomes: By the end of the editing process, we had a polished dissertation proposal that met all APA 7 and institutional requirements and also presented a coherent and well-structured argument. The reference list passed a crossref-check via reciteworks.com with flying colors, a rare and satisfying achievement in academic editing.

Reflections: This project highlighted the importance of an editor's role in correcting grammar and style, and in enhancing the overall structure and flow of academic work. It also emphasized the need for flexibility and adaptability, particularly when dealing with technologies and their impact on traditional academic writing processes.

Do you need a copy-editor for your dissertation? Click here to book a spot on our editing calendar for the 2024 dissertation season. Our calendar fills up quickly, so contact us today to secure your place. Don't forget! Blog subscribers get 15% off all editing services.