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This information applies ONLY to Editing assignments. I also work as a writer of scientific news stories, but for that work negotiate payment with clients ahead of time. To discuss those types of assignments, contact me personally.
FAQs about Editing
Getting started Email me and tell me about your assignment, i.e., the topic, what journal or funder you are targeting, your timeframe, and approximately how many pages/words the doc is. I usually respond in 24 hrs. Once you send your manuscript, it usually takes 3-4 days to complete. Editing costs My hourly rate is $85/hr, billed in half-hour increments. Most papers take 3-7 billing hours. R01-length grants can take up to 10-12 hours, depending on how much revision they require. My prices are competitive with those of reputable editing companies. If you disagree, let me know! What if I need work back faster? Occasionally, I can complete short (<3000 word) documents in 24 hours (a "business day"). For that kind of rapid turnaround, I charge a rush rate of $100/hr. But we must arrange this in advance. AND, regarding rush rates, if you send me a paper on Friday night and want it back by Monday morning, I will charge the rush rate, because I do not consider weekends "business days". How do you edit a paper or grant? I edit all sections except References, including figures and figure legends. Some investigators want just a grammar check, but others request more extensive rewriting or input on concerns ranging from whether a grant's Aims test the hypothesis, to whether the language is speculative (Some editing companies call this a "Developmental Edit" or their "Premium" service.) I am happy to do minimal copy-editing or major rewriting. Just tell me what you need. Why don't you use a tiered payment system? Because an hour is an hour to me, whether I am 1) checking grammar or 2) re-writing a Specific Aims page. Clearly, a simple grammar check will take minimal time and cost less, while extensive re-writing may take longer and cost more. You decide what you want! Weekend and holiday work I generally do not work weekends but will make exceptions (without charging a rush rate) if a client is under intense deadline pressure. I do not work on American holidays. How do clients pay? When a project is complete, I send you an invoice, and payment is due in 30 days (although see next section). Clients pay by check, wire transfer, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or Japanese Postal Money Orders. I do not accept credit cards. Some clients ask that I sign a contract with their home institution, and I am happy to do so and sign confidentiality agreements, W-9s, SOW agreements, or whatever your institution requires. However, gaining approval for these types of contracts can take a LONG time, so plan ahead. Bundling multiple manuscripts on a single invoice To minimize bank wire transfer fees I will, if requested, hold an invoice for a maximum of 4 months so clients can include several assignments on one invoice. What is "Peer Review Scientific Writing and Editing"? It is the legal name of my company. I use it because some institutions find it easier to pay a company than an individual. I am the only "Peer Review" employee! No one else sees your manuscript. What about confidentiality? Work is totally confidential. And I will gladly sign a confidentiality agreement on request. Must I include your name in my paper's Acknowledgements? No. But many of my clients do, and for that I thank them VERY much! Why are there no testimonials on this website? Because I don't believe them! No company asks an unsatisfied customer to write a testimonial! But I realize it is difficult to choose the right person. Thus, I offer these remedies:
How do you thank clients? If you refer a new client, I will credit you with 4-hours ($340) of work. Note: just giving someone my name is not sufficient: that referral must result in completion of an assignment for that client. Why should I choose you over other companies? 1. As a scientist, I read your paper not just for proper English but the way your reviewers might. If you ask, I'll tell you what red flags I think a reviewer might see. If you don't, I'll simply copy-edit your manuscript. 2. At City of Hope Cancer Center, I helped investigators apply for grants from peer-reviewed private foundations, such as the V Foundation, Doris Duke, STOP Cancer, SU2C, and the Keck Foundation, among others. This experience taught me how to spin grants toward private funders (which differs a bit from applying to the NIH). That skill that has proven advantageous to some of my clients. 3. Your grant is NOT read by an anonymous editor. You and I communicate directly about your manuscript by email ([email protected]), text or phone (number available by request). Anything else? I do not accept wire transfer payments for invoices of $100 or less. And, I work a lot, so please contact me in advance to check my availability. Thanks! |
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