FAQs

Do I need a professional editor?

Clear communication is critical and can determine whether your paper, thesis, assignment or book is accepted or not. You may be an expert in your subject and your research may be impeccable, but if your writing is incoherent or confusing, you risk having your work rejected. Professional editing improves the overall quality of your paper, ensures it is free of errors, expresses your message clearly and concisely, conveys your arguments more compellingly and gives you more credibility.

Will the editor change my work?

No, you retain complete control over the work. Because we use Word’s Track Changes function, you will be able to see every change made and choose to either accept or reject them.

Why should I choose Riverstone Editing?

Editing is more complex and time-consuming than most people realise. However, we offer a personalised service and edit your document to the highest standards possible. We will go through your document at least twice to ensure all errors are identified and eliminated.

How do I know how much editing do I need?

We offer three services to meet your editing needs.
View Riverstone Editing services.

Can you edit documents for American English?

Yes. We are familiar with both Australian/British and American English. Many journals request articles to be written in American English. When you submit a document, we ask you to select whether you would like it edited for Australian/British or American spelling and punctuation.

How does it work?

We have made the process as simple as possible.
View Riverstone Editing’s four-step process.

Am I obliged to proceed once I fill in the online form?

Absolutely not. Once we receive your form, we will send you a quote based on the word count and your specific situation. It is entirely up to you whether you wish to proceed. If you would like us to polish your document to perfection, simply make the payment and transfer your file to us. We will begin working on your document as soon as we receive payment (or receipt of payment) from you.

What types of file formats do you accept?

We prefer to work with Microsoft Word so that we can make changes using Word’s Track Changes function. However, we can also work with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

What will I receive back?

You will receive back three copies of your edited document:

• A ‘Comments Only’ version, which is the version we suggest you work from.
• A ‘Tracked Changes’ version, showing every change we have made.
• A ‘Clean’ version, with all tracked changes and comments removed.

You will also receive a style sheet detailing the specific spelling, hyphenation and capitalisation we have used should you make any further changes and a letter detailing the overall changes we have made and why.

Can I request a faster turnaround time?

Yes. We offer three levels of turnaround time: Standard, Express and Urgent. When selecting your turnaround time, please take into account the time you will need to go through your document and check all the changes and comments.

How do I submit a document?

Once you have submitted your online form, we will send you instructions for transferring your file to us. Smaller documents can simply be emailed; alternatively, we recommend Filemail, a secure, easy and cost-free way to transfer large files.

How do I find my word count?

For Microsoft Word documents, click on the Review tab, then on Word Count. If you are including footnotes and references, make sure that ‘Include textboxes, footnotes and endnotes’ is checked.

How is the fee calculated?

The fee is calculated based on the word count of your document, the level of editing (Basic, Standard or Premium) and the turnaround time (Standard, Express or Urgent). Prices are provided in Australian dollars.

Do I have to pay upfront?

Yes, fees must be paid before we can start editing your work. However, if a third party (e.g. a university) has agreed to pay the fees, we can issue a 30-day invoice.

How do I pay?

We currently accept payment via electronic funds transfer.

Is it safe for me to use your services?

Yes. We are a registered Australian business. We take every precaution to ensure the safety of your document. We also provide a 100% guarantee.

Is my confidentiality guaranteed?

Yes. We take privacy seriously and guarantee that your personal details and your document will not be shared with anyone outside of Riverstone Editing.
Please see our privacy policy.

Will you edit my journal submission according to the journal guidelines?

Yes. Most journals publish guidelines for authors. You can either include these guidelines or simply the name of the journal. We will edit your article according to the specific language and formatting guidelines of the journal.

Will my references be included in the editing?

That is entirely up to you. If you would like your references edited, simply include them in your word count and select the referencing style you need in the online application form. We will edit your citations and reference list according to the journal guidelines and perform a cross-check to ensure all citations are in the reference list and vice versa.

How do I know what type of referencing I need?

The journal website will usually guide you in terms of the specific referencing style used by the journal. Please check the journal website. If you are unable to find any referencing guidelines, simply include the journal name or website link in your online form, and we will be happy to check for you.

Am I allowed to have an academic thesis or essay professionally edited?

In most cases, yes. Please check with your university prior to submitting your document as you may need written permission from your supervisor. Riverstone Editing adheres to all university policies and guidelines, the Institute of Professional Editors Australian Standards for Editing Practice and Guidelines for Editing Research Theses, which are adopted by most Australian universities.

Will you write my thesis or essay for me?

No. Riverstone Editing prides itself on its integrity and meeting the Australian Standards of Editing Practice and Guidelines for Editing Research Theses. You alone are responsible for the content of your thesis or essay. Our editors will simply clarify what you want to say.

Do I need an editor who is an expert in my field?

No. An editor’s job is to clarify expression, not write or alter content. Therefore, an editor does not need to be an expert in your field to edit your document to an outstanding level.

Will my references be included in the editing?

That is entirely up to you. If you would like your references edited, simply include them in your word count and select the referencing style you need in the online application form. We will edit your citations and reference list according to the journal guidelines and perform a cross-check to ensure all citations are in the reference list and vice versa.

How do I know what type of referencing I need?

Your university school or faculty will usually stipulate a particular style of referencing. Otherwise, please ask your supervisor.

Do I need a professional editor?

The self-publishing and e-book markets are highly competitive, and most self-published authors will hire a professional editor to compete in the market and increase their chance of sales. Authors who hope to have their book published by a publishing company may increase their chance of having their book accepted if it is professionally edited first.

What kinds of documents do you accept?

We accept a wide range of documents, including annual and general reports, mission statements and charters, position and working papers, policies and procedures, informational materials (e.g. manuals, handouts, newsletters, course and training materials), advertising and marketing materials, websites, grant applications, resumes and job applications.