Things to do Before Sending the Manuscript to the Scientific Editing Service

Scientific editing is the process of reviewing and refining academic and research-based manuscripts to ensure they meet the high standards required for publication in scientific journals. This specialized form of editing involves improving the clarity, accuracy, and overall quality of the text, data, and visual elements to enhance the impact and credibility of the research.  We must, therefore, begin by understanding the,

Differences in English Editing and Scientific Editing
English Editing - This is the process of reviewing and improving the language and writing quality of a document to ensure it meets the standards of academic and professional writing. This includes correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax errors, as well as enhancing the clarity, conciseness, and flow of the text.

Scientific Editing - The process of reviewing and improving the quality, clarity, and accuracy of a scientific manuscript to meet the standards of academic publishing. This includes editing for language, content, organization, and adherence to journal guidelines.

Why preparation is important?
When preparing a manuscript for publication in an academic journal, it is crucial to ensure that the paper is of the highest quality before submitting it to a scientific editing service. This pre-editing process can significantly improve the chances of your manuscript being accepted by the target journal. Here are some key steps to take before sending your work to a scientific editing service:
1. Ensure Proper English Language Usage
One of the primary reasons manuscripts are rejected by journals is poor language quality. As an author, it is essential to thoroughly review your paper for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and issues with sentence structure and word choice. This is particularly important for non-native English speakers, as their manuscripts may require more extensive language editing.

2. Verify the Accuracy of Data and Figures
Accurate and well-presented data is the foundation of any scientific paper. Before sending your manuscript for editing, carefully review all tables, figures, and statistical analyses to ensure they are correct and properly formatted according to the target journal's guidelines.
Double-check the following:

• All data points are accurately represented in tables and figures
• Figures are of high quality and adhere to the required file formats
• Captions and labels for tables and figures are clear and informative

 Units of measurement are correctly used and consistent throughout the paper 
Addressing any data-related issues upfront will help the scientific editing service focus on improving the overall quality and presentation of your research.
**Write a title yourself**: As the author, you are best qualified to choose an appropriate title that reflects your study's significance.

**Write your own abstract**: The abstract is often the only section a reader will see before deciding to read the full manuscript. Spend sufficient time crafting an impressive abstract yourself before sending it for editing.

3. Ensure Proper Formatting and Structure

Academic journals have specific formatting requirements for manuscript submissions, such as page margins, font size, line spacing, and section headings. Before sending your paper to an editing service, thoroughly review the target journal's guidelines and ensure your manuscript adheres to these formatting standards.
Additionally, ensure that the overall structure of your paper is clear and logical. This includes:

• Organizing the sections (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion) in the correct order
• Maintaining a consistent flow of ideas and arguments throughout the paper
• Providing clear and informative section headings and subheadings

By addressing formatting and structural issues upfront, you can save the scientific editing service time and effort, allowing them to focus on improving the content and language of your manuscript.

4. Conduct a Thorough Self-Edit

Before sending your manuscript to a professional editing service, it is essential to conduct a thorough self-edit. This involves carefully reviewing your paper for any remaining errors, inconsistencies, or areas that could be improved. Some key things to look for during self-editing include:

• Clarity and conciseness of writing
• Logical flow and coherence of ideas
• Appropriate use of academic language and terminology
• Consistent formatting and citation style
• Completeness of the manuscript (e.g., all sections included, references complete)

5. Seek Feedback from Colleagues
Before finalizing your manuscript and sending it to a scientific editing service, consider seeking feedback from your colleagues or peers in your field. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improving the quality and clarity of your work.
Ask your colleagues to review the following aspects of your manuscript:

• Clarity and significance of the research question or hypothesis
• Appropriateness and thoroughness of the methodology
• Accuracy and interpretation of the results
• Coherence and persuasiveness of the discussion and conclusions
• Overall organization and flow of the paper

 Incorporating feedback from your peers can help you identify and address any remaining issues in your manuscript, further enhancing its quality before the scientific editing process.

6. Utilize Professional Proofreading and Editing Services

Professional proofreading and editing services are specialized services that provide comprehensive review and improvement of academic and scientific manuscripts. 
These services are often staffed by experienced editors with expertise in various academic disciplines, ensuring that your paper is reviewed by individuals who understand the nuances and requirements of scientific writing.

How Proofreading and Editing Can Help Readers and Researchers?

By utilizing a professional proofreading and editing service, you can benefit from a thorough review of your manuscript, including:

• Correction of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
• Improvement of sentence structure and language clarity
• Optimization of the overall organization and flow of the paper
• Verification of adherence to journal formatting guidelines
• Suggestions for enhancing the quality and impact of your research

Well-edited manuscripts are easier to understand, more engaging, and more likely to be cited, ultimately contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and understanding. Investing in a professional proofreading and editing service can significantly improve the quality of your manuscript and increase its chances of acceptance by the target journal.

How Enago Can Help You?

Enago is a leading provider of professional proofreading and editing services for academic and scientific manuscripts. With a team of experienced editors specializing in various disciplines, Enago’s ‘manuscript editing’ and ‘manuscript formatting’ refine your paper, increasing its chances of acceptance by your target journal.
Visit Enago's website to learn more about their top-impact scientific editing services and how they can assist you in preparing your manuscript for successful publication.  
Take the first step towards publishing your research in a high-impact journal. Click here to contact Enago today.