Mistakes to Avoid when Editing a Dissertation

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Mistakes to Avoid when Editing a Dissertation

The following are some of the mistakes people make when editing a dissertation. One should strive to avoid them in order to improve the quality of their writing

  • Overlapping Writing with Editing

Editing and writing are two different processes that need to be separated. Editing should be done after concentrating on putting the ideas down on paper. Overlapping the processes can be time-wasting. The proofreading expert may lose focus and end up with a poor-quality final copy that does not impress the target audience. For quality results, it is important to write first, take a break, then embark on editing from an unbiased point of view.

  • Editing the Entire Dissertation in One Sitting

Trying to edit the voluminous work at a go can be intimidating and exhausting. Dividing the process into chapters or sections can be helpful. In addition, one should take time, edit the dissertation in phases, focus on the information, and seek help when necessary.

  • Trying to Edit for Everything at Once

The multiple phases and levels of editing can be most effective if approached separately. Taking one step at a time enhances focus and the ability to see what needs to be fixed in order to improve the dissertation. The developmental, line, copy editing, and proofreading stages should not be overlapped otherwise one is bound to miss out on some errors.

  • Over-reliance on Editing tools and Programs

Even though they are good software to help in detecting errors, digital software should not be entirely depended on to correct all errors and mistakes that may be found in a dissertation. Despite the fact that they save time, detect errors instantly, and help in improving one’s writing skills, digital checkers cannot replace the human editing skill or do the writing. It is, therefore, important to understand that the software should be used as an aid to improve what has been written and edited manually and not to replace the human role of an editor.

  • Not Seeking Dissertation Editing Help

The fear of criticism makes scholars and writers prefer self-editing because they do not want any negative comments or opinions on their work. However, despite the demoralizing nature of critiques, one should accept positive criticism without personalizing the comments. Feedback is important in academic writing because it gives a chance for improvement.

  • Ignoring Guidelines on Writing Style and Structure

Among the first things that our academic editors do on receiving a dissertation to edit is to read and understand any given instruction and guidelines. If ignored, one may not be able to edit the document effectively because writing style preference may vary with institutions. General formatting rules given by specific guides or manuals must be strictly adhered to so that the dissertation does not contain different styles and conventions.

  • Overlooking Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a serious offense in academic writing. It compromises one’s credibility and is also termed a disciplinary issue.  When a writer submits a plagiarized document, their profile can be blacklisted. In the context of learning institutions, total expulsion, suspension, or retaking the course are some of the punishments when students are caught cheating or copying other people’s ideas into their dissertations. Checking plagiarism is important when editing a dissertation before releasing it to the target audience or the general public. All sources consulted must be cited and acknowledged accordingly to uphold and safeguard academic integrity and enhance public perception of academic writing.

Paying attention to the factors discussed in this article and the importance of editing a dissertation can greatly enhance one’s writing and self-editing skills. It is only after understanding what to look for while editing, that one can plan on how to look for it. All the levels of editing should be conducted keenly to avoid missing out on errors. Even the smallest mistake can negatively affect the readers’ impression and perception of the dissertation.

Excellent self-editing skills should be given priority because editing cannot be avoided in academic writing. Even if one decides to hire a person to edit the dissertation on their behalf, the skills are needed to confirm whether the editor has completed the task according to the given specifications.

Seeking dissertation editing help is recommended after self-editing because after writing the dissertation, one may be too attached to their work to an extent of overlooking errors. It is, therefore, important to seek help from an independent individual who can conduct the process objectively without bias.

However, if these options are not available, we are professional dissertation editors who can be paid to edit the document; including a team of trained and experienced experts who have dedicated themselves to offering dissertation editing services at the different levels of editing. The scholar only needs to hand over the draft along with the instructions and rest assured of a high-quality final copy of the dissertation.

If you are interested in using our professional services to edit or proofread your dissertation, please join our live chat for prompt assistance. You can ask any question regarding your dissertation to our experts via live chat, email, or phone. Feel free to seek help and we will be grand to assist you. Read more on how to create an order on our website here, or visit our Order Page to check the prices. We hope this article was helpful.

Published by Henry