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Academic papersEditingShort and sweet

Should I edit my own research paper?

Yes, you should edit your own paper for grammar, spelling, logic, clarity, and style.

Why edit your own research paper

As the author of your research paper, you know better than anyone else what message you want to convey. So, it’s a good idea to be your paper’s first editor—but only if you know how to edit a research paper. (If you don’t, ask an experienced editor for tips, read academic writing books, and seek editing resources online.)

Let some time pass between the writing and editing stages so you can be more objective. If you edit your own research paper as soon as you finish writing it, your mind will automatically fill in any gaps in your arguments. You’ll tend to read what you meant to write, not what you wrote.

Why you should have your research paper edited

Once you’ve edited your research paper, ask other people to edit it and point out the parts that are unclear, repetitive, or difficult to read. You may discover you didn’t actually write some of the things you meant to write. Or, you may realize that you repeated some information, left out essential details, or mentioned an acronym so many times it sounds like a verbal tic.

This freelance editor’s advice

Some authors put aside their drafts for weeks or months before they edit them. If you can’t wait that long, wait a few days at least. Avoid thinking about your manuscript so you forget some details. You’ll then be better able to spot the errors and notice things that need improvement. However, you can’t be as objective as someone who reads your paper for the first time.

Preparing a research paper for publication is a monumental task. The stakes are high. Edit your own research paper, but don’t be its only editor if you want it to be as error-free as possible.

Do you need to hire a freelance editor for your research paper? Send me a message at editor@languageediting.com.

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Last revised on 18 July 2022

Cristina N.

A freelance editor and writer with a keen interest in science, nature, and communication, I love to craft articles that help and inspire people.