Helpful resources for students
Explore helpful tips and guidance designed to support your writing journey.
Academic Writing essentials
Clear, concise and coherent
Strong academic writing begins with clarity. Aim to express your ideas as simply and directly as possible, while maintaining appropriate academic tone.
Avoid over-complicated sentences. Simplicity aids understanding.
Structure your paragraphs: one clear point, with evidence and explanation.
Keep your argument focused and purposeful throughout.
Common mistakes to watch for
What i often see as an editor
While I’ll catch these in my proofreading and copy editing services, you can improve your writing by keeping an eye on:
Misused apostrophes and punctuation.
Overuse of passive voice (e.g., “It was argued that…” vs. “Smith argues that…”).
Repetitions of the same phrase or word in close proximity.
Referencing errors: be consistent in your chosen style.
Typos caused by editing rushes close to deadline.
Pre-submission checklist
Before you submit your work
Have you double-checked your word count?
Is your referencing style consistent?
Have you included all required components (title page, bibliography, appendices)?
Have you allowed time for professional proofreading or copy editing?
Have you backed up your document in multiple locations?
Managing deadlines and reducing stress
Working with a timeline
Good academic writing takes time, and rushed work is more prone to errors. Plan your writing and editing stages:
Draft early, even if imperfect.
Book your proofreading or copy editing service in advance to secure your preferred turnaround.
Leave space between finishing your draft and submission to allow for final checks.
Respecting academic integrity
A reminder
My role is to help you present your work as clearly as possible, but your ideas and arguments must be your own.
Always check your institution’s policy on proofreading and editing. Some allow professional proofreading; some place restrictions on editing beyond surface-level corrections. It’s your responsibility to ensure you comply with your institution’s rules.
Ready for professional editing?
If you’d like your work polished and prepared for submission, I’m here to help.
Please note: The information provided here is intended as general guidance. For personalised editing support, see my full range of student services.
