How can I find a good editor?

[chuprock]

Hi! I write my diploma thesis about search engines (optimal design from an agency theory perspective). As English is not my first language, I look for a good editor with knowledge in this field who can help me to correct the paper.

There are many offers in the Net, but I don’t know which to choose. I really would appreciate if you could tell me how to find a good editor and which prices are reasonable. I will finish the thesis (about 20.000 words) in about one month.

Thank you for your help!

Regards,
Denis

[ememi]

Hey Denis

My suggestion would be to ask around on the campus you attend. Editing a thesis can be a specialized skill. Your professors or academic administrators may be able to recommend professionals in your area with strong references. You would then be able to meet the person doing this important work for you.

Good luck in your "search." ;^)

[chuprock]

Hi ememi, thank you very much for your advice. I write my thesis at an university in Germany. Thus, it is hard to find an editor who has knowledge about my subject (the optimal design of a search engine form an agency theory perspective) AND english on the campus.

Thank you!

Regards,
Denis

[rogerd]

Chuprock, I'm no expert in thesis editing, but I'd say the key skill is a good understanding of English and the mechanics/style of academic writing. It's very unlikely that you'll find a skilled editor who has significant technical knowledge in your field.

Indeed, having a technically literate editor who doesn't know your field in detail may result in better exposition of your topics. Experts often omit pertinent background because they assume it's known.

If you really need a technical review, consider having an expert in the field read it, then let an editor polish the language.

[pendanticist]

It's been my experience that you'll best serve yourself if you focus your clarifications on terminologies for the time being.

Make sure that what you are describing rings true across the Internet. Is that the same term used elsewhere in the same context?

What I mean is, you must ensure that the terms you use are valid/viable terms accurately describing what you wish to describe and will NOT be misconstrued as another term.

Clear up any of that ambiguety now, by defining your terms ( terminologies ) first. Remember, many of the terms you'll be using are situationally specific to the Internet and will need to be defined quite clearly.

Those experts you may encounter need to be on the same page as you. If they define the term differently than you do, the theme of your paper is going to be tough to follow, much less write.

It's my thoughts that once ALL the terms are defined ( and properly researched for citational purposes ), then almost any reasonable academic ( even though lacking in specific knowledge ) should still be able to make enough sense of your paper to assist you with any corrections and or flow/theme etc.

Once you're paper has passed this muster, then I'd suggest someone within the field look it over...if you can find someone who can critique your paper objectively.

[chuprock]

Thank you very much for your help!

Denis

[ememi]

Denis

Did you get my "Sticky" mail?

[chuprock]

Hi ememi,

sorry, this was my first posting and didn't know about this "sticky-mail" feature. I will check the mailbox immediately.

Regards,
Denis