Dissertation Proofreading | Definition & Standard Rates

• Jun 06, 2023
• 4 min read

• Tags: Dissertation, dissertation proofreading

Your months have hard work have finally paid off and your dissertation is now written and revised. However, it is not yet fully finished. 

Although minute, the process of proofreading can not only refine your document but also make it significantly more academic. In order to make your hard work shine, it is crucial that you correct the most minute errors through effective proofreading. 

But what is proofreading? What are its different methods? And why is it important? We will answer these questions one by one.

Let’s start with the basics: What exactly is dissertation proofreading?

What is dissertation proofreading?

Proofreading is the last step in the editing process. The main goal of this step is to correct any spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors and inconsistencies. 

Proofreading a dissertation—which can be more than 70,000 words long—is a lengthy process that may require several weeks. You must comb through your dissertation word by word and correct any minor errors. However, this step is overlooked by many and is left to be completed for the last possible moment. This can often compromise the quality of your work!

If in compliance with your university guidelines, you can consider consulting a professional proofreading firm to review your dissertation. You can also take the help of proofreaders specifically trained in the subject of your choosing. These professionals can review your dissertation quickly and efficiently. They can also make suggestions for word choice to refine your dissertation.

What does a dissertation proofreader do?

A professional proofreader not only improves the linguistics of your dissertation but also provides practical suggestions for the betterment of your language. They are capable of understanding the terminologies, nuances, and subtleties of your subject.  

Here’s how academic proofreaders refine your dissertation:

1. Correcting your style of writing  

Experienced proofreaders enhance your document’s overall style and diction, making your dissertation more formal and academic. 

2. Correcting awkward phrasing and ambiguities

Proofreaders point out incorrect word choices in your text and provide suggestions to correct these inconsistencies. This makes your dissertation succinct and easy to understand.

3. Correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors

Proofreaders are trained to detect the most minute grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. This makes your dissertation more coherent, readable, and academic. 

4. Correcting errors and inconsistencies in referencing styles

Proofreaders are trained in multiple referencing styles such as APA, MLA, and Chicago styles. They can point out and correct any errors or inconsistencies in referencing styles. 

Why is proofreading a dissertation important?

In order to convey a clear message through your dissertation, it’s crucial to eliminate all errors and inconsistencies in writing. A single misplaced comma, or incorrect terminology, can diminish the quality of your dissertation. 

Error-free writing not only involves the correct use of spelling, terminology, grammar, and punctuation but also appropriate and consistent formatting. Here are a few reasons why proofreading is crucial to your dissertation:

1. Enhances quality

The use of specialized terminology and formal language elevates your dissertation and makes it more academic. Correct use of technical terminology not only refines your document but also makes it more credible. 

2. Improves readability

Readability issues such as run-on sentences, incorrect use of technical terminology, or even errors in capitalization confuse the reader. Well-structured, succinct sentences not only refine your dissertation but also highlight its purpose.

3. Eliminates inconsistencies

Inconsistencies or errors in citation styles demonstrate your lack of knowledge to the reader and create a poor impression. In order to create a favorable impression on the reader, it is crucial to stick to the referencing guidelines prescribed by your course.

What is the dissertation proofreading cost?

The average dissertation proofreading rate for 75,000 words can range from $1,500–$3,000. This cost can, however, vary as per the expected turnaround time, the density of errors, and the complexity of the dissertation. 

For instance, proofreading a highly technical document will cost much more than a less complex document. The turnaround time also plays a significant part in determining the proofreading cost. For instance, proofreading a document within 24 hours will cost much more than proofreading it within 2 weeks. 

Proofreading services may also have different methods to determine their prices. For instance, some proofreaders charge clients on an hourly basis, whereas others charge them on a per-word basis. 

In spite of these differences, we have compiled a list of average proofreading rates for the following prominent proofreading services. 

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Tanvi

With a foundation in Life Sciences, Tanvi enjoys curating technical writing tips tailored for ESL students. When she's not translating complex concepts into bite-sized nuggets, she can be found playing with dogs or painting landscapes.