Your advisor recommended getting a dissertation editor. Now what?
If you are on the fence about getting a dissertation editor, let’s talk about it. When I was writing my dissertation, I was fortunate to have a committee chair that was fully dedicated to me. She gave me thoughtful, consistent feedback and worked with me regularly. The best thing that I got out of my doctoral program was solidifying my academic writing ability. However, it is important to note that I also happen to be an English teacher who teaches high schoolers how to write.
Not all doctoral students come into their program with the same writing experience or receive the same level of support from their chair and committee members. For anyone wondering if they need a dissertation editor, I’ll go over some common reasons people seek my services.
Common reasons why people seek dissertation editing services.
1. A person is ready to submit their dissertation, and they have looked at their dissertation a million times, and everything is starting to blur. They need a fresh pair of eyes to catch any remaining errors.
2. A person completed their final dissertation defense and received a memorandum of understanding (MOU) detailing all of the edits they need to now make before printing. Dissertation chairs may suggest an editor at this point.
3. A person defended chapters 1-3 (or the first half of their dissertation) and was told by their committee that they need to make edits. Dissertation chairs may suggest an editor at this point. (We may recommend coaching at this point, too, so that we can talk through what your frequent writing mistakes are and teach you how to correct them so that you don’t continue making these mistakes in the remaining chapters.)
4. A person has just started writing chapters 1 -2 and sometimes even chapter 3 and realizes that they need support because they recognize that writing is a challenge. (We may recommend coaching at this point, too, so that we can talk through what your frequent writing mistakes are and teach you how to correct them.
We are here to help you with your dissertation editing needs.
When I was writing my dissertation and talk amongst my peers began about hiring dissertation editors, I knew I couldn’t afford an editor. Their prices were too high. Also, it felt impersonal to hand over “my baby” to a stranger that I’d never met and wouldn’t meet. Even as an experienced editor, I would have enjoyed taking a break from looking at my dissertation and letting someone else step in to help.
From my experience of not affording to hire an editor, I believe that not having access to a dissertation editor is an equity issue. Many low-income students are in the same situation that I was in, but not all of them have the support I had from their chairs or come in with a background in teaching English, so I decided to do something about it. Through the Latinx Education Coach, I edit dissertations at an affordable rate that still pays justly for my time and expertise. I also have the flexibility as the business owner to offer payment plans that I know are helpful when on a student’s budget.
Dissertation editing takes TIME and love. The Latinx Education Coach difference is that we are invested in your success, and you will be taken care of in the same way that we’d want our family treated. I like to meet with each person before taking a dissertation editing assignment. The meeting is to ensure fit because I consider dissertation editing a partnership, and I want you to know who you are handing “your baby” over. And when you are done with your dissertation, expect to be celebrated!
If you are interested in our editing services, email latinxeducationcoach@gmail.com to schedule a complimentary meeting to discuss your needs.
