Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between proofreading and editing?
The Expert Editor offers both proofreading and editing services.
Proofreading catches surface errors, such as grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes.
Editing is a more comprehensive service. Editing catches surface errors too, and also improves the language, word choice, sentence structure and expression.
Some clients ask whether they need proofreading AND editing. All they need to do is to order an editing service, as editing effectively includes proofreading.
How do I pay?
We accept online payment via credit/debit card or Paypal. Australian customers can also deposit money into our bank account.
What currency are your prices based on?
Our prices are based on Australian dollars (AUD). However, we can invoice you in any major currency.
What files do you work with?
We edit Microsoft Word files using the track changes function. Clients retain creative control over their work, with our changes clearly visible and comments made in the margin.
We can also edit PDF files on request, with “sticky notes” in place of track changes.
Do short turnarounds cost extra?
No! We do not charge extra for short turnarounds.
What will I receive from you?
You will receive two documents from us. One will have all the changes clearly visible in the body of the text (and comments made in the margin where appropriate) and the other a clean copy with changes already incorporated. However, we encourage you to review the changes.
What if I am unhappy with a service?
We have developed a quality assurance process to ensure client satisfaction. However, if you feel that the level of service has not been up to the high standard we have set, another editor will review the work performed and, if necessary, re-edit the document at no extra cost.
Is your website secure?
Yes. The Expert Editor website is secured by GeoTrust, and our GeoTrust SSL Certificate provides up to 256-bit encryption. As a result, communication and document submission through our website is confidential and secure.
How do I place an order?
Use our Get Started form to place your order. We will reply by email with confirmation of the price and return date and, and then we will send an invoice with payment options.
Is payment safe with you?
Yes. The Expert Editor uses the Stripe and Paypal systems to process credit/debit card payments, the two leading payment processing systems in the world. This means that we never have access to your card data.
Do I pay upfront?
Yes, we usually require upfront payment for our services. However, for larger jobs, we can accept half up front and half before the work is returned.
Can I decide the return date?
Yes! Clients can nominate their preferred return date. We can handle most deadlines as we have a large team of editors and operate efficiently. However, we will be upfront if we cannot meet your preferred time and an alternative will be suggested
I’m a student. Am I allowed to use your service?
Yes. The Expert Editor is an ethical service that does not contravene any university’s rules or guidelines. We do not write for students or assist with content in any way. Our thesis editing service complies with the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) guidelines for editing research theses.
Who are your editors?
All our editors have high-level academic qualifications, considerable experience as professional editors, and are Australian-based native English speakers. We are a popular employment option for editors and therefore can be extremely selective on who we recruit.
Will you respect the confidentiality of my work?
Absolutely. The confidentiality procedures we have developed help guarantee client confidentiality. We can even sign a non-disclosure agreement upon request. You can read more about our confidentiality procedures here.