Question 1

What software do you use?

Accepted Answer

We are experts in the following: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Visio; MathType; and EndNote.

Question 2

Can you edit documents in LaTeX?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have a few options.
1. Print your .pdf and edit by hand, then scan and email back to you.
2. Copy your .tex file into Word, where we can track changes. When you're finished accepting and rejecting changes, you can save as a text file and open in LaTeX.
3. Make edits directly in your .tex file if you're using software to show you our edits, such as latexdiff (https://www.sharelatex.com/blog/2013/02/16/using-latexdiff-for-marking-changes-to-tex-documents.html)
 
We can also handle most LaTeX-to-Word conversions.

Question 3

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

See our rates & scheduling page.

Question 4

How soon can you get my document back to me?

Accepted Answer

It depends! If we're not busy, you have a tight deadline, and you're OK with paying a rush fee, we can sometimes get things back in a couple of days.
 
We always recommend that you schedule with us as soon as you know you'll need some work done, and we normally return most documents within a week. 
 
It's particularly important to schedule in advance if you'll need editing right before an NIH grant proposal deadline.

Question 5

I need editing, but I'm not a health, social science, or statistics researcher. Can you help me?"

Accepted Answer

Maybe! Send us a message, and we'll talk.

Question 6

I've been writing for hours, and my brain needs a break. Do you have any cute puppy photos?"

Accepted Answer

You've come to the right place.

Question 7

What are some of the errors you fix most often?

Accepted Answer

Colons used inappropriately (https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/colons)
That vs. which errors (http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/which-vs-that)
Inconsistency (e.g., calling something a method in one sentence and a strategy in the next).
Failing to use a comma after "e.g."
Using too many commas

Question 8

Will you just write this grant proposal for me?

Accepted Answer

Well, no. We can't do that. But we can help you outline some of the ancillary documents like letters of support and the facilities section. And we'll help you come up with a timeline that gets you to the finish line on time!

Question 9

Doesn't it drive you nuts when things are misspelled on signs?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
Yes, it does.

Frequently asked questions