proof reading thesis

Reference management. Clean and simple.

How to proofread your thesis

1. Review your institution's guidelines

2. take a break before you read anything, 3. determine how to proofread your thesis, 4. use online tools, 5. read your thesis in a different order, 6. read your thesis out loud, 7. reach out to your peers, frequently asked questions about proofreading your thesis, related articles.

Now that you've finished your thesis , it's time to proofread it. You'll need to do this several times to ensure that you submit a solid thesis that's free of grammatical mistakes and typos. We've put together a few tips that can help you optimize the proofreading stage of your thesis.

Your institution will likely have specific guidelines for formatting your thesis. Be sure to double-check the guidelines for layout and format issues, including:

• paper size and margins
• running head
• page numbering
• line spacing

Take time to read through the guidelines again and keep them handy as you proofread your thesis.

The proofreading stage is also a good time to check your citations or references . Whether you're using Harvard, APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association) or some other citation style, make sure that your citations are correct.

Give yourself some time off before you start proofreading your thesis. This allows you to return to your work with fresh eyes. Ideally, you should plan to take a break of several weeks before you begin proofreading; however, even a short break can help you refocus and catch more mistakes.

Some people like to proofread their thesis on screen, while others like to print it out and read it on paper. Whichever method you choose, be aware that you can't read it all at once. Rather, make a plan for how you want to approach proofreading and stick to it. You'll generally want to break up your process by chapter or section.

Consider breaking down your thesis proofreading process in one of these ways:

• by paragraph

Several online tools can help you with proofreading and some of them are even free. Use tools like Grammarly or Proofread Bot for proofreading or Readable.com or Slickwrite to critique your grammar and writing. A quick Google search will show you that there are dozens of tools out there that can help you with your thesis!

Week 1 : Read a chapter a day, watching out for major issues in argumentation, use of evidence, and organization.

Week 2 : Complete substantive revisions and check that all citations are correct. Use a reference manager like Paperpile to create accurate citations and bibliographies.

Week 3 : Re-read each chapter, checking for any additional surface errors. Double-check that your formatting aligns with your department’s thesis requirements.

Try reading your work backwards or in a random order. This approach often works better than reading your work from beginning to end.

By switching up your expectations, you will catch more errors. Plus, starting at the end allows you to keep your conclusions in mind as you read and helps you to verify that you've proven your thesis statement.

The best way to catch grammatical, stylistic, and organizational mistakes is to read your work aloud to yourself. Hearing your own words greatly increases your ability to find typos and errors.

Keep your eye out for the following common errors:

• subject-verb agreement
• faulty predication
• misplaced modifiers
• tense changes
• incorrect citations

If you have friends or peers who are also writing theses, or who have completed them, reach out for advice and help. For instance, blogger Pat Thomson suggests setting up a proofreading deal with a friend.

Also, you might find it useful to join or start a writing group. These groups build accountability and provide writers with support for all stages of the research and writing process.

The length of the proofreading process depends on the length of the thesis. Plus, you should plan to take a couple of weeks off before you start proofreading. It's also a good idea to break up longer projects by chapter or section.

Always double-check your institution's guidelines for the general layout, including:

If you know someone who is willing to proofread your thesis, then definitely ask! Friends and peers who are also working on theses, or who have recently finished, can provide you with useful insights about the grammar, style, and structure of your thesis.

As part of your proofreading plan, you should create a checklist of items that you want to watch out for while proofreading your thesis. Your checklist might include:

• Spelling and typos
• Verb tenses and subject-verb agreement
• Sentence structure
• Layout and formatting
• Citations and/or references
• Consistency of style
• Organization
• Overall flow

You should plan to proofread your thesis as many times as it takes to ensure that you submit a polished and professional work. Typically, however, most thesis writers proofread their work around three to four times.

Dissertation Proofreading Service: Perfect Your Work Fast, Affordable, Professional

Your supervisor has finally given the green light, and now it's time for the ultimate stage of refinement: dissertation proofreading and formatting, all in accordance with your institution's exact requirements. This critical step in the process ensures that your academic masterpiece, whether it's a thesis or dissertation, reaches its pinnacle of perfection.

Try before you buy.

Get an instant quote. Services are available 24/7.

• Dissertation Proofreading Service: Perfect Your Work

Dissertation Proofreading: Perfect Your Final Draft Before Submitting

You're nearing the finish line of your academic journey, with your dissertation or thesis in hand. As the culmination of your hard work, it's essential to present a polished and error-free document that will make a lasting impression. Our Dissertation Proofreading and Dissertation Editing services are here to help you achieve perfection. 

As you embark on this phase, enlist the invaluable assistance of a dissertation editing and proofreading service staffed by experienced document editors who specialize in academic writing. Our professional editors are well-versed in the intricacies of academic work, and their expertise lies not only in correcting errors but also in enhancing the overall quality of your document.

The thesis proofreading services they provide extend to various aspects of your work, from ensuring clarity and coherence in your arguments to refining the flow of your writing. Their attention to detail is unparalleled, guaranteeing that your thesis or dissertation is free from any pesky grammatical and stylistic imperfections that might detract from the academic excellence you've worked so diligently to achieve.

Why Should I Choose Dissertation Proofreading by Scribendi?

Our expert editors specialize in dissertation proofreading, ensuring that your academic work shines with clarity and precision . The core of their work includes meticulous spelling and punctuation review by a native English speaker who employs tracked changes to keep you informed of every modification made. 

Furthermore, these masters of academic proofreading will help you maintain word count precision while ensuring that your document adheres to the stringent formatting guidelines of your institution. Here's how you benefit:

• Professional dissertation proofreading: We offer top-tier dissertation proofreading that addresses grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word choice errors. 
• Formatting excellence: Let our experts handle the laborious task of formatting your citations and references to meet the specific requirements of your chosen style guide.
• Academic expertise: Our editors have extensive experience across various academic fields, including master's dissertations and thesis proofreading. They've been where you are and know what it takes to succeed.
• Tracked changes: Our editing and proofreading service includes tracked revisions, allowing you to review all changes made to your document.
• Critical feedback: We provide insightful commentary on any remaining issues or concerns in your paper, helping you improve its overall quality.

Remember, a polished and error-free document can make all the difference in your academic journey. So, when it's time for dissertation proofreading and editing services, rely on professionals who understand the importance of this critical phase in your academic work and who are dedicated to elevating your research to its highest potential .

Can I get a discount on Dissertation Proofreading services?

Enhancing your academic work has never been more affordable with our exclusive student discount for Dissertation Proofreading services.

Our team of expert editors is ready to take your thesis to the next level. Whether you're a PhD student or pursuing a master's degree, we understand the importance of a well-crafted dissertation. With our 10% student discount , you can enjoy substantial savings while receiving top-notch proofreading services for your dissertation. 

Our experienced dissertation proofreaders are well-versed in academic writing and can help you refine your work, focusing on aspects like style, English proficiency, and adherence to university guidelines. Don't miss out on this limited-time offer to improve the quality of your thesis while saving on Dissertation Proofreading services.

Simply use the coupon code on our Student Discount page to start improving your writing today. Our proofreading service for dissertations is dedicated to helping students like you succeed in their academic journey.

Take advantage of this opportunity to elevate your thesis or dissertation to its highest potential with our discounted Dissertation Proofreading services.

What will you receive with the Dissertation Proofreading service? 

• A revised document in which misspellings, grammar errors, and typos have been corrected
• Changes and suggestions to help improve clarity, flow, structure, and readability
• Formatting of your citations and references to the style guide of your choice, if desired
• Tracked revisions so that you can see and review all the changes that have been made
• Critical commentary on any remaining issues or concerns in your paper 
• A short summary of the work that has been done and any major concerns

What types of documents can you use the Dissertation Proofreading service for?

• Dissertations
• Thesis and dissertation proposals

Note: Proofreading is for final drafts of documents that have already been edited at least once. If you would like help with word choice, sentence structure, and the overall organization and clarity of the content and writing, our Dissertation Editing or Structural Editing services can provide everything you need and more!

Generative AI has become increasingly relevant in academia and can impact academic services at Scribendi; click here to see Scribendi’s policy on generative AI .

Your work's confidentiality and your personal information's security are paramount to us. Our platform ensures safe and encrypted uploads and downloads. We accept a wide range of file formats to accommodate your needs. 

Getting started is simple. Receive an instant quote below and place your order today to perfect your dissertation and make a lasting impression on your supervisor and faculty.

  Get an Instant Quote and Place Your Order

Dissertation proofreading services faq, what is dissertation proofreading.

Dissertation proofreading is a crucial phase in the academic journey of every scholar, whether you're working on a dissertation or thesis. This meticulous process involves a comprehensive review and editing of your scholarly work to ensure that it adheres to the highest academic standards. In essence, it's the final touch that can make a world of difference in the quality and impact of your research.

Why does my dissertation need proofreading?

Dissertation proofreading guarantees its clarity, coherence, and professionalism. Like other types of editing and proofreading services (e.g., Personal Statement Editing ), it ensures your work is free from errors, enhancing its credibility and the impact of your research. 

In essence, your dissertation is not only a testament to your academic prowess but also a foundational document that may shape your future research opportunities and career prospects. Ensuring that it meets the highest academic standards through meticulous dissertation proofreading is an investment in your success, providing a document that is free from errors and fully ready to make a significant impact in your academic and professional journey. 

How do I make sure my dissertation is proofread efficiently?

Efficient dissertation proofreading involves a systematic review for grammar, spelling, formatting, and content. It's often best to hire a professional editor with expertise in academic writing to ensure a thorough and error-free review.

Efficient dissertation proofreading also requires careful planning, the use of professional services, native English-speaking editors, a collaborative approach using tracked changes, attention to word count guidelines, a thorough review of spelling and punctuation, and a deep focus on the overall quality and consistency of your academic writing. 

What are the advantages of hiring an editor to proofread your dissertation?

Hiring an editor for dissertation proofreading brings numerous benefits, including polished writing, improved clarity, adherence to academic standards, and confidence in the quality of your research. It not only ensures error-free content but also enhances the overall quality, professionalism, and impact of your work. With the guidance of expert editors, your dissertation becomes a powerful representation of your research, positioning you for success in the academic world.

Your Writing, Expertly Edited

Get your work meticulously edited and proofread by PhD-qualified academic writing specialists, who know exactly what markers want .

Your All-In-One Solution

While many providers charge for editing and proofreading separately, our service includes both . This means we’ll take care of the following:

• Fix typos, misspellings, punctuation issues and ensure consistency of your spelling format (e.g., UK or US English).
• Undertake light rewriting of poorly presented sentences, to improve readability and ease of understanding. If substantial rewriting is needed, we’ll provide suggestions.
• Highlight areas where clarification and additional explanation are needed.
• Ensure that your in-text references are in the correct style, formatted correctly and are included in the end-text reference list.
• Ensure that your reference list is correctly formatted.
• Highlight areas where additional references are needed (e.g., sweeping statements, unfounded arguments, etc.).
• Generate the table of contents page, lists of figures and tables.
• Ensure consistent style for figure and table captions.
• Insert captions where we are able to, or highlight areas where captions are needed.
• Ensure consistency of heading levels and styles.
• Ensure correct page numbering (e.g., roman numerals for pre-matter).
• Ensure that your format/page layout is in line with your institute’s requirements.

What exactly you get  

Every editing and proofreading project includes the following key deliverables:

A perfectly edited document

You’ll receive a clean, finalised version of your document, fully edited and proofread. You’ll also receive a second version with all changes tracked , as well as our comments and suggestions to improve your writing further.

A detailed plagiarism report

If you’d like, we can run a comprehensive plagiarism scan on your document and provide you with a detailed report that outlines potential plagiarism issues and provides a similarity index. This is included free of charge.

A polished conceptual framework

If your document includes a conceptual framework, we’ll polish your design into a high-quality visual to give your work a professional look. Again, this service is provided completely free of charge. 

A certificate of editing

If your university requires a formal certificate of editing or confirmation letter, we’ll draft this according to your institution’s specific requirements. We can also provide copies of invoices and receipts if required by your sponsor. 

The Grad Coach Difference  

Editors are a dime a dozen  and there’s always someone who can do it cheaper. Here’s what makes Grad Coach’s editing and proofreading service different.

Academic Writing Specialists

Our PhD-qualified editors specialise in academic writing, so they know exactly what markers want.

Combined Editing & Proofreading

Our service includes both editing and proofreading, while others charge separately for each.

Full Plagiarism Reporting

In addition to editing and proofreading, we can also provide a  plagiarism report , completely free of charge.

Get Your Dissertation Edited Today

Or book a free, no-obligation consultation .

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most popular editing-related questions we receive.

Editing & Proofreading

How do you edit and proofread.

Our editing and proofreading process is 100% manual - in other words, it's handled by a team of highly qualified human editors, not machines . We don't use any automation software or tools, as nothing can beat the quality and accuracy of human editing.

Our editing team consists of a diverse mix of Doctoral and Master's-qualified language specialists . The team is managed by Dr Eunice Rautenbach , who holds both a Master's and Doctoral degree in language practice. All team members have extensive academic editing experience, are native English speakers (from the US, UK and SA) and have worked on numerous dissertations, theses and research projects.

Can I see an example/sample of your editing?

Certainly . You can download a sample editing and proofreading project here .

Will you sort out my references and citations?

Yes . As part of the editing process, we will ensure that your references and citations are in the correct format (e.g., Harvard, APA, etc) as per your university's requirements (you'll need to advise us what these are).

However, keep in mind that we can't fill in incomplete references or find the relevant sources for you (as it's impossible for us to know which sources you've referenced). We also cannot check whether the references you have are accurate or suitable for the arguments you make in your writing.

Can you fix/build my table of contents?

Yes , we can create a table of contents based on the headings and subheadings throughout your dissertation or thesis. This table of contents will include the respective page number for each heading or subheading.

Can you lower my word count?

Yes - as part of the editing process, we will edit your work for concision. However, we cannot guarantee a specific word count or percentage reduction, as this would risk cutting out important content.

Can you check my work for plagiarism?

Yes - we can provide a detailed plagiarism report with every editing and proofreading project. However, please keep in mind that universities use a variety of plagiarism-checking services. Therefore, if your university provides you with a plagiarism-checking facility (as they often do), you should double-check your score on that system.

How long does the editing and proofreading process take?

It depends on the length of the document, the overall quality of the writing (i.e., the number of issues to be resolved) and our project load at the time of submission.

Generally speaking, we can complete a standard dissertation/thesis of 20,000 words within 2-3 days , but this varies depending on the factors above. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you pre-book your editing with us for a specific date. For pre-booked projects, we can provide a guaranteed timeline, which is generally shorter than that of "walk-in" projects. Please email us to pre-book your project.

Can you provide a certificate of editing?

Yes , certainly. We can issue a certificate according to your university's requirements. We can also sign any paperwork required by your university as proof of editing.

Will my document be treated as confidential?

Yes , absolutely. Your work will be treated as strictly confidential and will never be shared or published. We will gladly sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with you if you wish.

How much does editing cost?

Our fee is based on the total word count of the document. This includes the body content and the reference list (as we need to review this). You can also include the appendices if you wish, but it's generally not required.

Click here to view our pricing or book a free consultation to discuss your project.

When should I submit my document to you?

Generally, editing and proofreading should be the very last step in your writing process. This ensures that you don't "undo" any editing work, or introduce new typos or grammar issues.

However, if your supervisor has specifically instructed you to get your work edited before submitting it to them for final review, you should follow their instructions. If you're unsure which approach to take, get in touch with us.

Can you edit my dissertation/thesis as I complete each chapter?

We can, but we don't recommend it . By editing chapter by chapter, consistency is reduced and there is a strong chance that there will be conflicts between document versions in terms of references, page, table and figure numbers, and so on. As a result, a lot of the work will be "undone" and you'll need to spend a lot of time revising and checking each section.

How much time should I factor in post-edit to make corrections?

We recommend that you factor in a day or two to make your final corrections after receiving your document back from us. This is not essential (as you can just accept all our edits "as is"), but it is a good idea to have a buffer in case you want to make any additions or revisions. You might also need to fix issues highlighted by the edit, e.g., regarding clarity of meaning or problems flagged with your referencing.

Can you do a second review of my document after the first edit?

We can review your document as many times as you need , but each review is charged separately. In other words, we cannot provide a second review (after we've edited and proofread) free of charge.

Can you check that my Conclusions and Recommendations represent all my findings?

This is beyond the scope of language editing, as it involves data analysis and interpretation. If you would like assistance with this, we can assist with 1-on-1 coaching , where we review your work critically and provide in-depth feedback (you can view a sample of this here ).

Can you write my abstract (or exec summary) for me?

No , we can't. As part of the editing process, we will improve the quality of your writing, but we cannot write any section for you. Having any section written for you would constitute academic misconduct.

Can you rephrase text to reduce my plagiarism score?

No , we can’t. While we may undertake some very light rewriting of poorly constructed sentences to improve readability and ease of understanding, we cannot revise content to reduce plagiarism, as we are not familiar with the articles/sources being referenced.

Can you arrange the separate sections of my document?

No , we cannot arrange (or rearrange) sections of content on your behalf, as this may impact the core meaning and/or the thread of argument.

That said, if we feel that a section could be structured better for clarity, we will comment on this and make suggestions. Additionally, we will check that your headings and subheadings are numbered sequentially and are consistent in style.

I still have questions…

No problem. Feel free to email us or book an initial consultation to discuss.

Still have a question?  No problem – feel free to  email us  or  book a consultation .

What our clients say

We've worked 1:1 with 3000+ students . Here's what some of them have to say:

David's depth of knowledge in research methodology was truly impressive. He demonstrated a profound understanding of the nuances and complexities of my research area, offering insights that I hadn't even considered. His ability to synthesize information, identify key research gaps, and suggest research topics was truly inspiring. I felt like I had a true expert by my side, guiding me through the complexities of the proposal.

Cyntia Sacani (US)

I had been struggling with the first 3 chapters of my dissertation for over a year. I finally decided to give GradCoach a try and it made a huge difference. Alexandra provided helpful suggestions along with edits that transformed my paper. My advisor was very impressed.

Tracy Shelton (US)

Working with Kerryn has been brilliant. She has guided me through that pesky academic language that makes us all scratch our heads. I can't recommend Grad Coach highly enough; they are very professional, humble, and fun to work with. If like me, you know your subject matter but you're getting lost in the academic language, look no further, give them a go.

Tony Fogarty (UK)

So helpful! Amy assisted me with an outline for my literature review and with organizing the results for my MBA applied research project. Having a road map helped enormously and saved a lot of time. Definitely worth it.

Jennifer Hagedorn (Canada)

Everything about my experience was great, from Dr. Shaeffer’s expertise, to her patience and flexibility. I reached out to GradCoach after receiving a 78 on a midterm paper. Not only did I get a 100 on my final paper in the same class, but I haven’t received a mark less than A+ since. I recommend GradCoach for everyone who needs help with academic research.

Antonia Singleton (Qatar)

I started using Grad Coach for my dissertation and I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for them, I would have really struggled. I would strongly recommend them – worth every penny!

Richard Egenreider (South Africa)

Get A Quote For Your Project

Get an online quote in less than 60 seconds, or book a free, no-obligation consultation with a friendly Editing Specialist.

Author First, Quality First

How to Proofread a Thesis: A Guide

Anyone who has written one knows that a thesis is a monumental task. Months or even years of research, writing, and revision go into creating a thesis. The moment you type the last word, you may feel an incredible sense of relief. But you aren’t done yet! Now it’s time to begin the second most challenging part of writing a thesis: editing and proofreading. Your thesis will no doubt go through various rounds of editing as you reread and rewrite different sections, and your advisor provides their input. But even after all that, there is one critical step left, which is thesis proofreading. Is thesis proofreading that important? How can you go about thesis proofreading anyway?

What is Thesis Proofreading? Proofreading is a separate step where you carefully review a text to ensure its technical accuracy. Thesis proofreading should be conducted after all of your major content editing has been finished. This is to save both time and effort. After all, why bother reviewing a section that will be deleted later? If you proofread before you are done editing, you may have to go back and proofread new sections that are added or changed during the editing process. Thesis proofreading should only take place once you are really, for real, finally done with editing.

In addition to technical accuracy, such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting, thesis proofreading should double-check that your word choice is correct. Proofreading your thesis will also give you the chance to check one more time for clarity and typographical errors. Finally, thesis proofreading will let you make sure that your word choices, use of abbreviations, and use of capitalization are consistent throughout your text. Thesis proofreading is a critical step because any errors in a written document make the document seem less professional and trustworthy. This is doubly true when it comes to academic circles. In this article, we talk specifically about English proofreading, but keep in mind that thesis proofreading is a critical step no matter what language you wrote your masterpiece in.

How Do You Proofread a Thesis? When it comes to performing the English proofreading of your thesis, you have a couple of options. The first option is to proofread your own thesis. This can save you some money, but it can also involve a lot of time and difficulty. Proofreading your own work is always a challenge, thesis or otherwise, because you will bring your own bias as the writer to the table. You wrote it, and you know what you wanted to say. For that reason, it can be very easy to miss your own errors. This is why many thesis writers choose to hire thesis proofreading services. If you are a non-native English speaker, hiring thesis proofreading services to perform English proofreading is often your best option. English proofreading is difficult for native speakers too, and experienced dissertation editors employed by thesis proofreading services can often provide you with a very high quality of service.

Your thesis is probably long, and so it can help to do your thesis proofreading in sections rather than all at once. More importantly, do not attempt to proofread your thesis immediately upon finishing your final draft. You need as much time and space between you and your thesis as possible before you begin the proofreading process. If you aren’t engaging the help of thesis proofreading services, put your thesis on the shelf for at least 72 hours, preferably a week, before you begin the thesis proofreading process. That way, you can look at it with fresh eyes, and you’ll be more likely to catch the errors you have made.

What Should I Look For When Proofreading? Anyone doing their own thesis proofreading should begin with a checklist of items to review. Common errors that should be looked for include:

• Inconsistent use of UK and US English (especially common among non-native speakers)
• Spelling errors (spell check is useful but will not catch everything)
• Typographical errors (abort instead of about is a nasty error but will be missed by spell check!)
• Inconsistent abbreviations (U.S. vs. US)
• Punctuation errors (improper use of apostrophes, inconsistent use of the Oxford comma, en dashes instead of em dashes)
• Grammatical errors (incorrect use of a/an/the, pluralization, etc.)

The easiest way to eliminate inconsistent use of UK vs. US English is to make sure the language of your document is set for your preferred version of English and then perform a quick spell check using the spell-check tool. This should take care of most spelling issues, but also keep a careful eye out as you read through your paper for any inconsistencies you may have missed.

One additional item you’ll want to take special care with is use of contractions (don’t vs. do not) and apostrophes. In general, academic writing is formal and use of contractions is discouraged. Some style guides (APA, for example) specifically discourage the use of contractions. Similarly, non-native speakers often have a tendency to overuse apostrophes with plural possessives. English proofreading and writing strongly advise against this, as native speakers are taught not to write this way. For example, “the dogs’ group” should be “the group of dogs” and “the publics’ opinion” should be “public opinion” or “the opinion of the public.” In addition, you should make sure that your formatting is consistent. Are headlines aligned the same way? Did you use bold for one section and italics for another? Are the margins correct? Always refer to the guide provided by your university to ensure you have properly formatted your thesis before submission.

Where Can I Find Help with Thesis Proofreading? There are a number of helpful guides and tools out there to assist you in thesis proofreading. Google Scholar can help you double-check your citations, as can citation generators. OWL Purdue online also has many helpful writing tips. Thesis proofreading services, as mentioned above, are also a great resource. In addition to thesis proofreading services, academic proofreading services are also available. What is academic proofreading? Simply put, academic proofreading is specifically targeted to academics. Academic and thesis proofreading services employ experienced dissertation editors who are familiar with specific academic disciplines to review academic articles and thesis manuscripts. Because of their familiarity with the subject matter, they are fast and thorough.

Our English Editing Services

Top Impact Scientific Editing New

Top Impact Scientific Editing Service offers in-depth scientific and developmental

Substantive Editing Popular

Substantive Editing, our popular flagship service, is specifically tailored for quality.

Copy Editing

Our professional Copy Editing service is designed for quality-conscious authors.

Our Experts

Similar Articles

7 Proven Strategies to Proofread Effectively

How are Editing, Copy Editing & Proofreading Different?

Editing vs. Copyediting: What's the Difference?

What Are The Different Types of Book Editing?

What Are the Steps in Editing a Document?

Substantive Editing vs. Copyediting: What's the Difference?

Why Copy Editing is Important

A Step-by-Step Guide to Journal Editing

We use cookies to offer you a personalized experience. By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

PhD Thesis Proofreading and Editing Services

Prepare your thesis for publication with Scribbr’s world-class thesis proofreading and editing services.

• 4.6 Trustpilot score (based on 12,948 reviews)
• Starting at £0.013 per word
• Academic writing authority

Comprehensive proofread

Through direct changes and in-text comments, our thesis editors give feedback on:

• Punctuation
• Sentence structure
• Verb tenses
• And much more…

Using Word’s Track Changes feature, you stay in control and decide which changes to accept or reject.

Feedback on academic style

Besides avoiding language mistakes, your writing should also follow academic conventions. Our editors are specialised in academic texts. They will improve and give feedback on the use of:

• Informal or imprecise language
• Inflated and redundant phrases
• Inconsistencies in tense and voice

Personalised language tips

To help you become a better academic writer, your thesis editor will provide an overview of your most common mistakes in grammar, punctuation and style. With our in-depth guides, you’ll learn how to recognise and correct your own errors.

Popular thesis editing add-ons

Structure check.

To avoid structural issues, your thesis editor can review the organization of your thesis. With the Structure Check , you can rest assured that:

• Sections and chapters are ordered correctly
• No sections and elements are missing
• Headings are clear and consistent
• Transitions between paragraphs are smooth

Clarity Check

A fresh pair of eyes can spot issues with your logic or clarity. Through in-text comments and two checklists , the editor’s feedback will focus on:

• Logical argumentation and conclusions
• Clear presentation of concepts and theories
• Contradictory information and arguments

Experienced thesis editors

All Scribbr editors are carefully selected through a rigorous testing and selection process called the Scribbr Academy . Only 4% of applicants succeed in becoming qualified Scribbr editors. That’s how we ensure the highest quality thesis editing!

At Scribbr we try to assign your thesis to an editor who is knowledgeable and passionate about your topic. However, our thesis editors are language specialists, not academic experts in your field.

Customers rate our proofreading service excellent!

Super goed geholpen.

Super goed geholpen.

Very good, thanks

Super Anmerkungen

Super Anmerkungen, die sehr umfangreich und genau waren.

I love that it's so easy AND that I…

I love that it's so easy AND that I don't have to watch pointless video ads.

love how easy it is to cite my research.

Very organized and easy to use

Very organized and easy to use. Great for college students

Korrektur EMBA Mastarbeit

Herzlichen Dank an Gerd für das Lektorat, die Zitationsüberprüfung und den Verständnischeck. Ich bin beeindruckt von der Tiefe und Präzision der Korrekturen und der persönlichen Feedbacks in Form der Zusammenfassung auf dem Portal und der Kommentare im Word selber. Meine Erwartungen sind übertroffen und das Ganze erst noch einen ganzen Tag vor dem vereinbarten Termin. Herzlichen Dank.

I love the application

I love the application. its awesome

Zeker een aanrader

Het helpt me heel hard! Enkel is het wat vervelend dat ik elke keer wanneer ik de website gebruik, me opnieuw moet inloggen, ook als hier bijvoorbeeld maar vijf minuutjes tussen zitten. Ondanks dat, zeker een aanrader!

Gemakkelijk, maar betaalde services zijn duur

De bronvermelding klopt voor het grootste, maar durft enkele fouten te maken. Zeker op namen van auteurs.

Zitierprüfung

Hat alles wunderbar geklappt, sehr freundlicher Austausch :)

helemaal top

Easy to use and allow to edit if needed.

Scribbr is easy to use

Scribbr is easy to use, free for students. It saves so much time I cannot praise use of enough.

Good it’s really helpful

Scribbr Review

It is easy to use and has been a life saver when needing to get resources cited quickly and properly.

It's pretty good

Sometimes the citations are helpful, rarely are they wrong or unhelpful.

The greatest tool for citation

It's easy to manage my citations

Goede bron vermeldingen

Goede bron vermeldingen. Echter APA is niet afgestemd op het blauwe boekje. Dit is voor mij verwarrend.

De bronnengenerator is een uitkomst

De bronnengenerator is een uitkomst. Altijd zelf kijken of het allemaal klopt, maar voor 80% van de bronnen die ik gebruik is het helemaal goed te gebruiken. Scheelt enorm veel tijd en de uitleg die ze bij verschillende delen geven is ook erg handig.

Thesis proofreading in 3 simple steps

Upload and select pages

Upload your entire thesis and only select the pages that need proofreading and editing.

Select a deadline and services

Choose between a 12-hour, 24-hour, 3-day or 7-day deadline and select additional services.

Share your guidelines

Share your supervisor’s guidelines and feedback so the editor can take them into account.

What makes Scribbr stand out?

Consistently high quality

With smart technology and an expert team, we check the quality of editing to ensure every document meets our high standards.

Safe and confidential

Documents are uploaded via a secure connection, and you can delete your document from our server at any time.

Helpful customer support

Have a question? Start a live chat, send us an email or give us a call. We are available from 08:00–23:00 every day.

100% happiness guaranteed

If you’re not completely happy with your editor’s work, we’ll offer you a free second check or a refund – whatever works for you.

Your thesis editor is ready! Are you?

Ask our team.

Want to contact us directly? No problem. We are always here for you.

• Chat with us
• Email [email protected]
• Call +44 (0)20 3917 4242
• WhatsApp +31 20 261 6040

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if your document is longer than 20,000 words, you will get a sample of approximately 2,000 words. This sample edit gives you a first impression of the editor’s editing style and a chance to ask questions and give feedback.

How does the sample edit work?

You will receive the sample edit within 24 hours after placing your order. You then have 24 hours to let us know if you’re happy with the sample or if there’s something you would like the editor to do differently.

Read more about how the sample edit works

At Scribbr, we promise to make every customer 100% happy with the service we offer. Our philosophy: Your complaint is always justified – no denial, no doubts.

Our customer support team is here to find the solution that helps you the most, whether that’s a free new edit or a refund for the service.

Yes, in the order process you can indicate your preference for American, British, or Australian English .

If you don’t choose one, your editor will follow the style of English you currently use. If your editor has any questions about this, we will contact you.

Yes, you can upload your document in sections.

We try our best to ensure that the same editor checks all the different sections of your document. When you upload a new file, our system recognizes you as a returning customer, and we immediately contact the editor who helped you before.

However, we cannot guarantee that the same editor will be available. Your chances are higher if

• You send us your text as soon as possible and
• You can be flexible about the deadline.

Please note that the shorter your deadline is, the lower the chance that your previous editor is not available.

If your previous editor isn’t available, then we will inform you immediately and look for another qualified editor. Fear not! Every Scribbr editor follows the  Scribbr Improvement Model  and will deliver high-quality work.

Yes, our editors also work during the weekends and holidays.

Because we have many editors available, we can check your document 24 hours per day and 7 days per week, all year round.

If you choose a 72 hour deadline and upload your document on a Thursday evening, you’ll have your thesis back by Sunday evening!

When you place an order, you can specify your field of study and we’ll match you with an editor who has familiarity with this area.

However, our editors are language specialists, not academic experts in your field. Your editor’s job is not to comment on the content of your dissertation, but to improve your language and help you express your ideas as clearly and fluently as possible.

This means that your editor will understand your text well enough to give feedback on its clarity, logic and structure, but not on the accuracy or originality of its content.

Good academic writing should be understandable to a non-expert reader, and we believe that academic editing is a discipline in itself. The research, ideas and arguments are all yours – we’re here to make sure they shine!

THE EDITING ESSENTIALS BLOG

How to proofread your dissertation or thesis – 12 essential tips

• Denise Cowle
• November 21, 2016

1 Give yourself enough time

2 overall structure, 3 formatting, 4 consistency, 5 spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Word, go home. You’re drunk. #spellcheck #amediting pic.twitter.com/dgqZNddYlx — Denise Cowle, non-fiction editor (@dinnydaethat) August 22, 2016

6 ​Acronyms and abbreviations

7 plagiarism, 8 referencing system.

• The  author-date system  (for example, the Harvard system) uses in-text citations like this (Cowle, 2016) in conjunction with a full reference list, where titles are ordered alphabetically.
• The  short-title system  uses a note marker in the text and puts the full reference in the equivalent footnote or endnote. When the title is used again, a new note number is inserted in the text, but a much shorter version of the title is listed. This system is often used in the humanities.
• Numbering systems , such as Vancouver and author-number referencing, are frequently used in Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine (STEM).

9 Make several passes

• Cross check headings, sub-headings and page numbers against the table of contents
• Check figures and tables are in the right order and numbered and captioned correctly
• Check in-text citations match your reference list
• Are you references styled according to your institution’s requirements?
• Have you defined all your acronyms and abbreviations where they first appear?
• ​Lastly, read through to check spelling, grammar and sense.

10 Get outside help

11 know what your institution allows, 12 university language centres.

• English isn’t your first language
• you have a learning difference such as dyslexia
• you are a native English speaker but find the transition to using academic English challenging.

FREE DOWNLOAD

Learn how to prepare a clean file your editor will love

Recent Posts

How we’re ramping up the editing podcast, the best reference books to help your business writing, how the editing toolkit can help your writing, everything you need to know about my pdf mark-up course.

• 5 questions to answer before writing your business book

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Editor's Note

Other articles for you – check them out.

The Editing Podcast has had a revamp for 2022! Find out more about the new broadcast schedule for The Editing Podcast and how you can

You don’t need me to tell you that your business writing should be as polished as possible if you want to avoid your potential customers

We all feel differently about business writing  –​ for some of us it’s a pleasure to sit down and let the words flow, but for others

You may have noticed that I recently launched a PDF mark-up course. How to Mark Up PDF Page Proofs will help anyone who works with

HOW CAN I HELP?

• LEARNING CENTRE

CONTACT DENISE

• [email protected]

CONNECT WITH ME

Copyright © 2014–2022 Denise Cowle Editorial | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions

All The Support You Need To Succeed In Your PhD

Since 2017 we’ve offered an  unparalleled level of support and guidance to thousands of phd students from around the world. we’ve got everything you need to feel connected and supported as you navigate your phd journey., we’re more than just proofreaders.

Whether you’re looking to supplement the support you receive from your institution, or just to feel part of something bigger, we offer a comprehensive range of support services to cover every part of the PhD journey. Everything we offer is thoughtfully designed, and expertly delivered. By PhDs, for PhD students.

How can we help?

Free phd writing guides.

We've created the world's most comprehensive PhD-thesis writing knowledge base. 

Mock PhD Viva Exam

Have a practice run of your viva with a world renowned examiner & boost your confidence.  

PhD Workshops & Writing Retreats

Learn valuable PhD writing and research skills from academics in virtual workshops and writing retreats.

Thesis & Chapter Proofreading

Thesis writing course.

Stop worrying about how to structure your thesis with expertly designed lessons.

One-on-One Coaching

Every PhD is different. That's why we offer one-on-one coaching to help you succeed.

Get Free PhD Writing Tips From The Thesis Writing Experts

PhD writing tips, productivity tools, and motivational advice from people who really know what they’re talking about. Every Monday and Friday, straight to your inbox. Trusted by 26,000+ students. 

I have read and agree to the terms & conditions

Our Mission:

Doctor, sooner.

Since 2017 we have been dedicated to one mission: helping students feel less isolated and more confident as they navigate their PhDs. 

By bringing you access to world class educators, thesis coaches, editors and mentors, we’re able to offer you an  unparalleled  suite of free and paid for services that will help you feel more connected and better equipped as you navigate your PhD. 

  We Come Highly Recommended

“Without this personalised assistance, there is no way I would have felt comfortable paying a proofreader. The PhD Proofreaders couldn’t have done a better job. It was such a relief. The thesis they sent back read so beautifully and I was awarded no corrections.”

"You and your excellent professional skills can always cheer me up and bring me more confidence at the last stage of this long matharon."

“Without The PhD Proofreaders, there is no chance I would have submitted my thesis on time. I wouldn't have passed first time, either. My thesis was let down by poor English, so the money I spent was worth every penny. It was a great investment.”

"After talking to Elizabeth [a PhD coach], I didn’t wake up in the middle of the night last night for the first time in months! Ahh to have this feeling over my destiny again is very nice".

"Your solidarity with developing countries' PhD students who would never be able to afford other similar services, makes you standout as not only a high quality proofreading services provider but also an understanding and personal service supplier. This unique approach puts you at the helm of the pack."

How Can We Help?  

• Link to facebook
• Link to linkedin
• Link to twitter
• Link to youtube

PhD Editing Services

Phd proofreading services.

Your PhD, Polished By Professionals

Expert Support Throughout Your PhD

A PhD is the sum of years of research and writing. And as well as your final thesis, you may need to prepare a lot of papers during your studies. But whatever stage of your PhD you’re at, your written work needs to be clear and concise so you can make a strong argument. And this is where  proofreading  can help. So to give yourself the best chance of success, try our expert PhD editing services today.

Expert Editor

Proofreading Professionals

Our team has a world of experience with academic research, making us experts at polishing PhD theses. And to ensure the best results possible, we can even match you with a specialist PhD editor who knows your subject area.

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing

As part of our service, your specialist PhD editor can help you:

• Perfect your punctuation, spelling, and grammar
• Maintain an academic tone and vocabulary in your writing
• Check that documents are clear and well structured
• Make sure your referencing is correct
• Improve your writing style via helpful feedback

And when we check a document, we provide two edited copies:

• A “Clean” copy in the original file format
• An  MS Word Track Changes  copy with all edits highlighted

You can then review our work using this “Track Changes” copy, so you’re always in control of the final draft. And if you’re using a  file format  that doesn’t support Track Changes, we can adapt our process to match.

Lightning-Fast Delivery

You’ll never miss a deadline with our speedy services: our Next-Day Guarantee means we’ll return any document up to 10,000 words long within 24 hours

And if you need a faster turnaround, simply select your desired delivery speed when you submit your document. We have three options:

We can also meet custom deadlines! Just let us know what you need.

*For documents up to 8,000 words 

**For documents up to 3,000 words

How We Work With Academics

You’ll never miss a deadline with our speedy services: our Next-Day Guarantee means we’ll return any document up to 8,000 words long within 24 hours.

And if you need a faster turnaround, simply select your desired delivery speed when you submit your document. We have three options

We can also meet custom deadlines! Just let us know what you need. 

* For documents up to 8,000 words

** For documents up to 3,000 words

Great Pricing

Our pricing is affordable and transparent – the cost is based on the exact length of your document. Check out our pricing calculator for an instant quote, and rest assured that you’ll receive the highest quality proofreading and editing for the best value on the market.

Referencing Expertise

Our team includes experts in various referencing styles and systems, including AMA, APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, Vancouver, and IEEE. No matter what style you’re using, though, we can check that your citations and references are correct and let you know if any information is missing. Visit our referencing page to learn more.

Subject-Matter Experts

Our team includes over 750 professional editors with backgrounds in a wide range of disciplines, so we’ll always match you with the best editor for your writing, whether you need help with a sociology dissertation, handouts for a music theory lecture, or a biology research paper.

24-Hour Support

Our support team is available around the clock to address any concerns or questions you have about your order. This means you’ll never be left in the dark, no matter where you are or what time it is.

Instant Quote

You can also upload a document to get an instant quote

Drag & drop your file

or browse your computer

Browse from your device

Drop your file here!

Your file is being uploaded!

Looking For The Perfect Proofreader?

We can help you improve everything from journal articles to theses. Let us show you how!