eXplORe THe ScHOlAR’S SpellbOOK

Every research paper, thesis, or dissertation carries the potential to make a lasting impact — if presented with precision and clarity. At Gray Matter Edits, I offer a suite of academic editing spells designed to elevate your scholarly work. From meticulous proofreading charms to comprehensive language polishing and reference verification, each service ensures your manuscript communicates your ideas clearly, adheres to style standards, and meets the highest academic expectations.

Browse the services below to discover the perfect spell to prepare your research for submission, publication, or defense.

(All spells are offered exclusively for documents written in English.)

AcAdeMic ediTiNG eNcHANtMeNts

CRystAlliNe ClARity ChARM

For arguments that need to shine with flawless logic and flow.

The Crystalline Clarity Charm reshapes your thesis, dissertation, or article’s structure, ensuring every argument is sharp, coherent and elegantly framed. This enchantment illuminates gaps in logic, smooths transitions, and enhances the overall clarity of your academic masterpiece.

Or

See below for the mundane description

  • Focused on ensuring logical flow, coherence, and clarity of arguments.

  • Structural and content editing ensures your research communicates clearly and effectively. This service strengthens the logical flow, coherence, and clarity of arguments while aligning chapters, sections, and research questions into a unified academic narrative.

  • This service can include:

    Assessing and restructuring chapters or sections for clarity and progression.

    Ensuring arguments and evidence are logically developed.

    Aligning research questions, objectives, and conclusions.

    Identifying gaps, redundancies, or unclear passages.

    Providing detailed comments and suggestions for improvement.

  • Doctoral researchers, master’s students, and academic writers preparing early or mid-stage drafts that require clarity and stronger structure.

  • Two copies of your manuscript, one with tracked changes and one with changes applied, provided in your choice of Word or Google Docs format.

    Margin notes with suggestions, alternatives, and stylistic guidance.

    Workflow document outlining each step of the process.

    Style-sheet document specifying every decision made and why.

  • €0.025 per word

    A total cost estimate will be provided before work commences.

    Instalments are available.

  • Five working days per 20,000 words.

  • Will you rewrite my thesis or dissertation?
    No. Structural editing improves clarity and organisation but leaves the core content and arguments your own.

    Can you focus on specific problem areas?
    Yes. If you’d like extra attention on certain chapters, arguments, or transitions, I can prioritise those sections.

    What if my draft still needs language polishing?
    This service targets structure and clarity. If grammar, syntax, or tone also need refinement, copyediting may be more appropriate, or can be combined.

PRecisioN PolisHiNG PotioN

For manuscripts that require meticulous alignment with academic conventions.

The Precision Polishing Potion smooths out grammatical tangles, straightens syntax quirks, and harmonises your academic tone. With careful stirring, your manuscript will meet the highest standards of scholarly writing, flowing with clarity and professional poise.

Or

See below for the mundane description

  • Detailed line-by-line edit for grammar, syntax, academic tone, and consistency.

  • This service focuses on refining the language of your academic manuscript to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency, while preserving your authorial voice. It strengthens sentence-level flow and readability to meet the high standards of academic publishing.

  • Grammar, syntax, and sentence structure refinement.

    Consistency of terminology, tone, and style.

    Alignment with institutional or journal guidelines (if provided).

    Margin comments to explain editorial choices or suggest improvements.

  • Academic writers preparing journal articles, theses, dissertations, or book manuscripts that need language polishing but not structural editing.

  • Two copies of your manuscript in your choice of Word or Google Docs format, one with tracked changes and the other with edits applied.

    Margin notes with suggestions, alternatives, and stylistic guidance.

    Copyediting workflow document outlining each step of the process.

    Style-sheet document specifying every decision made and why.

  • €0.02 per word

    A total cost estimate will be provided before work commences.

    Instalments are available.

  • Typically five working days per 20,000 words.

  • Does this service follow specific academic style guides?
    Yes — please provide your institution’s or publisher’s preferred style guide with your manuscript.

    Will comments be added?
    Yes. Where needed, annotations will be added in the margins to explain changes or suggest alternatives.

    How polished will my manuscript be afterwards?
    Your text will be refined to professional, publishable academic standards. This service does not, however, alter the structure of your arguments.

THe CitAtioN CoNjURAtioN

An incantation of order, transforming chaotic references into a symphony of citation perfection.

With a flick of the wand and a correctly pronounced incantation, every reference will fall into flawless alignment — page numbers summoned, author names enchanted, and bibliography formatted with spellbinding precision.

Or

See below for the mundane description

  • Thorough verification and formatting of in-text citations and reference lists. Tailored to specific academic styles.

  • Ensuring that your references and citations are accurate, consistent, and fully compliant with your required academic style guide.

  • Verification and formatting of in-text citations

    Cross-checking references against the reference list

    Adjustments to match the required academic style (APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, or institution-specific)

    Notes added where citation details are incomplete or missing

  • Academic writers preparing manuscripts, theses, dissertations, or journal articles that must meet strict citation and reference requirements.

  • Corrected manuscript with citations verified and formatted.

    Perfected reference list tailored to the institution’s or publisher’s style guide.

    Annotation notes highlighting unresolved or missing information.

  • €100 – €250 per project

    A total cost estimate will be provided before work commences.

    Instalments are available.

  • Varies by length of reference list (typically 3–5 working days).

  • Which academic styles are supported?
    APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and most institution-specific styles (please provide details).

    Can missing references be created?
    No, but notes will be added where information is absent so you can provide the missing details.

    Does this include editing of the main text?
    Only in-text citations. This service does not polish grammar or prose.

THe FiNAl GlAMouR

The final enchantment that sweeps away lingering imperfections before your work steps into the world.

The Final Glamour is the last protective spell for your manuscript, capturing elusive typos, punctuation errors, and formatting glitches. This is the final shimmer that ensures your academic work dazzles with professional polish upon submission.

Or

See below for the mundane description

  • A meticulous final sweep for typos, formatting inconsistencies, and overlooked errors before submission.

  • This service provides a final polish to your manuscript, ensuring it is free of distracting errors before submission or publication.

  • Correction of typos, grammar slips, and punctuation errors.

    Checking for consistency in formatting and style.

    Identifying lingering minor issues after deeper levels of editing.

  • Writers who have already completed developmental, line, or copyediting and want a final review before their work is shared with examiners, publishers, or readers.

  • Two copies of your manuscript in your choice of Word or Google Docs format, one with tracked changes, the other with edits applied.

    Margin notes with suggestions for further edits if required.

    Proofreading workflow document outlining each step of the process.

    Style-sheet document specifying all decisions made and the reason for them.

  • €0.01 per word.

    A total cost estimate will be provided before work commences.

    Instalments are available.

  • Five working days per 30,000 words.

  • Will proofreading change my writing?
    No, it only polishes what is already there, leaving your voice and style intact.

    How does this differ from copyediting or line editing?
    Proofreading is the finishing stage. It’s not for major edits, style refinement, or structural changes. Instead, it catches typos, formatting issues, and other minor blemishes.

    What kinds of errors are caught?
    Typos, grammar slips, punctuation errors, formatting irregularities, and consistency issues.

FoRMAttiNG TRANsfiGURAtioN

A transformative spell to align every margin, heading, and table into perfect academic harmony.

Formatting Transfiguration reshapes your thesis, dissertation, or article to match institutional or publication standards. From precise margin enchantments to table of contents spells, every element will be meticulously transfigured to academic perfection.

Or

See below for the mundane description

  • Formatting the entire document to university/journal guidelines.

    Style guide required

  • This service ensures your manuscript is formatted to match the exact requirements of your university, journal, or publisher.

  • Application of institution- or journal-specific formatting rules.

    Adjustment of headings, spacing, margins, fonts, and layout.

    Formatting of tables, figures, captions, and numbering.

  • Students and researchers preparing theses, dissertations, or articles that must meet strict submission guidelines.

  • A fully formatted manuscript in Word or PDF, ready for submission, accompanied by a brief record of formatting decisions for your reference.

  • €10 per 1000 words.

    A total cost estimate will be provided before work commences.

    Instalments are available.

  • 1–2 weeks, depending on length and complexity of the manuscript.

  • Do I need to provide the style guide?
    Yes — every institution or journal has its own requirements, and the formatting must be based on the correct guide.

    Will this service check for typos or language?
    No, formatting covers only appearance and conformity. For language or error correction, you may need copyediting or proofreading services.

PACKAGe eNCHANTMeNTS

THe ScHolAR's SolUtioN

A potent blend of editorial magic for manuscripts on the cusp of submission.

The Scholar’s Solution weaves together the power of the Formatting Transfiguration, a Citation Conjuration, and a Final Glamour. This multi-layered enchantment ensures every sentence is refined, every reference aligned, and every detail flawless.

  • Proofreading, reference and citation checking, and full document formatting package deal.

  • This service focuses on presentation, accuracy, and polish, ensuring your manuscript is free from lingering errors and fully aligned with institutional or journal requirements.

  • Proofreading for typos, grammar slips, and formatting errors.

    A full reference and citation check to ensure accuracy and consistency.

    Document-wide formatting aligned with your university or journal guidelines.

  • Doctoral dissertations and theses ready for submission

    Journal articles prepared for peer review

    Any academic manuscript that has already undergone content editing

  • Two copies of your fully proofread and formatted manuscript, one with tracked changes and one with changes applied, provided in your choice of Word or Google Docs format.

    Corrected in-text citations and reference list, aligned with your specified style guide.

    A formatting checklist confirming adherence to requirements.

    Style-sheet document specifying every decision made and why.

  • €0.035 per word.

    A total cost estimate will be provided before work commences.

    Instalments are available.

  • 5 working days per 15,000 words.

  • Does this package include editing for style or clarity?
    No. The Submission Shield focuses on final corrections, formatting, and citation accuracy. For stylistic editing, please see the Precision Polishing Potion or the Doctoral Draught.

    Do I need to provide a style guide?
    Yes — each institution or journal has its own requirements, and accurate formatting depends on the guide you supply.

    Can you fix missing references?
    I can flag them for you, but the responsibility for supplying complete details rests with you.

THe DoctoRAl DRAUGht

An elixir of total transformation, crafted for dissertations that demand nothing less than editorial alchemy.

The Doctoral Draught is the ultimate potion for serious scholars — infusing your manuscript with linguistic precision, citation mastery, proofreading perfection, and flawless formatting. It’s a comprehensive alchemical process that prepares your work for scholarly immortality.

  • Copyediting, reference and citation check, proofreading, and document-wide formatting package deal.

  • A bundled service designed to take your academic manuscript from draft to submission-ready by combining multiple layers of editing and formatting.

  • Copyediting for grammar, syntax, and academic style

    Thorough reference and citation check

    Proofreading for typos, punctuation, and consistency

    Formatting to align with institutional or journal guidelines

  • Students and researchers who want a complete package to ensure their work is polished, consistent, and correctly formatted before submission.

  • Two copies of your manuscript, one with tracked changes and one with changes applied, provided in your choice of Word or Google Docs format.

    Citation and reference list corrections.

    Style sheet documenting editorial decisions.

  • €0.04 per word.

    A total cost estimate will be provided before work commences.

    Instalments are available.

  • Typically 5 working days per 10,000 words.

  • Why choose the package instead of individual services?
    It’s more cost-effective than booking each service separately and ensures consistency across all aspects of your manuscript.

    Does this package include structural feedback?
    No — this package focuses on polishing, correcting, and formatting. If you need help with argument flow or structure, see the Structural Editing service.

    Can I provide my institution’s style guide?
    Yes — please include your style guide or journal requirements to ensure perfect alignment.