Yes, I Agree
Researchers today have access to more writing tools than ever before. AI-assisted drafting, grammar checkers, automated templates — these can all play a role in getting a paper or grant written faster.
And yet, at Insight Editing London, we continue to receive the same types of requests we’ve seen for over a decade:
“Can you help us make the story clearer?”
“We need this to be stronger before we submit to a high-impact journal.”
“The reviewers said the message was unclear — what can we do?”
We recently ran a competition offering a free in-depth manuscript edit, and the response was overwhelming. Researchers still recognize that a good editor can make a real difference.
But what exactly is that difference?
What a human editor brings to the table
An expert editor does far more than correct language. Our job is to make your science clear, readable, and convincing — for the people who will decide whether it gets published or funded.
At Insight Editing London, that means:
- Helping you sharpen your research question and communicate your key findings
- Strengthening the narrative arc, from introduction to conclusion
- Ensuring your structure supports the logic of your argument
- Clarifying language so your meaning shines through — without overediting or altering your voice
- Thinking like a journal editor or reviewer: Does this work for this audience?
These are judgment calls that can’t be automated or rushed. They rely on experience and empathy. We understand what it feels like to write under pressure, to submit to a journal you respect, to revise after tough reviewer comments. And we know how much is at stake.
Why it’s not just about grammar
You can use automated tools and writing assistants to tidy up sentences. That’s not a bad place to start. But once you’ve drafted your paper, real improvement happens at a higher level. That’s where a human editor becomes essential.
Here’s how we go beyond the basics:
- We look for logic and coherence
Are your conclusions supported by the data? Are there any leaps in reasoning? We flag areas that need clarification, rephrasing, or stronger justification. - We check the story, not just the structure
Every paper has a narrative. Even in the hardest sciences, your introduction sets up a problem, and your results solve it. We make sure the flow is smooth and the emphasis is right. - We think about your reader
A fresh pair of eyes helps you identify what’s missing or what’s overexplained. We aim to make your manuscript as readable as possible — for your target journal, your field, and the reviewers who matter.
Five ways to improve your manuscript before sending it to an editor
Of course, good editing starts with a good draft. Here are five simple but powerful steps you can take on your own:
- Take a break before you revise
Returning to your manuscript after a short break gives you a clearer view of what works — and what doesn’t. - Read it aloud
You’ll hear clunky phrasing, overly long sentences, or abrupt transitions you didn’t notice before. - Outline the argument separately
Write down the main point of each section or paragraph in bullet form. Does the logic make sense? Does it tell a coherent story? - Cut repetition and vague qualifiers
Look out for phrases like “somewhat,” “could potentially,” or “appears to suggest.” If your meaning isn’t clear, simplify or clarify it. - Ask yourself the journal editor’s question
“If I read only the title, abstract, and conclusion, would I know what this study found and why it matters?”
The human touch is still essential
When we announced the winner of our recent editing competition, we reflected on what made that prize valuable: it wasn’t just the free service — it was the chance to receive careful, personalized, expert feedback that could help shape a paper’s future.
That’s what we aim to offer every client, whether through a full edit, a final proof read, or help with conceptualization. We believe research deserves to be communicated clearly and confidently. That’s where editing becomes a craft — not just a task.
Looking ahead
If you’re working on a paper, resubmitting after reviewer feedback, or just planning your next big grant application, don’t underestimate the power of a clear, well-edited manuscript.
Even better — don’t wait for your next submission deadline to start improving your writing. We’ll continue to share tips, insights, and opportunities throughout the year. And if you missed the competition this time, stay with us — there will be more ahead!
Want to stay connected?
- Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-editing-london
- Explore our editing services at: www.insighteditinglondon.com
- Talk to us at: enquiry@insighteditinglondon.com