How do I work?

Papers

Papers typically involve 3 key milestones: brief outline, full outline, full draft.

The brief outline is usually a 5-10-page document containing the key points you wish to convey, abbreviated content, and draft tables or figures. This stage will identify any results that could be needed, journal-specific requirements, and questions for the client. Text is written as bullets. After client review, I expand this to the full outline.

The full outline will include expansion of the content and inclusion of any additional content identified in the brief outline. This remains in the bullet format to aid readability and to move content around. Authors should carefully review and revise this round and ensure all content is presented. After client review, I expand this to the full draft.

The full draft, as its name implies, is the full version of the paper that is (nearly) ready for submission to your chosen journal. The service package includes up to 5 rounds of client review on the full draft. Additional rounds of review are available.

Unless otherwise specified, the quoted fee includes preparation of a cover letter and submission to one target journal.

Optional services with additional charges include:

• Revising the article according to peer review with resubmission to the same journal

• Reformatting the paper and submitting to a new journal

• Journal proof checking

• Responding to letters to the author

Language polishing

Language polishing involves language editing, polishing, and formatting the paper to the target journal’s instructions for authors. I recommend editing the entire paper, including the references, tables, and figures. I allow 2 rounds of client review and revisions. This service does not include submission or other related services.

Meetings

I can help prepare abstracts, posters, and oral presentations for a meeting of your choice, or I can polish the language of content you have already developed. For abstracts, I can help submit the abstract on your behalf for an additional fee. When developing posters and oral presentations, I will develop the content and prepare draft tables and figures. I do not prepare the final presentation or prepare the layout or print posters. I am a content developer, not graphical designer/artist. To prepare the layout and artwork of a poster or oral presentation, please get in touch with a graphical designer or artworker of your choice. I can review the artworked content.

What I cannot do

As a medical writer and editor, I can develop medical and scientific content. However, I am not a graphical designer or artist. Therefore, I cannot prepare intricate illustrations, graphics, videos, animations, or schematic diagrams. Nor can I prepare a final layout of a poster before printing or animate/jazz-up some slides for presentation.

Fees and payment

All fees are invoiced in New Zealand Dollars (NZ$).

All new projects include a NZ$50 setup fee.

Articles and bespoke work are invoiced in a 50%:50% manner, with 50% invoiced at go-ahead and 50% on submission of the article or final approval of the project.

Other projects are invoiced 100% at completion of the first round.

Additional fees may be charged for new content or change of scope.

Any expenses, such as reference purchasing and submission fees, will be added to the first or second invoice as appropriate.

Please also enquire if you would like to pre-invoice future projects.

Confidentiality

All work will be handled confidentially. I can sign non-disclosure agreements (NDA) prior to commencing work.

Timelines and rush jobs

Project timelines will be provided along with the quotation, and will depend on the type and complexity of the project. All projects are managed in a timely manner. I do not offer rush services unless you reach out at least 1 week before the project goes ahead.