Frequent Questions

Q: What types of materials does Tandem Scientific edit?
A: Tandem Scientific edits all forms of scientific writing including original research papers, review articles, letters, responses to referees, white papers, textbooks, brochures, conference materials, presentations, dissertations, proposals, and web sites. If you have materials not listed here, please contact us.

Q: The journal editor and the referees will reconsider my manuscript if I improve the English. Can Tandem help?
A: Yes. We frequently help authors who are in exactly this situation. We will help ensure that each comment by the journal editor and referees is satisfactorily addressed. We will also help you communicate with the editor and referees in addressing their concerns.

Q: I’m having trouble reducing the word count to meet the journal’s requirements. Does Tandem do this?
A: Tandem’s editors are masters at reducing word count without losing substance or meaning. In fact, improved concision generally results in greater clarity, stronger effect, and improved chances of publication.

Q: How much time does it take?
A: We usually return orders within three to five business days, although dissertations and other long projects will take longer. A 48-hour rush service is available for a 25% additional charge. The limit for the 48-hour service is 25 pages (200 words per page). This service is available during weekends.

Q: How do I submit my manuscript?
A: You can submit your Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or Excel document(s) quickly and easily via the order page in this web site. Provide all requested contact and institutional information in the form and attach documents (manuscript and figures) by following the instructions on the form. Or, you can submit documents as email attachments directly to info@tandemscientific.com.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Tandem charges by the word (as calculated by the Microsoft Word "word count" function before the manuscript is edited). Our fee structure depends on the condition of the manuscript, but ranges from $0.05 (five cents) per word for line editing to $0.09 for more extensive work such as rewriting. For manuscripts that need only polishing and light work, or for manuscripts that are resubmitted after author revisions, a lower rate may apply. References are proofread at $0.02 per word.]

Q: How do I pay?
A: When you send us your manuscript, we will respond promptly with a quote. This quote will have a link to our PayPal account, which you can use to pay by credit card securely and conveniently.

Q: Is your work guaranteed?
A: Although it is impossible for us to ensure that your manuscript will be published, we do guarantee that our editors will transform your manuscript into publishable-quality English writing. It is extremely rare for our customers to request a refund, but those requests are honored.

Q: How do I know whether I need a line edit or rewriting?
A: When you submit your manuscript (or just a sample page if you wish), our editors will review it, decide how much work it will need, and give you a free estimate. In most cases, the basic line edit is all that’s needed.

Q: Should I include figures and tables with my document?
A: Yes, and this is helpful to our editors. If possible, send figures as PowerPoint files (separately or as multiple pages in a single PowerPoint file). If you want the figures and tables checked as well, the standard rate of $0.05 per word applies.

Q: Will my work be kept private and confidential?
A: Absolutely. Only your editor will read your documents. Your documents and all correspondence with us will remain private. Tandem Scientific does not give away or sell any information about our clients.

Q: How is Tandem different from other editing services?

A: Tandem’s editors don’t just fix mistakes in English usage. Correct English and good science writing are two different things. So we raise the level of your manuscript to that of a native English-speaking scientist. This maximizes the likelihood that your work will be published by the journal of your choice.

Where appropriate, we also take the time to explain why we’re proposing certain changes and how you can avoid specific mistakes. The result is that your writing will improve with or without an editor in the future.