Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common queries about our services, process, and policies.

Services, Re-editing, and Revisions

We offer three core levels of English editing:

  • SciManu-Standard: It focuses on basic language correction (i.e., grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure). Ideal if you are confident in your manuscript structure and content, and simply need expert polishing for the final version.
  • SciManu-Pro: Includes all Standard features, plus improvements to structure, readability, academic tone, and fluency. Our most popular service among researchers for whom English is a second language.
  • SciManu-Scientific: It adds expert-level suggestions to enhance the scientific content and structure of your manuscript, alongside full language polishing. It includes detailed comments on scientific logic, coherence, argument strength, and manuscript organization. This service is ideal before submitting to a high-impact journal.

Our core services include (1 initial edit + 1 free re-edit round) to allow for your feedback. Additional rounds are available at 50% of the original fee to keep refining until you're fully satisfied.

A 'round of editing' is one complete review of your manuscript after you have revised it.

  • What it includes: We take the version you send (e.g., your initial draft or a revised one after our first edit), and based on the service chosen, review it thoroughly for language, clarity, grammar, style, flow, and consistency. Our editors make tracked changes, add comments for any suggestions, and return a polished version. This is a full read-through of the entire document (or the sections you specify).
  • A clarification question will not be considered as a round of re-editing. You can ask questions for up to 7 days from receiving your edited manuscript.

Absolutely! We understand that manuscripts often undergo multiple rounds of editing, especially following rejection or resubmissions. To support you throughout your publication journey, we offer two long-term solutions: (1) the SciManu-Win-Win Package, and (2) the SciManu-Multiple Re-Edits additional service. Both are designed to provide ongoing editorial support tailored to your needs.

Our SciManu-Multiple Re-Edit (additional service) offers two options: You may choose to receive up to 5 re-edits of the same manuscript within two years (730 days) or opt for unlimited re-edits for one year (365 days).

To ensure clarity and avoid any misunderstandings later on, please specify your preferred option at the time of quotation.

Please note: If the manuscript undergoes substantial changes (e.g., more than 25% change in word count), it will be considered a new manuscript, and may require a separate service.

The SciManuscript-Win-Win Package is a long-term, all-inclusive editing plan. With a one-time payment, you get unlimited access to:

  • One core editing service (SciManu-Standard, SciManu-Pro, or SciManu-Scientific)
  • Unlimited re-edits for a period of 2 years (730 days).
  • If you chose SciManu-Scientific, after one round of scientific feedback, the manuscript will be treated as SciManu-Pro and re-edits will apply accordingly.
  • You also get access to Additional services including:
    • Cover letter writing (1 for each target journal)
    • SciManu-Rebuttal-Pro service (two-rounds of reviewers' response letter editing)
    • Graphical abstract creation (+1 free revision)
    • Text Formatting
    • Reference formatting service
    • Plagiarism check
    • Feedback reports
    • You get unlimited re-editing over the 2-year (730 days) period starting from the order date.

Yes, our SciManu-Rebuttal-Pro additional/stand-alone service helps you craft clear, professional, and respectful responses to reviewer feedback. Note that if you chose the SciManu-Win-Win package, you will have access to the SciManu-Rebuttal-Pro service, for a specific manuscript.

If you choose this service, we will check each reference in your manuscript to make sure the claims you have made are accurately supported by the cited sources. This can be especially valuable if you are preparing a thesis, a grant proposal in a new field, a meta-analysis, or a submission to a high-impact journal.

Yes, upon request, we provide an official certificate of editing confirming that your manuscript was professionally edited by our qualified experts. This certificate can be submitted to journals during the peer-review process.

Yes, our SciManu-Formatting additional/stand-alone service is designed to format your manuscript according to the guidelines of the journal to which you wish to submit your manuscript. We will adjust headings, spacing, figure and table placement, and figure legends or captions. We will also check whether your in-text citations and reference list follow the correct format and let you know if there are any issues. If a journal-specific template is available, we will apply it to your document. We will also inform you of any word count limits set by the journal. When placing your order, please share the journal name, website link, article type, and the subject area your manuscript fits into.

Yes, we provide a plagiarism check as a stand-alone service for a small fee. Note that, plagiarism check is provided as a complementary (free) service, if you select any of our 'core services' or the SciManu-Win-Win Package.

Yes, we offer expedited (fast; within 4 days) and urgent (within 48 hours) editing options for time-sensitive submissions. Please mention your deadline when placing the order, and we will confirm feasibility before starting. Extra charges will apply based on urgency and word count.

We offer flexible turnaround options based on your needs.

  • Standard: 6-7 business days
  • Expedited: 3-4 business days
  • Urgent: 24-48 hours (subject to availability and word count)

Yes, with conditions. We can help polish AI-generated text for grammar and clarity, but you must ensure the content is accurate and original as these LLMs can make mistakes (for example, the ChatGPT landing page clearly states that “ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.” ) Therefore, we do not take responsibility for factual errors or misrepresentations in AI-generated drafts.

Yes, we do. We provide editing for a range of academic and professional documents including theses, dissertations, posters, grant proposals, presentation slides, and academic CVs.

Customization, Special Requests, and Scope of Services

We understand this may feel like an extra step, but separating the word count for main text and references helps us keep your editing job accurate, flexible, and cost-effective. It also protects you from being charged for a “new job” if references are added later. Here's why we ask for it:

  • Reference formatting is often handled later
    Many authors add or update references just before submission. By keeping the main text and reference counts separate, we can offer reference formatting as an additional or stand-alone service whenever you need it. If you order it along with core editing, you also receive a 10% discount.
  • Fair application of our editing policy
    To ensure consistency, we have a policy that if a manuscript is changed by more than 25% during editing, it is treated as a new job file. If references are added without being counted separately, it can unintentionally push the file over this limit. Providing separate counts helps us avoid this situation and keeps things fair for you.
  • Accurate word reduction services
    We offer up to 20% word reduction on request (where feasible). If references are added at the same time, this could push changes beyond our 25% threshold. By separating the counts, we make sure your manuscript stays within policy and you don't face unnecessary extra charges.

Yes, if you notice an issue or need to send an updated version shortly after submission, contact us as soon as possible. If the editor has not started yet, we will update the file. Otherwise, we may need to treat it as a revision or new round of editing.

We accept files in Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx), LaTeX (.tex), or PDF formats. Edited documents are usually returned in Word format with track changes, so you can easily review and accept suggestions. For LaTeX and PDF documents, we provide annotated PDFs and edited .tex files if needed.

No, we will not independently research and add new references or citations to your manuscript. Our role is to edit and format the citations you provide, ensuring they are consistent and properly integrated. Adding unsubstantiated references could lead to misrepresentation of sources, which is unethical. If your manuscript needs additional literature support, we may suggest areas for improvement, but it is your responsibility to incorporate them.

Not at this time. We are working on finding experts who can confidently translate between languages, without making errors. Currently, we offer English language editing and polishing services for texts that are already written in English.

No, we do not offer ghostwriting or content creation services. Our role is to improve the language, clarity, and overall presentation of manuscripts that are already written. If your manuscript is still in the early stages, we recommend completing a full draft before submitting it for editing. Writing substantial portions of the manuscript on your behalf would raise serious academic integrity concerns and may violate ethical publishing guidelines.

No, this package is applicable for a single manuscript, aimed at long-term support.

Our approach balances thorough scientific feedback with comprehensive manuscript support. The one round of scientific feedback focuses on key content and research quality improvements to address the most critical issues efficiently. After that, the SciManu-Win-Win Package includes extensive editing and polishing services, equivalent to the SciManu-Pro level to ensure your manuscript is clear, well-structured, and submission-ready. This combination helps us provide high-quality, cost-effective support while respecting your time and investment.

The decision to send a manuscript for peer review ultimately lies with the journal editor, and desk rejections are a common part of the editorial screening process. If you strongly believe that your manuscript merits peer review, many journals offer an appeals process. You can submit a formal letter to the editor outlining why you believe the manuscript should be reconsidered. If you would like support in drafting such an appeal, we are here to help refine your reasoning and improve the clarity and tone of your message. While we cannot guarantee a change in the editorial decision, we are committed to assisting you in presenting your case effectively as part of your publication journey.

No service can guarantee journal acceptance. However, we aim to maximize your chances by ensuring your manuscript is clear, well-organized, and meets all language and formatting guidelines. Our scientific feedback (SciManu-Scientific service) helps align your manuscript with journal expectations.

Editors and Quality Assurance

Our editors are PhD-level researchers with strong academic publishing backgrounds. Many have postdoctoral experience and have authored or reviewed manuscripts in top journals.

Yes, we will match your manuscript with an editor who has relevant experience in your academic discipline, whether it is neuroscience, cancer biology, genetics, genomics, computational biology, complex natural systems, Physics of the living systems, botany, ecology, environmental science, material science, or any other field. This ensures accurate use of terminology and a deep contextual understanding of your research. Every manuscript also undergoes rigorous internal quality checks, so you can be confident in the consistency, clarity, and technical accuracy of the edited work.

We expect our editors to take initiative. If they encounter unclear statements or paragraphs, they will actively revise them. If any edits inadvertently result in misinterpretation, please let us know so we can address it.

Yes, you will receive a track-changes file showing all edits and comments. If requested, we will also send you a file with all changes accepted and all comments removed.

Whenever possible, we assign the same editor to your revised manuscript for consistency. If the original editor is unavailable, we ensure your file goes to an equally qualified expert who will have full access to the editing history and comments.

After we receive payment, we allocate the job to two editors, who read through and polish your manuscript sequentially.

Yes, if you have previously worked with an editor and were satisfied, you can request them via a previous job ID. We will do our best to assign your manuscript to the same editor, depending on their availability.

No, for the sake of confidentiality and privacy concerns, we currently manage all communication through our support team to ensure clarity and timely responses. However, your feedback or questions for the editor will be relayed, and if needed, we will request a follow-up from the same editor.

We will offer a free revision based on your feedback if the edits do not meet your expectations. Contact us at support@scimanuscript.com within 7 days of delivery and we will work to address your concerns promptly and thoroughly.

Absolutely. We treat all files as strictly confidential. Your documents are stored securely, never shared, and only accessed by the assigned editor and relevant staff. We also avoid discussing any job details with third parties.

Yes, we will sign NDAs for added peace of mind. Many of our institutional clients and corporate researchers use NDAs as part of their workflow, and we fully support that.

Pricing and Discounts

We aim to provide high-quality editing at fair and transparent prices. Below are answers to common questions about pricing, discounts, and special offers.

Pricing is based on

  • Word count
  • Editing service level (SciManu-Standard, SciManu-Pro, SciManu-Scientific or the SciManu-Win-Win Package)
  • Additional/Stand-alone services (SciManu-Multiple Re-Edit, SciManu-Rebuttal-Pro, SciManu-Fact-Checking, Cover letter, Graphical Abstract, Formatting, Plagiarism check, etc.)
  • Turnaround time (Standard, Expedited, Urgent)

You can get an instant estimate using our Cost Estimator, or contact us at contact@scimanuscript.com for a personalized quote.

You can get an instant estimate using our Cost Estimator or contact us at contact@scimanuscript.com. For customized quotes (multiple files), simply email us at contact@scimanuscript.com and we will respond within one business day. You can also download our manuscript enquiry form, fill in the relevant details and email it to us using your official email address.

Yes, We're offering a limited-time 28% discount on all three core services. Note that you will get a 10% discount on additional services (when paired with a core service).

An 'additional service' is one you request together with a core editing service at the time of quote. If you choose it later, for example, after your manuscript has been edited, it is considered a 'stand-alone service'.

The 10% discount applies only when an additional service is ordered alongside a core service. Stand-alone services are not eligible for this discount.

Yes, returning clients are eligible for a 10% loyalty discount. This discount can be applied on from the 2nd submission onward (to future submissions). Please contact us to confirm eligibility and receive the discount code or instructions.

Yes. When a colleague you refer completes their first order, you receive a 10% referral discount on your next submission. Please share your referral details with us so we can apply the discount accordingly.

Yes, if you can combine discounts in some cases.

If you choose any of our three core services, you may stack:

  • A limited-time core service discount
  • A referral discount (if applicable)
  • A loyalty discount (if eligible)
  • A 10% discount on additional services

No additional discounts can be applied beyond this.

Referral and loyalty discounts are also applicable for the Scimanu-Win-Win Package

Yes. We offer:

  • 20% discount for PhD and Master's students submitting a thesis
  • Custom discounts for large-volume orders
  • Reach out to us with details to explore available discounts.

Payments and Security

Yes. We require full upfront payment to confirm your order and begin editing. This ensures efficient scheduling and guarantees timely delivery. Visit our Payment Methods page for details on secure options.

To ensure a seamless experience and immediate assignment of our expert editors, we require full payment upon order confirmation. This secures your project slot and resources. We offer secure payment methods; see our Payment Methods page for details.

We accept:

  • Credit/debit cards
  • Bank transfers
  • PayPal (on request)
  • Institutional/public fund payments (with documentation)

Visit our Payment Methods page for full details on secure and region-specific options.

You can view all accepted payment options on our dedicated Payment Methods page. It includes information on credit card payments, bank transfers, PayPal, and institutional billing.

Yes. We follow strict data privacy protocols. Your personal and payment information is protected by secure encryption and never sold or shared. Communication is only sent to your registered email address.

Contact and Support

Currently, you can submit your manuscript by sending it as an email attachment to submissions@scimanuscript.com. Please include your name, institution, manuscript title, and any specific editing request in the email. We are working on a dedicated submission portal to streamline this process, which will be launched soon.

Yes, we are happy to provide a short sample edit (up to 300 words) so you can evaluate our quality before placing a full order. Please register through our website and contact us at contact@scimanuscript.com with a section of your manuscript to get started.

You can reach us at contact@scimanuscript.com or support@scimanuscript.com. We respond to most inquiries within one business day. For faster quotes, use our Submission form or Cost Calculator.

Still have a question? Contact us.