Improving Language before Submission

Greetings again. I’m glad to see that the AuthorAID community now has more than 3,000 members.

In a comment on a recent blog post, a reader asked what to do when “the editor sends . . . a list of changes requested by the peer reviewers—and says that the paper is good but the English is bad”. Another reader responded with excellent suggestions.

Of course, one should try to make the language as good as possible before submitting a paper, proposal, or other piece of writing. Here are a few ideas for doing so. Most apply to writing not only in English but also in other languages.

• Read, read, read. Doing so helps one develop a sense of good writing.
• As discussed last week, prepare a “bank” of words and phrases in your field.
• Take plenty of time to write. Even for native speakers, using a language well can require considerable time, thought, and checking.
• Show your writing to colleagues with strong language skills, and get their feedback.
• Consider asking an AuthorAID mentor to review your draft.
• Perhaps use a professional editing service. (Note: Some editing services offer discounts to AuthorAID members.)
• Learn from the feedback that others provide on your writing, so that your use of language can keep improving.

Do you have ideas for helping ensure that the language is as good as possible before submitting a piece of writing? If so, please share them by posting a comment.

Wishing you a good week— Barbara