GENERAL ERRORS TO LOOK FOR IN A SCIENTIFIC MANUSCRIPT EDITING
Writing, whether scientific or otherwise, cannot be error-free. You will make mistakes while writing your document, no matter how experienced you are. That is why scientific editing is required.
Scientific editing, like any other process, has a strategy: a strategy for identifying errors in the scientific manuscript while editing it.
So, here are the common mistakes you should look for when editing your document.
Check for spelling errors
Despite the fact that you are a language expert, there are numerous spelling errors in your manuscript. To facilitate your work:
- Use the Word file’s spell check feature and ensure that it is applied to all of the text in the file.
- Before you begin writing, choose the appropriate language for your manuscript (US/UK English).
Your sentence length
Long sentences that continue to ramble and talk irritate readers. They become bored, confused, and eventually give up. In this case, your written message will not be effectively communicated or understood by the person reading the page.
As a result, short sentences are much easier to understand. Always divide a long sentence into two parts.
Examine the text on the graphs
Many manuscripts include graphs with small text. How will the readers understand it if you can’t? They will also be given a printed copy of your manuscript. Nobody wants to read the text through a lens. As a result, ensure that the headings and other text on the graphs are large enough to be read with a normal eye.
Names of the groups
Keep your groups and treatments’ names as close to the original treatments as possible, without using abbreviations. This makes it simpler for readers because they won’t have to “translate” your findings and data.
The table’s size, text, and alignment
This is made easier if you use the Table feature of your Words file instead of laying out the text with the space bar. As a result, changing the text will not cause the table’s rows and columns to be misaligned.
References to other sections of the paper
While referring to other sections of your paper, provide the specific location, section number, or page/line number. Make the readers read the entire paper to find a small piece of information.
Every abbreviation is well defined
In general, even if they are standard abbreviations, you should define all of them in the abstract and main paper. Check to see if you did so while editing your paper.
Consistency
It is critical to be consistent in the use of language, spellings, and values. Scientific editing of your document ensures that this consistency is maintained.
All of these appear to be minor errors that will not affect the meaning of the text. Many readers will not even notice them. However, checking for these errors in your scientific paper editing will make your writing more professional, and your manuscript will be enjoyed by the readers.