How can I format an essay? This question is often asked by students and writers. Preferred essay formats differ across universities and subjects, but there are some general guidelines: Use an easy-to-read sans serif font such as Times New Roman. A 12 pt font size is the standard, but some…
Dangling modifiers often go unnoticed and can be tricky to correct when detected. Indeed, even some editors-in-training leave dangling modifiers in their work! What is a dangling modifier? A dangling modifier is a phrase that modifies a word that is not in the sentence (though it might be implied) or modifies…
There are a lot of expenses involved in being a student, and I’m not just talking about that large double-shot latte you grab every morning on the way to class. Seriously though, on top of uni fees, transport to and from uni each day, and general living expenses, each new…
Although perhaps more familiar as a method of funding computer game development, medical bills or the production of new gadgets, crowd funding is increasingly being used to fund academic pursuits, including scientific research (Vachelard et al. 2016), arts projects or even salaries for individuals. In times gone by, great artists…
It can be difficult to decide whether to submit your thesis chapters for publication before or after you submit your thesis. On one hand, the more journal articles you have published the better—especially if you will be seeking an academic position or grant funding following your PhD—and if many of…
I remember attending conferences as a child-free PhD student. I’d fully commit myself to every session; I’d have meaningful conversations with people at lunch; I’d stay out late talking science (and other things!) with my colleagues at night. Conferences were the highlight of the academic year. They were an exciting…
The next instalment in our ‘Commonly Confused Words’ series is ‘lay’ and ‘lie’. Am I going to lay down for a nap? Or lie down for a nap? This series aims to explain the difference between a few of the most misused or misunderstood words in academic writing. We’ll also give some examples to…
It’s one of the most common errors; many people genuinely do not know there is a difference between ‘its’ and ‘it’s’. These ‘Commonly Confused Words’ are the next in our series. In our ‘Commonly Confused Words’ series we set out to explain some of the most misunderstood and misused words…
This next instalment in our ‘Commonly Confused Words’ series aims to demystify ‘affect’ and ‘effect’. Often used interchangeably, ‘affect’ and ‘effect’ are widely misunderstood and misused. As always, we will provide definitions and helpful examples to clarify these terms. For our definitions, we use the Macquarie Dictionary—the authority on Australian English…
Using the right invoicing terms increases the likelihood of getting paid promptly and creating a professional impression. As a freelance editor or writer, it’s vital that you take control of your invoicing and income. It’s impossible to plan ahead if you don’t know what you’re owed and what’s been settled. You also…