ESL editing
ESL editing for non-native English speakers
I provide ESL editing services for writers whose first language is not English (multilingual authors). Whatever you are writing, whether it is a dissertation, a cover letter, or an academic article, I will bring out your true voice. I will help make your writing clear, consistent, and error-free. I have a master’s degree, an editing certificate, and ESL teaching experience—qualifications and experience that most editors do not have.
An ESL editor has a specialized skillset
An ESL editor needs to be aware of the types of errors multilingual writers often make. As a former ESL teacher, I understand the common areas to focus on for non-native English speakers (e.g., verb tense, agreement, and articles).
Common errors for multilingual writers
The use of articles (e.g., the, a, or an). Many languages do not use articles. As a result, some ESL writers forget to use them or use them incorrectly.
Proper subject-verb agreement. Subject-verb agreement is a common challenge for ESL writers. For example, one should write “The evidence proves” and not “The evidence prove.”
English has many prepositions (e.g., on, in, at, under, behind, before, after), and ESL writers can confuse them at times.
In many languages, the word order within a sentence is different from the word order in English (e.g., adjectives may come after nouns instead of before). Therefore, I check ESL authors’ sentences for clarity and ensure they are not awkward sounding.
Experienced ESL teacher
As a former ESL teacher, my specialized training enables me focus on your specific needs. It makes me a better ESL editor.
I received my TESL certification and taught adult ESL in Toronto for a number of years. I have taught various levels of ESL from beginner to EAP (English for Academic Purposes).
Since I am keenly aware of the types of errors that are common among many ESL writers, I am better equipped to provide editing for non-native English speakers.
Terminology: ESL or ELL?
Although I sometimes use the term ESL (English as a Second Language), I realize that English may not be just your second language. In fact, it may be your third or fourth language! A more accurate term is English Language Learner (ELL) or multilingual learner.
Dissertation editing for ESL authors
If you are getting ready to submit your dissertation, I can help you. Whether you’re putting together a draft for your advisors to review, getting ready to submit, or you’re making revisions after defending, I can help you. I believe your writing should be judged on the strength of your research and ideas, and not on your English writing abilities. Let me help you graduate sooner, rather than later.
A former client on my dissertation editing skills:
“Thanks to Keith’s editing, my dissertation not only met the formal academic standards but also communicated my ideas with far greater clarity.” - Yizhou Luo, graduate music student (DMA)