This blog is written by Lynsey MacLeary of Isotope Editing. Lynsey is a specialist scientific editor providing English language editing services for earth and environmental scientists; she is equally enamoured by rocks, rivers and words. You can contact Lynsey on Twitter @IsotopeEditing.
There’s a common gripe among my fellow editors: there’s a general feeling that many people don’t fully understand what a specialist editor does or why good editing is an important component of science communication. I’ve worked in earth and environmental sciences for over 15 years, and for much of that time I’ve worked as a specialist editor. I thought that I could offer a useful perspective on the importance of editing and the issues facing scientific editors and the authors we work with.
What is scientific editing?
Scientific editing is distinct from scientific writing. I like to think of the editing process as a funnel that gradually narrows down the focus of a manuscript, taking it from an unstructured mass of ideas to a polished final draft. An editor can take on your manuscript at any stage of that funnel, refining the structure or polishing your words to make sure that your science is communicated in the best way possible.
Specialist scientific editors need two main qualities: subject-matter knowledge and excellent language skills. Both of these qualities are developed over time, so scientific editors have much more specific expertise than non-specialist proofreaders or copyeditors.
Why do we need scientific editing?
Although publishing is such an important part of academic life, writing is a difficult process for many academics, and even the best researchers might not necessarily be the best writers. It’s important that the story you’re telling with your paper is engaging, and strong academic writing can make the difference between your paper getting published or not. The message of your manuscript is what’s really important; scientific editors can help refine your content to make sure that your message is clear.
Experienced academic editors have typically edited hundreds of research articles before yours and can help you strike the right tone with your writing; they offer a fresh pair of eyes that can appraise your work critically, based on a solid foundation: their expertise within your field. A good editor will also help you improve your own writing skills by highlighting common mistakes and providing tips for further improvement.
“Research and academia have become increasingly globalised, yet the majority of scientific communication is done in English”
Who uses scientific editing services?
As scientific editors, we’re passionate about making science communication accessible for everyone. However, we know that there are barriers in place that suppress diversity and equal representation in scientific research. In fact, the scientists who have the greatest need for editing services are often the people who can least afford them.
Research and academia have become increasingly globalised, yet the majority of scientific communication is done in English. Writing in English is particularly difficult and time-consuming for academics who speak English as a foreign language (EFL), leaving EFL scientists at a considerable disadvantage.
A paper published recently in PLOS ONE has highlighted the ongoing issues associated with the dominance of the English language in scientific publishing. The study’s author surveyed Colombian researchers, finding that they publish more than 90% of their journal articles in English. The study results also suggest that it takes researchers twice as long to write in English than in Spanish and that those who use English editing services can expect to pay up to half their monthly salary for a single paper.
The increased time and financial resources required for EFL scientists to publish their results reduces scientific productivity and is thought to be widespread globally in all scientific disciplines. By allowing these barriers to persist, we’re both limiting the progress of EFL scientists and restricting the expression of diverse perspectives within our fields of study.
How can we make scientific publishing more equitable?
It’s widely accepted that we need common languages for scientific communication, but it’s essential that any common languages are accessible to all. All scientists who have a high level of English language proficiency benefit from the dominance of English in scientific communication, at the expense of EFL authors. All of us who benefit in this way have a responsibility to help make science communication more equitable.
The author of the recent PLOS ONE study, Valeria Ramírez-Castañeda, suggests that we could support journals that publish papers in multiple languages and focus on publishing more in local journals. Such actions would help reduce the pressure that academics face to publish their most important research in specific international journals with high impact factors.
Structural changes within the publishing industry will be required to produce long-term improvements in equality and diversity. For example, journals could include translation/editing costs in their publication fees. They could also encourage reviewers not to reject manuscripts based solely on language issues, focusing on clarity of expression rather than insisting on language that is equivalent to that of a native speaker. Conferences, universities and other facets of academia also have a responsibility to make science communication more equitable.
A recent study suggest that it takes Colombian researchers twice as long to write in English than in Spanish; those who use English editing services can pay up to half their monthly salary for a single paper.
What can we change at an individual level?
The large-scale change that will be required to make scientific communication more accessible and diverse will be an ongoing process. What can you do to help, both as an individual and within your institutions?
I believe strongly that scientific communication, at its core, should be clear, inclusive and accessible. As an individual, I offer pro bono editing where I can; I’ve also started to produce my online content in both English and Spanish where possible. At Isotope Editing, we now have a tiered pricing structure based on the World Bank’s country classification, designed to help improve access to English language editing services for EFL researchers by making those services more affordable. I’m always happy to discuss other ways in which we can reinforce our commitment to equitable science communication; please get in touch if you have any ideas that you think we could help with.