How much does scientific proofreading cost?

We are realistically priced given the superlative quality of our service. We believe in providing a unique and exceptional service befitting the requirements of your manuscript. This begins with, and is informed by, a discussion about your work, publication ambitions, and deadline. We provide world-class scientific editing for a realistic price. Our distinguished clients return to us time and again because we have established ourselves as such a trustworthy resource in the academic proofreading world, staffed only with rigorously-vetted academic research editors who share our incredibly high standards. Prices start from £28 per 1,000 words for proofreading. Indexes start from £15 per 1,000 indexable words.

* To help you as best we can, we only provide a formal fee quotation once we have seen a representative sample of your work/book to be indexed. Examples of our editing, indexing, and translation work—corresponding with the services provided—are available upon request.

How do I pay?

Before editing begins, we will send you an invoice for the entire fee (inclusive of VAT @ 20%, if applicable). Invoices can be settled through Stripe, AliPay, Klarna, AliPay, WeChat Pay, credit card, debit card, bank transfer, PayPal, or Revolut. In exceptional cases, we accept cheques. If your university is paying on your behalf, we will send them the invoice after having received a purchase order. When placing an order via email, let us know what payment method suits you best so we can prepare the appropriate invoice.

Is it OK if my university pays?

Yes. We are the only author services company that works directly with both academics and their institutions, making our payment terms unusually flexible. Many of our clients are on Horizon 2020 and European Research Council grants, which generously fund the copy-editing and translation of research outputs. We are listed suppliers of proofreading to the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, King’s College London, the University of St Andrews, Durham University, and many others besides. If you’d like us to be added to your university procurement list for proofreading, indexing, or translation, please let us know.

It is not uncommon for university departments to have funding available so that postgraduate students may have their theses professionally proofread. Some universities also have funds in their disability offices to offset the costs of proofreading for students deserving dedicated editorial support. Many of our clients have had their PhD editing paid for by their home institution. You will want to enquire with the relevant administrator in your department, faculty and/or disability office.

Does Lex Academic provide a confidential service?

Yes. Your work is anonymised before being edited, so nobody needs to know that you have used our services. If you are happy to leave us a review with your name, then that is absolutely your call; many authors are glad to leave just their initials and institutional affiliation. Otherwise, these details can remain entirely anonymous. You do not need to formally acknowledge us in any of your publications: we are proudly your editorial secret weapon.

If you require extra assurance, then we can issue a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This is a legally binding contract establishing a confidential relationship between yourself and Lex Academic.

Will I retain copyright over my work?

Yes. Before we begin working together, we will issue a contract establishing that you hold the copyright to the edited/translated manuscript.

How quickly can you turn my document around?

We can accommodate very tight deadlines (including same-day and next-day delivery). Let us know your time constraints or deadline in your project enquiry.

Lex Professional Services Ltd. is a company limited by shares, registered in England and Wales, with Company Number 12241241. Lex Academic® is a registered trademark of Lex Professional Services Ltd.

Contact address

Write to us at: Lex Professional Services, The Studio, 59 Ifield Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 9AU, United Kingdom.

VAT number

Registered VAT Number: GB372504213.