"Clarity of thought will bring in clarity in writing."

Can you describe your career in short? How did you decide to become a professional editor?

I started my research career in India with a PhD in microbiology, and then went to USA, and later France for post-doctoral research in a variety of areas such as biochemistry, infectious diseases and neurobiology. I returned to India and got a faculty position at a research institute in Mumbai, but had to leave within a couple of years because my husband accepted an attractive job offer in France. After moving to France, I soon realized that given the academia structure, my chances of securing long-term employment as a researcher were slim, particularly because I was too senior. I had always liked to read and write, and had helped innumerable colleagues - non-native as well as native English speakers - in writing scientific documents, so I figured scientific writing was the next best thing I could be doing. I joined the European Medical Writers Association (EMWA) and through their professional program obtained a Foundation Course certificate for completing training in medical communications and clinical regulatory writing. Recently, I got the certificate of Editor in the Life Sciences (ELS) from the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS), USA. Through EMWA and through my freelance work, I discovered a whole new world of clinical research, which was quite different from the academic research that I was used to, but I love my work and give it my best.

You are part of the Center of Excellence of Allied Health Care at Editage, CACTUS. How does this association with an area of specialization influence your approach towards editing? What do you like most about this area of study?

It is my personal view that publications related to fundamental research are often intellectually stimulating, but those in clinical research are much more likely to have an immediate impact (on clinical practice). That makes me feel all the more responsible as an editor for what is going to be published. I like the fact that along with the team at Editage, I help the authors communicate their message clearly.   

Is there anything specific you do to provide high-quality edits across various manuscripts?

When I first receive a paper, before starting to edit, I do some reading to try and understand what the significance of the work is in relation to the current knowledge. In addition to correcting and polishing the language of the manuscript, I also pretend to be a peer-reviewer, which helps me ensure that all details are described clearly (Methods, Tables, Figures) and there is no over-statement, at least as far as I can see.

As an editor, how do you define a good English paper? Do you have any advice for authors on how to improve their writing skills?

I believe a good paper is one that is clear and convincing. My advice to authors would be that clarity of thought will bring in clarity in writing. If they can view their data objectively, and get clarity on what the story is, then it will help them write better. Secondly, the abstract, and perhaps even the title, should be the last sections to be written (or re-written) after reviewing the data in its totality. Thirdly, if a paper is being restructured for resubmission to an alternative journal after rejection from one journal and there are new data and/or new concepts (in view of the referees’ comments from the previous journal, for example), then it is better to rewrite the manuscript from scratch after re-assembling all the data and ideas coherently, rather than trying to patch up the previous version.

Please tell us more about yourself. What are your hobbies or activities you enjoy when you are not working?

I am basically a city-girl, but am currently enjoying life in a small town in Normandy, France. I am a columnist and one of the associate editors for the EMWA journal, Medical Writing. I contribute a word game, “Jumble,” to the journal along with another EMWA member who draws the accompanying cartoon. Creating a Jumble involves thinking up a funny pun and then putting it together with jumbled-up words that are related to medical writing. On a regular basis I try to get out for fitness exercises, walking, cycling, etc., so that I don’t grow roots sitting in front of my computer! I also enjoy travelling and discovering different types of foods, people, and cultures. And yes, I love watching Bollywood films!

A few words for our authors…

I think you have made a good choice in Editage. As a freelance editor, I have worked for other similar agencies and I find that Editage is more professional, better organized, proactive, and has a human touch, all of which makes it a pleasure to work here. I hope you see it reflected in the quality of service you receive. I encourage you to send us your feedback about whether or not you were satisfied with the editing of your manuscript because, either ways, it will push us to provide better service next time!