This is a full-service statistical consulting service that extends through to the manuscript submission and revision stages. It can operate at three stages of a research project: In the late stage, most clients already have a draft of a manuscript ready, with analyses done and results presented. To reduce the risk of rejection, they can have the statistics and its related language checked and reviewed for improved accuracy and transparency, including the reporting in the text and figures/tables, as well as the statistical inferences drawn in (typically in the Discussion). Saying something is ‘highly significant’ when the wrong test was performed does not look professional, nor does failing to adequately explain the design used or the relevant statistical outputs (F-values, degrees of freedom, etc.). In the mid stage of research, statistical editing involves advising you on which data analyses to perform and their interpretation and communication in writing. Put differently, if you are finished with your data collection, now is a good time to ask for guidance on how to make sense of it before taking potential wrong turns that could eat up a lot of precious time. In the early stage you have not collected any data yet. Ideally, you would contact me then, to formulate testable hypotheses and an appropriate study design and sampling methods. Remember, once the data is collected, its quantity, quality, and structure will largely dictate which robust statistical analyses are possible (and which are not).
Why should I use your services and not those of other, larger companies?
For several reasons: First, you get personalized service to better understand and apply your statistics. That is, you always know who is working on your research to improve it. Second, I am always ready to answer any of your questions throughout the workflow process. Third, by working with one person only, you receive a customized service that meets your precise research needs. Lastly, there are no processing fees, and you'll find my rates quite fair for the quality of service you get.
What material should I send you for statistical editing or consulting help?
This would depend on what work and services you want performed. Generally, it is best to first contact me, so I can get a basic understanding of your particular needs. Then, you could send me your manuscript draft (if at this late stage already), or your hypotheses and dataset (if collected already) or your study objectives and questions (if at this early stage). When sending a manuscript, please consider also sending any already prepared Tables and Figures, as these tell me more about what you did and are trying to say in your research writing.
What if I have questions later on (e.g., during revision) about the statistics?
Send them to me, and I’ll answer as best I can within 7 to 14 days. Remember, some time will have passed since I worked on your research project and I will need to re-acquaint myself with your study. This “add-on service” is included in all statistical services listed for a flat rate of $200 CAD. However, for obvious ethical reasons, I cannot write any replies to reviewer’s comments for you, though I can check and edit them for use of English, tone, and clarity.
Are you able to edit or write a “Statistical/Data analyses” in the Methods section?
Yes. If already written, I can edit and suggest comments to improve this section's communication based on the analyses you've done and reported. And if I assist you extensively in the study design and/or data analyses, I can help you write this key section in a succinct way.
What statistical software programs do you use?
Mainly GenStat, R, JMP, and Minitab, for now. If you need analyses performed in other software (e.g., SYSTAT, SPSS, and SAS) we can work something out. The R platform is gaining popularity, largely because it is free, flexible, and has many packages available. Finally, any input code for R analyses is included in the service.
Are my data, documents, and payments secure?
Always. In fact, since you work directly and only with me, there is less risk your files may get lost, corrupted, or copied without your knowledge since it does not go through intermediaries and anonymous freelancers. Your files are always password-protected. Once a work project is done and paid for, your files are permanently deleted from my desktop (unless you request otherwise). Your contact and payment information is never shared with any person or party, nor are your files in any form. I do not collect or sell client information to marketers of any sort. Until your research work is published, it is never discussed with anyone.
Do you also edit references and format manuscripts to journal specifications?
How do I know which English editing service to order from you?
Before you commit to anything, I can quickly look over your manuscript, at no charge, to let you know what can be done to improve it. Or I may suggest a reputable editor or companies that can do this task better than me (there are some good ones out there).
Can I combine two or more of the services on offer?
Absolutely. Mix and match, as you like. In fact, what distinguishes my services from more mainstream editing ones, is that both statistics and its related language editing are available to you. Using statistics properly is a prerequisite for doing good science. Good English alone may not help get your paper published if your analyses are improperly done and reported. Don’t give peer reviewers an excuse to recommend your paper for rejection!
What are the turnaround times?
These can vary widely for statistical counseling and coaching, depending on the stage of research you are at, the scope of your study, and the nature of its design and data. For instance, to check/review the applied statistics and presentation in an manuscript draft near ready for submission, the turnaround time is short, at 2 to 4 business days; please refer to the listed services and fees. For a 40% premium, edits can be done on a rush basis (within 2 days). However, any data analyses should never be rushed; these will take a minimum of 7 days, but unless very complex, usually no longer than 28 business days.
Do you offer a service guarantee?
Yes – if your statistical methods or reporting are questioned or doubted in peer review, I will revise them with you at no extra charge. With respect to English editing, if your paper as I edited it is rejected because of poor English I will re-edit it for free (naturally, this does not apply if you change the text or have inserted new text). Generally, I operate on a trust system. I’ll invoice you once you are satisfied with the project work received.
Are there discounts for new clients? What about for students?
There is a 10% (one-time) discount for all new customers. Undergraduates are charged a low hourly rate of $55 (or $100/2 h) for tutoring. I can meet with clients in person if nearby (Montreal and its suburbs), or online via video (Zoom, Teams).
I am a frequent customer; could I benefit from a discount?
Yes, preferred prices can be negotiated as we work closely together over time.
Do I have to pay sales tax?
Only if you are based in Canada.
Do you subcontract/outsource your work?
No. Your work is never passed onto to an external contractor or company. If I cannot do the job well, I will surely tell you. If you want the entire manuscript edited for English, I can suggest alternative providers if I lack the time or subject expertise to do this myself.