The Final Hurdle: Proofreading your Academic Paper

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70280/njph(2026)v3i1.65

Keywords:

proofreading, publishing, academic writing, publication, scientific paper

Abstract

Academic publishing is a key aspect of most academics working in the field of public health and social sciences.  When the paper in which you have put in your heart and soul is finally accepted for publication it feels like the time to celebrate. This may, however, be slightly premature.  In this article four authors share their experiences of proofreading – the final stage in having an academic paper published. They explain the importance of careful proofreading, the dangers of assuming that there are no mistakes or omissions, and the challenges of online publishing and layout. The authors highlight areas in which particular care is needed such as proofreading in teams, and they stress the importance of allocating sufficient time to proofread.  The key messages in this paper are: (1) proofreading is exact business; (2) it is most certainly time consuming; and (3) feeding back mistakes to a journal editor is not without its trials and tribulations. Surmounting this last obstacle, the authors suggest, will hopefully ensure that when the article is published you can feel proud of it.

Author Biographies

Orlanda Harvey, Bournemouth University

Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Bournemouth University UK. Has authored widely in the field of drug use, families and academic writing

Rachel Arnold, Bournemouth University

Senior researcher in the Centre for Midwifery & Women's Health, Bournemouth University

Jillian C.M. Ireland, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Jillian Ireland is a NHS midwife.  She has published widely on a range of public health and midwifery topics.  She is also Visiting Faculty member at Bournemouth University, UK

References

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Sheppard, Z., Hundley, V., Dahal, N.P., & Paudyal, P. (2022). Writing a quantitative paper, In: Wasti, S.P., van Teijlingen, E., Simkhada, P., Hundley, V. with Shreesh, K. (eds.) Academic Writing and Publishing in Health and Social Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal: Himal Books, pp.78-87.

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Published

2026-08-26

How to Cite

Harvey, O., Arnold, R., Ireland, J., & van Teijlingen, E. (2026). The Final Hurdle: Proofreading your Academic Paper. Nepal Journal of Public Health, 3(1), 58–62. https://doi.org/10.70280/njph(2026)v3i1.65

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): Nepal Journal of Public Health

Section

Viewpoint Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Orlanda Harvey, Rachel Arnold, Jillian C.M. Ireland, Edwin van Teijlingen

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