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Frequently asked questions: Becoming a Scribbr editor

Why do we only work with native speakers?

All Scribbr editors are native speakers, which means that they have spoken English since early childhood. We only work with native speakers because these editors understand the cadence of the language and have mastered its idiomatic forms.

It is difficult for non-native speakers to acquire these traits, even if they are fluent and have spoken the language throughout their adult lives. Since our customers wish to work only with native speakers, we have no flexibility in this requirement.

We don’t rely solely on nativeness. Our editors are vetted through a rigorous application process, through which they are asked to demonstrate technical grammar knowledge, familiarity with academic writing, and an understanding of editing principles. All successful applicants also complete our Scribbr Academy training program, where they learn how to edit for students.

Editor application process

Why do I have to go through the Academy?

Editing for students is different from other kinds of editing. The Scribbr Academy is the last step of your application process, but it comes with some benefits. During your time in the Academy, we will train you on how to perform Scribbr’s services and edit in the Scribbr style. The training also features practical elements, such as one-on-one coaching, that are beneficial to you. In this way, we will prepare you to face real-life student orders and jump start your editing career at Scribbr.

In order to become a qualified editor at Scribbr, you will need to apply the learnings from the Academy and pass 2 – 5 simulation orders (the exact number depends on performance).

How can I become a Scribbr editor?

You must apply through our website and complete all the steps in the Scribbr editor application process.

Can I have the answers to the Scribbr language quiz?

It is not possible to see the answers to our quiz. If you’re looking for more insights on related issues, check out Scribbr’s language articles and websites that address grammar and writing issues.

If you’re accepted as an editor in the Scribbr Academy, the information package you gain access to includes an article with the correct answers to a previous version of our language quiz.

What knowledge do you expect your incoming editors to have?

Incoming editors should be highly knowledgeable regarding grammar, academic style, and the conventions of both US English and UK English.

You’ll need this knowledge to not only edit student papers but also provide individualized feedback for students.

We also expect new editors to have read widely in a variety of fields and to feel comfortable editing academic texts in a range of subjects, including the hard sciences and the social sciences. New editors likewise need to be familiar with the structure of different types of academic texts, including dissertations, theses, reports, and essays.

Finally, you’ll need to be comfortable working with Microsoft Word, including its Track Changes feature.

Why do I need a university degree to apply as a Scribbr editor?

Since Scribbr specializes in academic editing for students, we require our editors to be thesis and academic writing experts. Every Scribbr editor has a thorough understanding of academic writing conventions and research concepts used in higher education.

Most of the papers we receive are theses and dissertations. We prefer to work with editors who know first-hand how difficult it is to write a thesis, as they can offer constructive and relevant advice to our students.

Therefore, we only accept applications from editors with a university degree.

However, a university degree alone is not enough. All applicants must also demonstrate technical grammar knowledge and fundamental editing skills during the application process.  Applicants must also complete our rigorous Scribbr Academy training program before they can join the editor team.

I am not familiar with the different variants of English. Can I still edit for Scribbr?

Incoming editors must be familiar with the conventions of both US English and UK English and able to consistently follow the related rules. However, if you’re only familiar with one of these dialects, don’t despair! Getting up to speed on the major differences between the two systems is definitely doable. Our Knowledge Base is a good place to start.

I am a native English speaker, but I did not learn standard American, British, Canadian, or Australian English. Can I still apply?

If you are familiar with the conventions of US and UK English and can edit according to them, you are more than welcome to apply. At this time, however, we cannot accept applicants who are only familiar with other English dialects. The reason is that the vast majority of our clients require their papers to be written in US or UK English.

How long does the application process for becoming a Scribbr editor take?

The application process consists of three steps that you must successfully complete to become an active editor within our system:

1. Scribbr language quiz: 30 minutes
2. Scribbr application assignment: 2.5 hours
3. Scribbr Academy: 2 – 3 weeks (the Academy has to be completed within 4 weeks to be able to pass)

The speed at which you are able to complete the application process depends on your availability and the level of your work you submit. For us, it is important not only that you edit according to our guidelines, but also that you feel you have enough experience with us to make the leap to being an active Scribbr editor.

Throughout the process, you will receive feedback from experienced editors – so no matter what happens, you won’t be wasting your time!

How and when will I receive assignments from Scribbr?

When we receive a new order, we choose the most suitable Scribbr editor based on the following factors:

• Availability. If you would like to receive a lot of orders, you can indicate that you are available immediately. We will then try to send more assignments your way.
• Interest in the subject. We will not be as fast to send you orders that are from fields you have not marked as preferred.
• Returning client. We will automatically send you orders from a returning student whose work you have already edited, unless he or she specifically requests otherwise.

The moment we have a new order for you, we will send you an email, an SMS and a notification via your Scribbr account on our website. You may then choose to accept or decline that assignment. You make this decision for every order we send you.

Can I choose the topics that I will edit?

All orders are classified into 1 of 9 categories:

• Business and Management:
  Business Administration, Hotel Management, Accounting, Marketing
• Economics:
  Commercial Economics, Econometrics, Finance
• IT and Engineering:
  ICT, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Industrial Design, Electrical Engineering
• Natural and Life Sciences:
  Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Chemistry
• Geography, Agriculture and Environment:
  Ecology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Studies, Urban Planning
• Health and Medical Sciences:
  Medicine, Obstetrics, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Dentistry
• Arts and Humanities:
  Philosophy, History, Literature, Cultural Studies, Theology
• Law and Policy:
  Law, Political Science, Public Policy, Human Rights
• Social and Behavioral Sciences:
  Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Communication Science, Education
• Other

You can specify the fields that you are interested in. When we send you an order, we always take your preferences into account.

More information about the categories

Do I have to live in the Netherlands to be a Scribbr editor?

No, you don’t.

As an editor, you are affiliated with us on a freelance basis. You can work for us from anywhere in the world and from any time zone.

It is important that you are frequently online and have a phone with Internet access, as we will send you both an e-mail and an SMS as soon as we have a new assignment for you.