中文

Chinese → English Academic Proofreading

Professional English Proofreading Services for Taiwanese Academics and Students

About

Benjamin Dohne
Cambridge, UK

Professional proofreader specialising in academic English for Chinese-language writers. Postgraduate Certificate in Translation Studies (Chinese–English) from National Taiwan University, with previous studies in Taiwan.

Working with academic clients since 2017, supporting research across humanities, social sciences, and selected STEM fields.

Standard Proofreading

Correction of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax. Suitable for texts that are already well-structured but need language polishing.

Typical documents:

Developmental Editing

More substantial revision including restructuring for clarity, improving flow and argumentation, and enhancing academic style. Ideal for texts requiring significant language improvement.

Typical documents:

Subject Areas

I work across STEM, humanities, and social sciences, with experience supporting work from BA and MA-level coursework through PhD dissertations and journal submissions.

Referencing Styles

Familiar with APA and Chicago styles, and able to adapt to other systems as required.

Technical Formats

Comfortable working with LaTeX documents as well as standard word processors.

Turnaround Times

I understand that academic deadlines can be tight. Typical turnaround times depend on document length and complexity:

Urgent requests can often be accommodated - please enquire with your deadline.

What Clients Say

"Benjamin's proofreading helped me get my paper accepted to an SSCI journal. His suggestions improved not just the language but the clarity of my arguments."

— PhD candidate, National Taiwan University

"Quick turnaround and very thorough work. He understood exactly what I needed for my MA thesis."

— Graduate student, National Chengchi University

How It Works

  1. Send your document to info@bdtranslations.com with details about your deadline and any specific requirements (referencing style, target journal, etc.)
  2. Receive a quote within 24 hours, including estimated turnaround time
  3. Receive your proofread document with tracked changes and comments explaining suggested revisions

FAQ

Why use a human proofreader instead of AI? +

AI tools are useful for basic checks, but they lack the contextual understanding needed for academic work. I provide nuanced judgement on argumentation flow, discipline-specific conventions, and subtle tone issues that AI often misses. More importantly, I understand the specific challenges Taiwanese writers face with English - issues of register, academic voice, and cultural assumptions that require human expertise. AI also cannot advise on journal-specific requirements or engage with your research content meaningfully.

How much does proofreading cost? +

Rates depend on the level of editing required and document length. After reviewing your document, I'll provide a clear quote with no hidden fees. As a guide, standard proofreading typically ranges from NT$1.5-2.5 per word, whilst developmental editing may be higher.

What format should I send my document in? +

Microsoft Word (.docx) is preferred, as this allows tracked changes. I'm also comfortable working with LaTeX files and can provide corrections and suggestions in whichever format suits your workflow. PDF and other formats can be discussed.

Do you translate Chinese to English? +

My primary focus is proofreading English texts written by Chinese speakers. If you require translation, please enquire and I can discuss whether your project suits my current capacity.

Can you help with journal-specific requirements? +

Yes. If you're submitting to a specific journal, let me know and I'll ensure the document follows their style guidelines.

What if I need revisions after receiving the proofread document? +

Minor clarifications are always welcome at no extra charge. More substantial revisions can be discussed depending on the scope of changes.

Are you familiar with Taiwan's academic system? +

Yes. Having studied in Taiwan as a foreign student, I understand the local academic context and the particular challenges Taiwanese students face when writing in English.

How do I know my work is confidential? +

All documents are treated with strict confidentiality. I do not share or discuss your work with third parties.

Contact

Request a Quote

I typically respond within 24 hours. Your information will be kept confidential.

Prefer email?

You can also reach me directly at: info@bdtranslations.com