Scientific & Medical Writing

"Write Without Fear, Edit Without Mercy" Tom Albrighton

In the biomedical sciences, competition to publish and secure funding or regulatory approval is more intense than ever. Good writing is essential to communicate your results and ideas effectively and to support your credibility as a scientist.
The goal of scientific editing is to assist the author in clearly communicating their ideas and conclusions to the intended reader, whether that is a journal reviewer, professional colleague, or member of the general public. Editors can help you to attain success by improving the quality and presentation of the writing, thereby freeing the reader to focus on the message.
Scientific editing requires knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, usually obtained through higher education, training, and—preferably—hands-on academic or clinical experience.
Scientific editors have a responsibility to ensure that your message is conveyed accurately, clearly, and precisely.

I became a full-time editor and writer in 2009 following 25 years in scientific research in academia and the pharmaceutical industry. During that time, I maintained a successful funding and publication record and was an ad hoc reviewer for several biomedical research journals and funding organizations.
I specialize in editing biomedical manuscripts, grants, and regulatory documents in a wide range of clinical and nonclinical research areas. I have worked on subjects ranging from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to zygomycosis and on products ranging from repurposed drugs to cutting-edge molecular-targeted therapies.
I provide writing assistance tailored to the specific needs of both native and non-native English speakers.
I believe that my experience in biomedical science places me in a unique position to provide supportive and constructive writing assistance by acting as both your editor and a former member of your target audience.

Anne M. O'Rourke, PhD | San Diego, CA, USA | London, England, UK

BSc (Hons) in Medical Biochemistry, University of London, UK
PhD in Biochemistry (focus in immunology), University of London, UK
Eight years of post-doctoral training in the United States
Member of the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) and the Council of Science Editors (CSE)

A total of 15 years in academic research, including 7 years as an Assistant Professor at The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
Ten years as a Senior Scientist in pharmaceutical research; led research teams in small molecule and biologic therapeutics development for autoimmune diseases and cancer
Thirteen years (and counting...) of full-time experience in biomedical editing and writing for academics and Pharma

Autoimmune, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases; neurodegenerative disorders; cancer
Small molecule and biologic drug development, including molecular-targeted therapies
Medicinal chemistry; cell and molecular biology
Pharma: Investigator's Brochures, Modules 2 and 4 of Investigational New Drug (IND) and New Drug Applications (NDA)

All services are tailored to your needs — please contact me for pricing

Substantive (also known as developmental) editing is the standard for documents that have not undergone professional editing
Offered for journal articles and reviews, book chapters, grants, etc
Focuses on writing mechanics and content while maintaining scientific accuracy
Improves coherence through structural changes at the sentence and paragraph level, such as re-writing and re-organization

Ensures logical and clear presentation of ideas and arguments in a manner supported by the accompanying data
Improves clarity, style, and flow using natural and technical language
Corrects punctuation, syntax/word choice, grammar, and spelling; and ensures consistent use of abbreviations and units of measurement

Offered only for documents that need a final polish before submission (e.g., journal articles and grant re-submissions)
Focuses on writing mechanics and not content; does not interpret the science or correct structural or logistical errors
Corrects punctuation, syntax/word choice, grammar, and spelling; and ensures consistent use of abbreviations and units of measurement

Editing and/or writing of regulatory documents for FDA/EMA submissions
Writing of Investigator's Brochure, IND and NDA modules M2 and M4, briefing documents
Editing of all nonclinical and clinical documents, including clinical study protocols and reports
Additional services considered on request