As well as proof-reading, will you edit my work?

I will ensure that your work reads well and is in good English. Depending on the level of service you have paid for, I can also offer feedback on structure, methodology and analysis. However, I won’t change the meaning of your work or re-write any sections for you.

How quickly will you return my work?

I will aim to get your work back to you as quickly as possible. I can usually read 5,000 words per day, meaning a 15,000-word piece takes three days after I start. However, I often have a waiting list, so do send me your work as early as you can to avoid disappointment.

I can work to your schedule; if you have some sections finished earlier than others, I can start work on those while you complete the rest of your thesis. However, please note that I can’t guarantee you a time slot until I have received the work from you.

Why can’t I book a slot before my piece is ready?

Postgrad work is unpredictable. It might take longer to recruit your participants than you had hoped. Your supervisor might go off sick. You might really need a break. For this reason, I don’t book clients in until their pieces are ready to go. This saves you having to feel stressed about a deadline that is no longer realistic and saves me reserving time for work which doesn’t materialise.

What format should I send my work in?

Send your work to me in Word: either .doc or .docx. This is essential because I use Word’s track changes function to proof-read your work.

What is included in the service?

I will proof-read your work and, depending on the level of service you are paying for, suggest feedback as well. I am also happy to answer short questions via email and may, in certain circumstances, agree to brief video chats to talk through the work.

PGPR is not a supervision service, so I cannot offer ongoing extended conversations about your work or emotional support for the ups and downs of postgrad life.

How can I pay?

You can pay via BACS transfer or Square. Please note that I do not accept PayPal.

If you are sending on a larger piece, I will ask for a deposit of roughly 50% before I commence work. I will send a second invoice for the balance once the work is done.

Where else can I read or learn about qualitative methods?

There are a number of reputable resources that we recommend for supplementing your learning about qualitative methods.

Drs Fiona Holland and Elly Phillips run Qual Academy, offering practical IPA workshops covering the research process from design to writing up. They use their experience as researchers, supervisors and trainers to help you develop your knowledge and confidence, and complement formal academic supervision.

Professor Nigel King is an expert in various thematic qualitative methodologies, including Template Analysis. He is now offering mentoring, training and research consultancy. Nigel is a fantastic researcher and an all-around lovely guy who will elevate your research to the next level.

Birkbeck, University of London is the home of IPA and has a great resources page.

The IPA groups.io group is a great place to discuss problems and get advice from other IPA students.

For all your thematic analysis needs, check out Braun and Clarke's comprehensive page

If you're using a computer program to analyse your qualitative data and are feeling baffled by it, this page can help

The ARC qualitative network group encourages debate and discussion about the place of qualitative research in health research, its core concepts and methods in a dynamic and supportive atmosphere

If you're undertaking a Grounded Theory project, Grounded Theory Online is an excellent resource for courses and mentoring. Johanna herself attended a GT Online two day workshop and came away with a head full of ideas thanks to the excellent teaching.

Do you use any AI tools like Grammarly?

Yes — I use Grammarly only as a final check for grammar, punctuation, and consistency after my manual review. Your manuscript remains fully confidential.

Because my account is registered in the UK, Grammarly does not use your text to train AI models or improve its product for other users; it processes it solely to provide real-time suggestions.

If you prefer, I can complete proofreading entirely manually.