Johanna

Proof-reading and feedback (IPA and thematic analysis)

I completed my PhD in health psychology at Birkbeck, University of London, where I was supervised by Professor Jonathan A Smith and used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore the experience of living with and being treated for end-stage renal disease. Since then, I have worked on projects at the universities of Surrey, Birmingham Hull, Bristol, Manchester, Portsmouth and UCL, researching topics including adherence to HIV medication and the wellbeing of GPs and junior doctors. I have expertise in qualitative methods, particularly IPA, thematic analysis and classic grounded theory. I have published a wide range of papers, which you can check out on my Google Scholar Profile.. I continue to work as a freelance researcher. In addition, I have worked as a sub-editor and proof-reader for many years. I spent around a decade as a sub-editor in London, working on magazines and newspapers including the Independent and the Radio Times. I am now based in Bristol, where I run PGPR, write fiction and do lots of yoga.

Johanna proof read my thesis earlier this year and I had every confidence in her suggestions and changes. With her knowledge of doctoral level education, she was able to bring an academic background to the work as well as a technical one. This I believe gave her (and therefore me) an advantage. She was quick to reply to queries, always delivered on time and was professional even when I was very stressed. Would be happy to recommend Johanna to other PhD students.

PhD student, Aston University

I was first worried about the quality of my work, but when an academic suggested Dr. Spiers to proof read it, I was able to submit a well-designed, well-structured and well-written thesis.

PhD student, Birkbeck University

Johanna proofread my PhD thesis. I was grateful for her speedy and professional work, and I would certainly recommend her to anyone needing academic proofreading. Johanna is an excellent and very skilled proofreader.

PhD student, Birkbeck University

Thank you very much, your comments are so useful and like I said before, I feel much more confident in the work which is really amazing!

Liverpool PhD student

Your edits have been so helpful in getting to grips with academic writing.

PhD student

I just want to say a big ‘Thank You’ again for your support. It actually looks and feels like a proper thesis now. It’s incredible what some nice little comments can do for one’s confidence.

London PhD student

I was unsure initially whether having my thesis professionally proofread would be worth the money spent. I am so glad that I decided to ask Johanna to do this for me. The quality and speed of the work was amazing and so many improvements was suggested in terms of grammar, spelling and, in particular for me, the referencing. Although the work is my own, the assistance of Johanna meant that I did not lose marks due to tiredness induced errors and lack of knowledge on the finer nuances of academic referencing in APA! I thoroughly recommend Johanna to anyone who is looking for a professional proofreader.

London master's student

I have found your advice invaluable! It’s really tightened the chapters up and I feel much more confident in the output!

PhD student

Johanna's proof-reading is excellent; she works at the speed of light and goes the extra mile to help with your thesis.

London PhD student

I can HONESTLY say that I’ve learnt so much from your corrections and editing insight. What would I do without you?!

PhD student, London

Your feedback is much appreciated and you are such an excellent IPA researcher! I think I will continue to seek help from you in the future.

Academic based in Hong Kong

Just sharing the good news that, today, my corrections were confirmed! I learnt so much from you during the process of writing-up - and am eternally grateful to have found you!

Former PhD client

Let me say how impressed I am with your attention to detail and the astute comments you make! Really impressive and you have encouraged me to re-think aspects of my thesis.

Prof Doc Client

I just wished to say that I value every comment you have made. In fact I agree with every one.

PhD student