Professional editing, translation and related services for those who prefer a human touch.
If you prefer dealing directly with the person handling your text rather than going through an agency or intermediary service, then you’re in the right place. With twenty years of experience working with words in many capacities, I look forward to supporting your writing.
How it works
Simply email me a sample portion of your text approximately two pages in length, preferably from the middle of the document, along with details of the total word count, what you need and any other particulars. I will then send you a quote for the whole document and a proposed turnaround time. All services require a deposit with the balance being paid on completion of the work within the agreed time frame.
About me
I’m a passionate wordsmith with a love for detail. After a degree in languages and literature (French and Spanish) from Trinity College, Dublin, I graduated from a Masters in literary translation, also from TCD, coming out top of my class with a 1st class distinction. On graduating, I was awarded a fellowship in literary translation from Dalkey Archive Press in the US. I have translated for many publications over the intervening years. After a time I began editing translations, and from there, academic papers and theses as well as fiction and everything in between. I’ve also undertaken transcriptions for various projects over the years as well as creating subtitling for short films.
Over the years I have translated many works of short fiction and several novels, one of which – Return to Killybegs by Sorj Chalandon – was longlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award.
I have worked on many doctoral theses, and every one of my clients has been awarded their PhD. I’ve edited academic papers and book chapters for publication. Many of my clients are writing in English though it is not their mother tongue. With my background in languages, I have a keen sense of what someone is trying to say, even if their written English may not be completely fluid.
Client satisfaction is of the utmost importance to me. The fact that throughout my career, most of my work has come through word of mouth speaks for itself. I love the unique nature of this profession, with every assignment opening up fresh avenues of thought and bringing me into contact with new people and perspectives.
Ursula Meany Scott BA (Hons) M.Phil
Client testimonials
Dr Pia Popal, Professor at Munich University of Applied Sciences
‘Ursula contributed substantially to creating a publishable version of my PHD thesis. As a non-native speaker, I was bound to make common mistakes while translating from German to English. Thanks to Ursula’s utmost willingness to familiarise herself with new topics such as sustainability and entrepreneurship, she was able to do great work on the arguments in my writing that were in dire need of improvement. The thesis was finally published with Palgrave, and it goes without saying that I wouldn’t have been able to pass the approval board without her assistance. Thank you so much for your great work, Pia.’
Dónal Minihane, Author and doctoral student.
‘Ursula has worked on a number of different projects with me including a novel, academic writing and work for Hotel Doolin and Doolin Arts. It is always a pleasure to work with Ursula and her keen insight has been of great value to me as a writer, business owner and arts administrator. Ursula is a true professional and loves her work and the energy, generosity and expertise she brings ensures that the finished article shines and is elevated to the best it can be.’
Dimitris Dalakoglou, Professor and Chair of Social Anthropology at Vrije University Amsterdam, author and documentary maker.
‘After 20 years of academic and professional writing in English as a non-native speaker, and having worked with several copy-editors, I am confident that Ursula is the best copy-editor I
have ever worked with. She really cares about my texts and she improves them
enormously.’
Xavier Ortells-Nicolau, Editor, Adjunct Instructor at Universitat Pompeu Fabra
‘I have known Ursula in my capacity as coordinator of the English version of the academic journal of literary theory and comparative literature 452ºF (http://452f.com/). Ursula has been one of the most constant collaborators of the journal, acting as translator of Spanish into English and proofreader of English texts for more than five years. Most importantly, working with Ursula has always been a pleasure given the seriousness and rigor which she always devotes to her work, her domain of both Spanish and English, her unflinching respect for deadlines, and her maturity as translator and as a person. I would unreservedly recommend Ursula for any editing or translation of Spanish or English texts. I am sure you will not be disappointed.’
Disclaimer
Please note the following.
When translating or copy-editing your document, I endeavour to ensure that all your original errors are eliminated and that it follows the guidelines I have been given. However,it is your responsibility to check through the document and to accept or reject the proposed revisions and suggestions (made through track changes in Microsoft Word).
I cannot be held responsible for any errors that may emerge as a result of subsequent amendments to your document, i.e. after you have applied further changes or corrections. When editing or translating a text you hope to have published, I cannot guarantee that it will be accepted by the publisher.
Privacy
Rest assured your files will never be shared with a third party and will be deleted after contract is completed. Copyright always remains with you, the author of your text.
