Contact:
Christopher Lyttle
Director, CHeSS Methods Core
AMB M-217
773-702-7905
clyttle@uchicago.edu
Communication Services
CHeSS Communications Specialist Kaitlyn Tierney provides project assistance through the Methods Core on an hourly basis. Kaitlyn is a trained librarian and a professional science writer and editor, and provides services including citation management, literature review, print & graphic design, web design, audio transcription, proofreading, and editing.
Audio Transcription
High-quality, accurate audio transcription of recorded interviews, field notes, or focus groups is available. Pricing is based on an hourly rate, and will vary per page based on the quality of the recording and number of speakers, but generally will work out to a lower rate than external transcription agencies, with a higher standard of quality control. Please contact us for estimates or more information.
Manuscript Editing
Kaitlyn is pursuing a certificate in Medical Writing & Editing through the University of Chicago's Graham School, and has received professional training in editing, including editing based on the AMA Manual of Style and editing the reporting of biostatistics. Editing services are available for scientific manuscripts, grant applications, in-house publications, and other text. Multiple levels of editing are available.
Basic Editing (Language-Based Review)
The basic edit (language-based review) is recommended for non-native English speakers who wish to ensure that manuscripts will not be rejected on the basis of poorly translated or constructed English.
Level 1 Edit (Light Edit)
- Correct punctuation, spelling and typographical errors, basic grammar and syntax
- Review table and figure titles and captions for agreement with the text
- Edit presentation of numbers and units of measure in accordance with style guidelines
Level 2 Edit (Medium Edit)
- Substantive editing of punctuation, spelling and typographical errors, grammar, and syntax
- Review table and figure titles and captions for agreement with the text
- Edit tables and figures for clarity and completeness
- Edit presentation of numbers, units of measure, nomenclature, and abbreviations in accordance with style guidelines
- Check for compliance with journal submitting requirements, correcting small discrepencies or flagging major problems
- Correct the formatting of citations in accordance with journal requirements
Level 3 Edit (Heavy Edit)
- Substantive editing of punctuation, spelling and typographical errors, grammar, and syntax
- Review table and figure titles and captions for agreement with the text
- Edit tables and figures for clarity and completeness
- Edit presentation of numbers, units of measure, nomenclature, and abbreviations in accordance with style guidelines
- Review presentation of statistics, ensuring reporting standards are met
- Check for compliance with journal submitting requirements, including article structure and section guidelines; reorganize paragraphs and sections where necessary to improve clarity and adherance to standard structure.
- Ensure analyses and documentation are appropriate for the study
- Check all citations for accuracy, validity, and format in accordance with journal requirements
Design & Layout
Designs are created in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign (print layout) or Dreamweaver (web layout), in close coordination with the client.
Research Assistance
With a Master's degree in Library & Information Science, Kaitlyn is specially trained to assist with research projects. Services in this area include:
- Conduct or design searches of online and print sources
- Provide reference assistance
- Compile literature reviews
- Assist with study design for systematic review
- Design, organize, and manage databases and information architecture
- Citation management support

