I have 10 years experience in scientific editing, with Certification from the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS).
I recommend a two pass process.
1. You send me the document, with details of the style and formatting requirements. I will do an initial edit and return the document with tracked changes and my queries and comments, within 7 days of receiving the original.
2. You review the edited version, respond to my queries, and make any other changes or comments and return your response to me within 3 days. You release the milestone payment.
3. I will do the final edit and proofread, incorporating your comments and response to my queries, and return the final version to you within 3 days of receiving your response to the initial edit.
If I receive the original document today or tomorrow (18 or 19 October), this timeframe will give you the completed edit by 1 November. Any delay in sending me the original or your response to the first edit is likely to extend the completion date (I will try to finish by 1 November, but I do not commit to completing either passin less than the time stated above).
The edit will include spelling, grammar and punctuation according to the specified conventions (AUS, US, UK or other), together with rewriting where necessary for conciseness and professional style. Paragraphs and sentences may also be rearranged to improve the flow of the document. References will be inserted and formatted using Mendeley.