I can’t edit your thesis anymore: An honest proclamation of defeat

Subject: I tried. I can’t do it anymore.

Dear sincere albeit, too sincere student,

I will miss the eager eyes that follow every non-judgemental gaze of mine that grows increasingly tired at the turn of every page. I say that with utmost honesty. But how long could I do it for? Let me tell you a story. It all started when an eager student came up to me and asked me to review their essay before they submitted it to someone else. I loved every minute of it. I loved leaving borderline condescending remarks, harsh enough for the essay but considerate enough for the student. Editing and proofreading essays soon turned into my establishment as a thesis editor. But I just want to leisurely sip tea and laugh about what stupid thing my kid said with my wife. Instead, I am stuck here editing your pages on what this author meant when he wrote that ‘the teacup vibrated’. I don’t know what to tell you. The teacup vibrated because of an earthquake? I banged my hand on the table in frustration? Many reasons.

You’re a good egg. That’s why I will give you some free advice. Professors usually want completed and edited essays to go over. It gives us more to work with and then we can give you suggestions on how to improve your subject instead of searching for which comma have you forgotten, yet again…