Your dissertation content is solid. But formatting errors — margins off by a quarter-inch, hanging indents missing, headings capitalized wrong, or references inconsistent — can delay committee approval or require resubmission. A professional formatting service ensures your dissertation meets every requirement in your university's style guide so you can submit with confidence.
What formatting services include
- Margins: 1-inch all sides (or your university's requirement)
- Page numbering: Centered at bottom, starting from intro (title page and abstract typically don't have visible numbers)
- Font: Consistent throughout (usually 12-point Times New Roman or similar)
- Line spacing: Double-spaced body text, single-spaced references
- Heading hierarchy: APA 7th Level 1–5 headings, correct capitalization and bold/italics
- In-text citations: Author-date format, proper parentheses placement
- Reference list: Alphabetical, hanging indent, consistent spacing
- Tables & figures: Proper numbering, captions, placement
- Front matter: Title page, abstract, table of contents (if required)
- Running head (if required): Abbreviated title on each page
APA 7th edition key changes from 6th
| Element | APA 6th | APA 7th |
|---|---|---|
| Title page | Title centered at midpage | Title starts at top, centered |
| Running head | Required | Optional (ask your school) |
| DOI format | https://doi.org/ | https://doi.org/ (same, but now enforced) |
| In-text citations | (Author, Year) | (Author, Year) — no change |
| Reference list | Hanging indent required | Hanging indent required (unchanged) |
Common formatting errors that delay approvals
- Inconsistent heading capitalization (Title Case vs. sentence case mixing)
- Reference list items not in hanging indent format
- In-text citations with wrong punctuation (comma before year when semicolon needed)
- Table captions above table vs. below (APA requires above)
- Figure captions below figure vs. above (APA requires below)
- DOI not as active hyperlink (some universities require this)
- Page numbers on title page or abstract (APA says don't display, but count them)
- Different fonts in different sections (including headings and captions)
University-specific variations
While APA 7th is standard, many universities have additional requirements or modifications. Some require a specific title page format, a longer abstract, or a particular reference list style. A professional formatting service will apply your university's specific style guide, not just APA 7th baseline.
Formatting service timeline and cost
- Basic formatting check: $200–400. Formatter reviews your document against APA 7th and your university guide, flags errors, provides a report (you make corrections).
- Full formatting: $400–600. Formatter applies all corrections to your document, delivers a fully formatted, ready-to-submit dissertation.
- Turnaround: 3–5 business days for basic; 5–7 days for full formatting.
Cost scales with dissertation length (50 pages vs. 150 pages cost differently). Most services quote per-page or per-chapter rates.
Get your dissertation formatted
We format dissertations to APA 7th and your university's style guide — ready to submit on your committee's deadline.
Order formattingFAQ
Yes, but it takes time and is error-prone. A professional catches mistakes you'll miss (like inconsistent reference formatting or heading hierarchy). If you're comfortable with style guides and have time, self-formatting is fine. If you're on a deadline and want it perfect, a formatter is worth the investment.
Professional formatters can work from custom guides. Provide the guide and any examples your university has published. Some universities have detailed style manuals; others are minimal. Either way, a formatter can navigate them.
Format LAST. Edits often shift page breaks and numbering. Finalize content, do final editing, then format.