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.