Copied from one of my facebook posts, 14/03/2023
For those that do need help [with preparing a thesis], particularly for grammar and punctuation, or layout and references, please be aware that there is help available. Many universities allow students to get help from an editor in proofreading and formatting their theses. If you are unsure, check your university's policies.
When looking for an editor, make sure they have worked on other theses[/exegesis], and/or … papers [within your field]. Be sure to contact them as early in the process as possible, so both of you can be sure of the process, and fit in with each other's deadlines.
If you are doing a thesis by publication, publishing as part of your research, or have to produce and use a questionnaire, it is best to contract an editor before you submit/use the individual papers/documents. Once the thesis is compiled for submission to the examiners, any part thereof that has been published must be included as is, including any errors it may contain.
In regards to formatting, many universities have transitioned to requiring electronic submissions, so print margins are no longer needed. However, if you anticipate printing and binding your thesis after it has been examined and finalised, make certain you discuss this with your editor prior to submission. Many universities cut off student access to their allotted funds upon submission, so any later services that are required need to be arranged and invoiced-for beforehand.
Lastly, regarding references, if you have a .edu email, you should have access to Endnote through your institution. Endnote is the best of the referencing softwares, as it is readily adaptable to all university/journal requirements. If your editor is freelance, they may not have Endnote, so it is best to check beforehand - through if they are academia focused, they may have bought it outright. However, if not, of the alternatives, Mendeley is suitable, though may have issues with large documents.
May you find the help you need.