What LetPub does

LetPub is the flagship editorial services brand of Accdon LLC, a privately held Massachusetts LLC founded in 2010 and headquartered in Waltham, MA. The company provides scientific editing, language editing, translation, and publication support services to academic researchers worldwide, with a primary customer base of non-native English-speaking researchers in China, Japan, Korea, and other international markets who need to publish in English-language peer-reviewed journals. Its service catalog spans Language Editing and Scientific Editing (the flagship offerings starting at $415 per document), ISO 17100-certified Translation across five language pairs, Grant Editing, and an extensive publication support suite including Journal Recommendation, Manuscript Formatting, Plagiarism Check, Data Analysis, and Figure Formatting. Adjacent product lines include Scientific Illustration (Journal Cover Design at $590–$725, Graphical Abstracts, Infographics), Scientific Video (Video Abstracts, Explainer Videos, Animations), and Conference Support.

The underlying platform combines a self-serve website with online manuscript submission, a database-driven Journal Selector Tool covering 10,000+ journals with structured metadata (impact factors, acceptance rates, review times), and the Verity automated pre-submission check tool evaluating 34 manuscript criteria. Quality assurance is delivered through an editorial certificate system with unique reference codes verifiable by journal editors, and a free re-edit guarantee for papers rejected solely on language grounds. Delivery is executed by a network of hundreds of native English-speaking editors and subject-matter experts (PhD/MD-trained), supplemented by dedicated client managers for assisted sales.

The business model is predominantly transactional professional services on a per-document basis, with revenue from Language/Scientific Editing, Translation, Illustration, Video, and Conference services. A Prepay deposit program ($1,000–$10,000 tiers with cash rewards) introduces a quasi-recurring revenue mechanic for repeat customers. Go-to-market combines direct online self-serve ordering, client-manager-assisted sales for mid-market accounts, an Institutional Provider channel for universities, and a Publisher Portal with Brand Localization that converts publisher endorsements (Science/AAAS, PNAS, AACR, ASM, ASME, JBC) into co-branded author services. Revenue is not publicly disclosed; the company is bootstrapped with no venture funding.

Name

LetPub

Legal name

ACCDON LLC

Website

https://letpub.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

LetPub, the flagship editorial brand of Accdon LLC, provides scientific and language editing, translation, and publication support services to international academic researchers seeking to publish in English-language journals. It operates a self-serve platform supplemented by a global network of PhD/MD-trained editors and publisher-channel partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Waltham

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional Editing Services: Language editing, scientific editing, and response letter editing services provided on a per-document basis. Services are priced based on word count and turnaround time. Offers unlimited revisions with Signature Revision Protection add-on.
2. Publication Support Services: Journal recommendation, manuscript formatting, figure formatting, data analysis, plagiarism check, and plain language summary services. Billed per project or document.
3. Translation Services: Document translation services (Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, German to English; English to Chinese) certified to ISO 17100 standard.
4. Scientific Illustration and Video Services: Journal cover design, graphical abstracts, custom illustrations, scientific animations, video abstracts, and explainer videos. Priced per project with standard and expedited options.
5. Conference Support Services: Conference poster preparation and conference ready abstract/poster packages for researchers presenting at academic conferences.
6. Prepay Program: Prepaid deposit account for future purchases with reward incentives (e.g., $1000 deposit earns $15, $5000 earns $250, $10000 earns $600 in credits).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

LetPub provides professional scientific and language editing services for academic manuscripts, along with publication support, scientific illustration, video production, translation, and journal selection tools for researchers worldwide. Services are delivered by US-based native English-speaking editors with PhD or MD scientific credentials, with offerings priced per document based on word count, turnaround time, and service complexity. The company also operates free tools (Journal Selector, Verity) and an Institutional Provider program serving universities and publishers globally.

Product overview

LetPub is a comprehensive academic publishing support platform offering editorial services, scientific illustration, and publication support tools for researchers worldwide. The core offerings include Language Editing and Scientific Editing services (the company's flagship offerings), supplemented by Translation (ISO 17100 certified), Grant Editing, and various publication support services including Journal Recommendation, Manuscript Formatting, Plagiarism Check, Data Analysis, and Figure Formatting. The Scientific Illustration suite includes Journal Cover Design, Graphical Abstract, Infographic, and Custom Illustration services. Scientific Video offerings encompass Video Abstract, Explainer Video, and Scientific Animation production. Conference Support includes Poster Preparation and Conference Ready Package (bundled abstract, poster, and presentation services). Free tools include the Journal Selector Tool (database of 10,000+ journals) and Verity Pre-Submission Manuscript Check. The platform is operated by Boston-based Accdon LLC with a team of hundreds of senior editors and subject-matter experts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Language Editing Service Professional language editing for manuscripts, response letters, LaTeX documents, annual review and tenure files, and books. Delivered by native English-speaking editors with scientific editing experience. Targeted at international academic researchers preparing submissions for English-language journals.
• Scientific Editing Service Premium manuscript editing combining comprehensive language editing with detailed suggestions for manuscript structure, scientific logic, experimental design, and reviewer concerns by senior researchers in corresponding disciplines. Includes unlimited revisions and Signature Revision Protection. Targeted at researchers seeking high-impact journal publication.
• Translation Service Professional translation services compliant with ISO 17100 standard, covering Chinese to English, Spanish to English, Portuguese to English, German to English, and English to Chinese. Targeted at researchers needing translated versions of their manuscripts for international submission.
• Grant Editing Service Editing and refinement of grant proposals and funding applications to meet academic and institutional standards. Targeted at researchers preparing funding submissions.
• Journal Recommendation Service Expert guidance on selecting the most appropriate target journal for manuscript submission based on research content, impact factor requirements, and acceptance probability. Targeted at researchers seeking to optimize journal selection.
• Manuscript Formatting Service Formatting manuscripts to meet specific target journal requirements including style guidelines, citation formats, and submission specifications. Targeted at researchers needing submission-ready manuscripts.
• Plagiarism Check Service Detection and verification of plagiarism in manuscripts to ensure originality before journal submission. Targeted at researchers needing plagiarism screening.
• Data Analysis Service Statistical analysis and data interpretation services to support research findings and manuscript preparation. Targeted at researchers needing analytical support.
• Figure Formatting Service Professional formatting and enhancement of scientific figures, graphs, and visual elements to meet journal specifications. Targeted at researchers needing publication-ready figures.
• Plain Language Summary Service Creation of accessible summaries of research findings for broader audiences beyond the academic community. Targeted at researchers and institutions seeking to communicate findings to general audiences.
• Journal Cover Design Service Professional design of journal cover artwork by scientifically trained graphic designers verified by scientific advisors. Includes PhD/MD creative lead and multiple revision rounds. Priced at $590 standard (9 business days) or $725 expedited (6 business days). Targeted at researchers seeking journal cover publication.
• Graphical Abstract Service Creation of visual summaries of research findings for journal submission, designed by scientific illustration experts. Targeted at researchers needing graphical abstracts for high-impact journals.
• Infographic Service Development of informative visual graphics to communicate research concepts and data effectively. Targeted at researchers and institutions needing research infographics.
• Custom Illustration Service Bespoke scientific illustrations tailored to specific research needs, created by trained graphic designers with scientific expertise. Targeted at researchers needing custom scientific imagery.
• Video Abstract Service Production of short video summaries of research findings for online journal publication and enhanced visibility. Targeted at researchers seeking video abstracts for online journals.
• Explainer Video Service Creation of explanatory video content to communicate complex research concepts and methodologies. Targeted at researchers and institutions needing research explainer videos.
• Scientific Animation Service Animated video production for scientific content, utilizing scientific writers, narrators, illustrators, animators, and video editors. Targeted at researchers needing engaging animated scientific content.
• Conference Poster Service Design and preparation of professional conference posters meeting academic presentation standards. Targeted at researchers presenting at academic conferences.
• Conference Ready Abstract and Poster Package Bundled package including abstract development, poster design, and optional oral presentation preparation. Options include Base Package (abstract only), Package A (abstract and poster), and Package B (abstract, poster, and oral presentation). Targeted at researchers presenting at conferences.
• Language Editing for Response Letter Specialized language editing for response letters to journal reviewers during peer review revision. Targeted at researchers responding to peer review feedback.
• LaTeX Language Editing Language editing tailored for LaTeX-formatted manuscripts and documents. Targeted at researchers in mathematics, engineering, and physical sciences who use LaTeX.
• Annual Review and Tenure Document Editing Editing of annual review files, promotion dossiers, and tenure application documents for academic professionals. Targeted at faculty preparing tenure and promotion submissions.
• Book Editing Service Professional language and structural editing for academic books and monographs. Targeted at authors preparing full-length scholarly book manuscripts.

Quantifiable outcome

• If paper is rejected solely for errors in punctuation, spelling, or grammar after accepting all recommended changes, LetPub will re-edit for free or provide full refund
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SciencecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerScience journal (AAAS) lists LetPub as a recommended language editing service provider for authors on their author services page, providing visibility and credibility to international researchers.
• PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPNAS recommends LetPub's language editing services to non-native English speaking authors as part of their author resources.
• AACR (American Association for Cancer Research)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerAACR journals recommend LetPub's manuscript preparation services to authors on their manuscript preparation services page.
• ASM JournalscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerASM (American Society for Microbiology) journals list LetPub as a recommended editing service for authors on their editing services page.
• ASME JournalscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) journals include LetPub in their author guidelines and submission help resources.
• Journal of Biological Chemistry (JBC)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerJBC recommends LetPub's language editing services in their author information section.
• Global Academy of Forensic and Investigative Medicine and Science (GLAFIMS)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGLAFIMS journals partner with LetPub for author services, as seen in their journal submission guidelines.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Wiley Editing Services: Wiley offers language editing and other author services bundled with its journal portfolio. It is a broad incumbent in academic publishing services with capabilities overlapping LetPub's editing offerings.
• Springer Nature Author Services: Springer Nature offers in-house editing, translation, and figure services to authors submitting to its journals. As a major publisher with broader services, it competes with LetPub but benefits from publisher-owned distribution channels that LetPub partners with.
• Elsevier Author Services: Elsevier provides language polishing, illustration, and other author services to authors of its journals. It is a broad incumbent publisher service with overlapping capabilities to LetPub, particularly for authors targeting Elsevier journals.
• MDPI Author Services: MDPI offers English editing and other publication support services to authors in its large portfolio of open access journals. As a publisher-led service, it represents an in-house alternative to independent providers like LetPub.

Direct peers

• Editage (Cactus Communications): Editage is a leading direct competitor providing scientific editing, translation, and publication support services to international researchers. It operates with a similar business model targeting non-native English-speaking authors and is widely recognized as one of the largest players in the same niche as LetPub.
• Scribendi: Scribendi offers professional editing and proofreading services with a strong online self-serve platform. While broader than purely scientific editing, it competes for the same pool of academic and professional authors seeking document polishing services.
• Research Square: Research Square operates AJE and broader preprint/research communication services, positioning it as both a competitor and adjacent player in scientific editing and publication support. It competes directly with LetPub for editing and translation services.
• Enago: Enago offers manuscript editing, translation, and research communication services to academic authors worldwide. It directly competes with LetPub across language editing, scientific editing, and translation services for journal submission.
• American Journal Experts (AJE) by Research Square: AJE provides scientific editing, formatting, and translation services to researchers, with a similar subject-matter expert model. It is one of the most well-known direct competitors in the manuscript editing space and operates on comparable pricing and turnaround structures.
• Proofed: Proofed provides professional proofreading and editing services for academic, business, and creative documents. It serves a similar online, self-serve customer base and competes on price, turnaround, and quality in the editing services market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCUY6F7TSQu6_XFknHTZ_DNg
• Facebookfacebook.com/Accdon-LLC-109663920487759
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/letpub
• Instagraminstagram.com/letpub_

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LetPub