LINE & COPY EDITING

The book is written, and it flows like water.

Now, let's make sure each word carries its weight.

As a writer, you've developed a unique voice.
I'm here to make sure that voice is not muddled
by typos, grammar mistakes, or clunky phrasing.

DURING A LINE & COPY EDIT, I WILL...

Address mistakes in punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
Clarify word choice (diction).
Analyze sentence and paragraph order for logical consistency and flow.
Ensure continuity in plot, character features, landscape descriptions, etc.
Run basic fact-checks on brand names, historical dates, etc.
Draw up a style guide to maintain consistency throughout the publishing process.
Above all, retain your authorial voice.

THE PROCESS

Introduction. First, fill out the form below. I'll get back to you within two business days and ask for a 1,000-word sample of your manuscript. The sample will tell me 1) whether we're a good creative fit and 2) the level of editing that is needed. I'll also send you a short questionnaire that will ensure I understand your expectations.

Rising action. Once we select the appropriate service and we're ready to move forward, I'll let you know when I can schedule you in. I'll send you an invoice for a 50% up-front deposit. Then, I will draw up our contract and begin the edit on the agreed-upon date.

Climax. I'll edit your manuscript in Microsoft Word using the Track Changes function so that you can see every little change I make. I'll also use the Comments function to make suggestions, ask questions, and call attention to areas that need improvement (or just to say that a certain paragraph is killer!). Once I'm finished, I'll send you the edited manuscript with Track Changes, a clean version of the document with all changes accepted, a style guide, and an invoice for the remaining expenses.

Denouement. Review the manuscript. You'll have two weeks to ask me questions or allow me to clarify my comments. Then our work will be done! :)

SERVICES

— Copyedit: correcting mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling; omitting overused words; ensuring consistency throughout the manuscript; and light fact-checking.

— Line edit: all of the above, in addition to increasing flow between paragraphs, suggesting areas where content could be fleshed out or thinned out, and improving the rhythm and musicality of your prose. (Since this edit may require you as the author to make changes, I offer a reduced round of copy editing afterward to catch any lingering mistakes.)

I will suggest which service I think would be best for your manuscript, but ultimately you have the final say as to which service you would like.

DISCLAIMER: As a copy/line editor, I mainly focus on sentence-level concerns. I do not address larger developmental issues. Before reaching out for a line or copy edit, you should be happy with your book's narrative, character development, pacing, point of view, and other big-picture concerns. If you need help with developmental issues, reach out to a developmental editor, gather a trusted team of beta readers, or (at the very least) self-edit your manuscript a few times through. It will make a world of difference!

GET A QUOTE

To receive a personalized quote, start a dialogue with me

using the form below. Thanks!