Line editing and copyediting focus on the detail of the text at the sentence and paragraph level: line editing looks at flow, style, clarity and readability, while copyediting addresses the more mechanical side, including issues of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
This level of editing takes place when your book is structurally complete, you’re confident that the story and plot are sound, and you’ve finished your own editing. If you want to hire an editor for a developmental edit, that should come first.
Because the tasks involved in line editing and copyediting overlap, I usually perform them as a combined service, although that does depend on the manuscript. Sometimes it’s more appropriate to carry out a line edit first.
Typical tasks can include:
- tightening up text and smoothing out sentences
- suggesting rewording to improve pace and flow
- addressing unnecessary repetition, redundancies and clichés
- ensuring clarity and addressing ambiguities
- checking that points of view work
- ensuring consistency (e.g. that characters’ names and physical characteristics stay the same)
- checking that timelines work and fictional worlds hold together logically
- checking spelling, punctuation and grammar
My focus is on fine-tuning your writing so that your readers will feel engaged and immersed. I work with you, maintaining your voice and your style. I don’t make changes for the sake of it, and where I do offer solutions, they will be as simple and minimally intrusive as possible. You remain in charge of your manuscript, including deciding which edits to accept and which to reject.
I also explain my edits so that you can understand the reasoning behind them and take that knowledge into future writing, and I applaud all the stuff that’s great, so you know to do more of it!
I want to thank you for a job phenomenally well done. Every insight you provided helped the clarity of my meaning.
Guile Branford, March 2024
What you’ll receive
When you hire me for a line and copyedit, you’ll receive:
- Your manuscript fully edited using Word’s Track Changes facility, including Comments throughout with queries or explanations. You are then free to go through the document to review the edits and accept or reject them as you wish. If you don’t know how to use Track Changes, don’t worry! I’ll help.
- A clean version of the edited manuscript with all the changes accepted, for your reference
- My editor’s report, which includes explanations of edits as necessary and highlights any issues which need pointing out
- A style sheet which documents choices made in regard to spelling, punctuation, capitalisation, word choice and so on – for your reference, and so that consistency can be maintained
You’ll also be able to come back to me to ask for clarification of anything, or further explanations.
While MS Word is the industry standard, I can also work in other applications. Please contact me to enquire.
If you’re not sure if this is what you need, feel free to get in touch.
I’ll be happy to talk you through it and can offer a free 1000-word sample edit to illustrate.
Cost and timescale
Both the cost and the timescale will depend upon the length of your book and the level of editing it requires. I usually like to quote a project rate, so we both know the cost up front, and I offer payment in instalments.
You will normally need to book your copyedit in advance so that I can fit your work into my schedule. That way I can be sure to allocate the time it deserves and meet the deadlines we agree on.
To enquire
Send me an email! Please include the name of your book, the genre and the wordcount. Please also tell me what your plans are (such as seeking a traditional publishing deal or self-publishing) and whether your manuscript has been through any previous rounds of professional editing, plus any other details you feel might be important.
I’ll get back to you and we can take it from there!
If you’re not sure whether this is the type of editing your manuscript needs, don’t worry. Just get in touch and we’ll work it out together.