Line-editing

Line-editing (sometimes called substantive editing or heavy copyediting) is best described as a language edit rather than a structural edit of a manuscript, with focus on:

• Consistency in tone, style, and voice. For example, if you have a story modeled on medieval times, I would flag use of language that is more contemporary, such as terms like “gumshoe” or “hangover” or “SNAFU” as well as modern-day idioms and objects that might pull readers from the narrative. Naturally, the author’s intent may be a mixing of old-world and modern-times ideas and cultures, so this kind of item might be fluid. The key is that, as the editor, I would be able to tell you if the use of anachronisms or otherwise inconsistent elements works or not, and offer possible fixes.

• Consistency in character. Where a character’s use of language or physical details change abruptly or without explanation, a line-edit will help pinpoint those gaps.

• Consistency in point of view.

• Reducing word bloat when it doesn’t serve the story.

• Reducing passive voice and/or the subjunctive mood when they may be impeding story flow.

• Flagging clichés and mixed metaphors.

• Trimming out redundancy in word usage, and flagging repetition where story details are repeated unnecessarily in different ways.

• Improving pacing and flow in sentence and paragraph structure.

• Trimming unnecessary dialogue tags; adding dialogue tags for clarity or pacing; and flagging overly flowery dialogue tags that distract from the story.

• Smoothing out scene/chapter transitions.

• Enhancing or altering sentences and paragraphs to ensure the author’s meaning is clearly conveyed or to clarify confusing passages.

• Flagging areas that may require copyright-holder permission for use (such as the inclusion of lyrics or lines from poems written by someone other than the author).

A line-edit will correct many grammatical and typographical issues found in a manuscript, but its main purpose is to create seamless flow and consistency in the narrative overall. Ultimately it is the author’s decision about which recommended changes by their editor to retain or reject. Therefore, the end result of a line-edit after the author’s revisions may still be at least two steps shy of being ready to publish and may need both a copyedit and proofread before it is good to go. Each project I line-edit will be delivered back to you with a complete style guide and word list.

Rate: 1.5¢–3¢ per word for novel-length projects of 50,000 words or more. Add a manuscript critique for an additional $400. Please send me four pages (1,000 words) in MS Word when querying. Click here for a quick project estimate → Estimate.

Genres: Speculative fiction, including all science fiction, fantasy, steampunk (or any punk), urban, paranormal, horror, superhero, dystopian, etc. Suspense, thriller, and crime. Action-adventure.

Copyediting

The final cleaning up of the mechanics of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax occurs during copyediting, including,

• Fixing misused homophones (i.e., pale/pail, it’s/its, complement/compliment, etc.).

• Ensuring correctness and consistency in spelling and capitalization of all proper nouns, titles, locations, etc.

• Ensuring consistency in stylistic and formatting elements such as numbers, quotes, italics, headers, and punctuation.

• Ensuring consistency of verb tense.

• Light fact-checking.

• Adherence to the author’s preferred style guide (if one is given).

A copyedit followed by a proofread are the last steps before a manuscript or short story is ready for independent publishing or submitting your work to an acquiring editor, agent, or publisher, and rarely would any content or structural changes be made after the completion of a copyedit. A copyedit assumes the manuscript’s structure, content, and even such considerations as use of clichés and word choice are deliberate. This service will correct the items listed above, but deeper editing elements would be handled in a line-edit and/or developmental edit. Each novel-length project I copyedit will be delivered back to you with a complete style guide and word list.

Rate: 1¢–1.4¢ per word for novel-length projects of 50,000 words or more. Please send me four pages (1,000 words) in MS Word when querying. Click here for a quick project estimate → Estimate.

Genres:  All, including literary fiction and nonfiction.

If you’d like to read what some of my clients have said about working with me, please visit this page → Testimonials.