LINE & COPY EDITING
WHAT IS LINE EDITING?
Line editing comes after a developmental edit and before the copy editing stage. It is a detailed, line-by-line edit that involves making changes to the language and structure of the manuscript to address issues with story mechanics and improve overall readability, but the author's unique voice and style are always maintained and respected.
CONSIDERATIONS
As I conduct a line edit, I'll consider the following:
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Are there sentences that are choppy, clunky, or convoluted? Are sentence structures varied? Are there instances of passive voice?
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Are the same words, phrases, descriptions, actions, etc., repeated too often?
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Are the point of view and tense consistent?
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Does the dialogue feel stilted or unnatural?
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Does the energy and tone of the story's voice match what the author wants the reader to feel in that moment?
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Is the vocabulary age appropriate for the target audience?
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Is there too much telling and not enough showing? Are there instances of "info dumping"? Are there instances of showing when telling will suffice?
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Is there an excessive amount of adverbs and adjectives?
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Are there instances of over-explanation, such as excessive descriptions of setting or physical appearances, long-winded monologues, or second-by-second action sequences?
WHAT IS COPY EDITING?
Copy editing is the final step in the editing process before the manuscript goes to layout. It includes checking for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and typos, but also involves evaluating the manuscript for issues with timeline and story detail inconsistencies. During a copy edit, I create a style sheet that includes the grammar and punctuation rules being followed, preferred spellings, a list of places/companies/businesses that appear in the story, a list of the characters and important details such as their physical description, and a timeline to ensure story consistency.
CONSIDERATIONS
As I conduct a copy edit, I'll look at the following:
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Spelling
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Grammar
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Punctuation
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Repetition
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Missing words
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Tone and clarity
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Sentence structure
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Phrasing
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Word choice
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Readability
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Tense/POV
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Story inconsistencies
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Timeline inconsistencies
GENRE SPECIALIZATIONS
For line editing, I specialize in the following genres:
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mystery / thriller
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spooky / horror
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coming-of-age fiction
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historical fiction
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narrative/creative nonfiction
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dystopian
I will copy edit nonfiction and any fiction genre written for middle grade and young adult audiences.
If you aren't sure what genre your novel falls within, please don't hesitate to reach out. Describe the premise of your story, and I will give you my honest opinion on whether or not I am the right editor for the job!
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
Ready to take the next step? For guidance on what type of editing you need or to request a free sample edit and quote, please fill out the form below. I will respond within 3-5 business days.