When should you get a line edit/copy edit?
Line editing and copy editing come after all major revisions to the manuscript have been completed, including developmental edits. Technically, line editing and copy editing are two different steps in the manuscript development process, with line editing focusing on style, tone, and flow of the writing and copy editing correcting technical and grammatical errors, but I like to do them both in the same pass. This way, I can ensure coherence, consistency, and accuracy. It’s ideal to get your manuscript copy edited before submitting to agents, publishers, or self-publishing, as it polishes your work to professional standards. Depending on your budget/preferences, it might be followed by proofreading and formatting.
Here are some of the things I will be paying attention to:
Grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- Correct use of grammar, syntax, and sentence structure
- Consistency in spelling (e.g., American vs. British English)
- Proper and consistent punctuation
Word usage and clarity
- Misused words, redundancies, or unnecessary jargon
- Wordiness or awkward phrasing that affects readability
- Suggestions for more precise or effective word choices
Consistency
- Uniformity in spelling, capitalization, and hyphenation (e.g., “e-mail” vs. “email”)
- Adherence to a specific style guide (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style)
- Consistent treatment of names, terms, and formatting
Style and tone
- The manuscript’s voice and tone, ensuring it aligns with the target audience and genre
- Elimination of clichés, overuse of certain phrases, or inconsistencies in tone
Dialogue
- Correct punctuation and formatting of dialogue
- Consistency in character speech patterns and attribution tags
Ambiguities and errors
- Fixing or flagging sentences that may confuse readers
- Identifying factual errors, logical inconsistencies, or timeline issues (though not fact-checking per se)
Cross-references and internal consistency
- Accuracy of cross-references (e.g., chapter numbers, page references, or illustrations)
- Consistency in timelines, character details, or recurring elements
Adherence to client/publisher guidelines
- Ensuring the manuscript adheres to submission or publication requirements
- Tailoring the text for specific house or publisher style preferences
What is included in the service?
- Edited manuscript
- A style sheet outlining the editorial decisions I made during the line/copy edit
- Editorial letter: A brief overview highlighting the main issues addressed during the line/copy edit
Pricing
I follow suggested rate guidelines provided by the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). I offer line editing and copy editing as a single service, and my rate is $0.029–$0.043 per word, depending on the state of the manuscript. I will provide the final quote after completing a sample edit.