Taken from the Editorial Freelancer’s Association page: “Line editors work at the sentence or paragraph level of a project. Like copyeditors, they correct errors, but their main focus is on improving the language and style of the text. Line editing may be performed as a separate service, in conjunction with developmental editing, after big-picture issues have been addressed, or in conjunction with copyediting.”
If you feel you have a solid plot and engaging characters but your paragraphs aren’t connecting quite right, the readability is poor, and the flow or style isn’t captivating, you may be ready for line editing. It can be frustrating, going back and reading sentences you used to believe sounded perfect. Or maybe you don’t see anything wrong, but there’s some awkward wording here and there that readers will catch immediately. Line editing gets analytical eyes on the page to polish it up.
Taken from the Editorial Freelancer’s Association page: “The role of the copyeditor is as broad as it is important. Copyeditors correct spelling, grammar, usage, and punctuation; check cross-references; and prepare the style sheets that guide consistency and accuracy across the manuscript. A copyeditor reviews all aspects of the manuscript at levels of response that vary from light (making a notation to the author) to heavy (revising the text). Copyediting may also be performed in concert with line editing.”
If you’re happy with your characters and plot throughout the entirety of your manuscript, and believe your sentence structure is immaculate (go you!), you may be ready for copy editing. You’re not looking for that final once-over (proofreading) but you still want to ensure proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation throughout your work. I provide line and copy editing as one service, so if you’re unsure where one begins and the other ends, have no fear!
So many steps…I know! This entire process can be confusing and even overwhelming, but don’t worry, I’m here to help. If you still aren’t sure where your manuscript stands, get in contact with me and we’ll figure it out together. I will never let you pay for a service you don’t need.
just shoot me an email at inanna@gentleedits.com I look forward to hearing from you!
