Once the bones of your story are all in place, you’re ready for a line edit. This is where we’ll get into the skin of your story and make sure your paragraphs, sentences, and individual words shine–all while ensuring that your unique voice remains intact! I will do each of these things in a line edit of your story:
- Ensure each word is the best possible one
- Point out passive voice and suggest
- Ensure each scene and sentence flows smoothly to the next one
- Correct any misspelled words
- Make sure each scene beginning and ending is the most impactful for your story
- Check for consistent POV
- Point out any inconsistencies in character, setting, scene, etc.
- Check dialogue tags and make sure each character has a distinctive voice
- Examine interior monologue
- Suggest deleting unnecessary or repetitive words/sentences/sections
- Check for impactful figurative language and point out any cliches
- Point out places that might need more clarity
- Explain the reasons behind my suggestions
What’s the Difference Between Line Editing and Copy Editing?
Line editing focuses on the flow, readability, and clarity of the story. Copy editing dives more into the nuts and bolts of the story: grammar, punctuation, story inconsistencies, and formatting, and spelling. Although I will point out spelling and punctuation errors or any inconsistencies that I find in my line edit, I won’t be actively looking for them. Instead, I’ll be focusing on how your story reads, making it as smooth and as easy to follow as possible.
Price: $0.01/word
A Line Edit is For You If:
- You’ve revised your story structure and are ready to take your writing to the next level
- You’ve edited your novel as much as possible and need it shortened.
- Your novel has gone through developmental/content edits and is ready for the next phase.
- You want your prose to be tighter, smoother, and more engaging without losing your voice.
- You’ve received feedback that your writing is hard to follow in places, but you’re not sure why.
- You want help eliminating repetition, filler words, or clunky sentences.
- You’ve built an incredible world but want to make sure the language supports—not overwhelms—it.
- You want each scene to flow naturally and keep readers immersed.
- You’re looking to strengthen tone, rhythm, and clarity at the sentence and paragraph level.
- You’re preparing to query or self-publish and want your manuscript to feel polished and professional.
- You’re ready to elevate your storytelling and make every word count.
How it Works
- You’ll fill out this information form.
- I’ll send you an email with a letter of agreement outlining price and deadlines.
- After receiving half your payment, I’ll read your complete novel, making comments in the margin using Microsoft Word Track Changes.
- Once I receive the final payment, I’ll return your edited story.
- Then we’ll schedule a 30 minute video chat to discuss any questions you have about the edits. 😊
If, while line editing your story, I find that it could benefit from a developmental edit or manuscript review, I may suggest adding a 1-3 page mini manuscript review to your line edit for only $100.00.
A Line Edit Includes:
- In-line edits
- Suggestions for how to make your story stronger
- 30 minute video call
Please note that a line edit does not include copy editing, a review letter, or a style sheet.
I would be honored to work with you to help make the flow of your fantasy or sci-fi story* stronger! Fill out the information form below to get started.
*Please note: I only accept stories with minimal spice (sex off-page is okay), minimal cussing, and no LGBTQ+ characters.
Sample Line Edit
