What is a Line Edit?

It addresses stylistic elements on the sentence level, including point of view, narrative distance, show versus tell, word choice, filtering and filler words, and more. It is different than a copy edit, which addresses mechanical concerns like spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

A line edit comes after a developmental edit, if you’ve chosen to have one, but before copy editing. This edit is meant to improve the stylistic elements of how your story is told while staying true to your unique author voice.

How does it work?

Please fill out the Request Edit Form and include a 1,000-word sample. I will edit it for free. This gives you an opportunity to see my work and evaluate if we’re a good fit. After we’ve discussed the sample edit, I will evaluate the manuscript as a whole and determine an exact rate. If you agree, I will send you a contract to sign.

In a line edit, I will provide creative solutions to make your words immersive, evocative, and memorable. I use track changes in Word to make changes and leave comments throughout the manuscript. You will also receive a report, discussing how to expand on your strengths and improve trouble areas.

In the end, ultimately, you’re the writer. This is your story. You make the decisions. My goal is to collaborate and work alongside you, not tell you what to do.

How much does it cost?

A line edit is an involved process that requires artistic assessment and involves creative solutions. It improves the writing style on the sentence level.

Rates vary $0.020-0.026 (2-2.6 cents) per word.

What is included?

Marginal comments, questions, and suggestions
An editorial letter reviewing the artistic elements of the story
Plenty of communication

What is not included?

A line edit does not include extensive correction of punctuation, grammar, or spelling. This edit is about improving the stylistic elements of the writing.