Line Editing
Line-level clarity, rhythm, and consistency: while preserving your voice. Delivered with tracked changes and a clean final file.
Why Line Editing Matters
A strong story can falter if sentences feel awkward or inconsistent. Line editing ensures every line carries the right tone, varies in structure, and flows smoothly for the reader.
- Improves rhythm, pacing, and readability at the sentence level.
- Addresses awkward phrasing, wordiness, or clunky transitions.
- Checks grammar, usage, and punctuation while keeping your natural voice intact.
The result is prose that feels polished, fluid, and ready for readers:without losing what makes it yours.
What's the difference between Line and Copy Editing?
Line editing comes before copy editing. A line editor is focused on style, readability, and the way language flows. They'll ask if a phrase really conveys the intended emotion, whether a sentence feels too wordy, or if a passage could be sharpened for clarity and rhythm.
Copy editing, on the other hand, is about mechanics and correctness. A copy editor ensures grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage all follow standard English and the chosen style guide. They also check for consistency in things like numbers, hyphenation, and capitalization.
Put simply: line editing makes your prose sing; copy editing makes it correct.Both matter, but line editing comes first, setting the stage for the technical polish of copy editing.
What you'll receive
Core deliverables
- Tracked changes for grammar, usage, punctuation, and word choice.
- Clarity and concision tweaks while preserving your voice.
- Consistency pass (names, hyphenation, numerals, capitalization, timeline).
- Style sheet documenting decisions and special terms.
- Edited file with comments + clean final file.
Scope notes
- This service does not include structural/developmental notes and edits.
- Light fact/logic checks as needed; full fact-checking is a separate service best outsourced.
What to Expect
Tracked changes
Your manuscript returned with inline edits you can accept, reject, or modify. Comments explain the reasoning behind significant changes.
Style sheet
A document capturing spelling, hyphenation, capitalization, and special terms decisions for consistency across your manuscript.
Process
1) Sample & Quote
We calibrate on style and goals.
2) Book Your Slot
Deposit secures the start date.
3) Line Edit
Line-level pass with tracked changes and comments.
4) Delivery
Edited file + style sheet + clean copy.
5) Clarifications
Window for questions and spot fixes.
FAQ
Which style guide?
I can follow CMoS or your house style. Preferences (Oxford comma, em dashes, numerals) are captured in the style sheet.
Can you also do dev edits?
This service focuses on line-level work. If we uncover structural issues, I'll flag them and suggest a developmental pass.
Do you reflow paragraphs?
Yes, lightly, where clarity and rhythm benefit: without changing your voice.
Ready for a clean, consistent manuscript?