Every sentence,
clearer and stronger.
Line and copy editing work at the level of the sentence. We tighten wording, smooth rhythm, fix grammar and keep every detail consistent, while protecting the voice that makes the book yours.
Good stories lose readers in clumsy sentences.
Wordy phrasing, repeated words, flat dialogue and small inconsistencies add up. Readers rarely know why a book feels hard going, they simply stop reading.
Our line and copy editors go through the manuscript sentence by sentence. They cut what slows the pace, sharpen what is vague and correct grammar, usage and punctuation to a professional standard.
Every change is tracked and explained where needed, so you learn from the edit and keep the final word.
Start With a Free Consultation →What we look at
- Clarity, concision and word choice
- Sentence rhythm and paragraph flow
- Dialogue tags and natural speech
- Grammar, usage and punctuation
- Names, dates, timelines and facts
A cleaner manuscript and a record of why
Everything you need to review the edit and carry it into design.
Tracked-Changes File
Every edit visible and reversible so you can accept or reject changes one by one.
Clean Copy
A second file with all edits applied, ready for formatting once you have reviewed it.
Style Sheet
A record of spellings, capitalization, numbers and character details used across the book.
Explanatory Comments
Notes where an edit needs context, or where a query needs your decision.
Consistency Checks
Timelines, names, places and facts checked across the whole manuscript.
Revision Round
A follow-up pass on any sections you rewrite after reviewing the edit.
Line editing versus copy editing: what is the difference?
Line editing focuses on style: the flow, rhythm and impact of each sentence. Copy editing focuses on correctness: grammar, punctuation, consistency and adherence to a style guide such as Chicago. In practice the two overlap, and our copy editing service covers both in a single careful pass.
Before and after copy editing
- Before: a solid story with uneven pacing and repeated phrasing
- After: tighter sentences, cleaner dialogue and consistent details
- Before: a nonfiction draft with long paragraphs and jargon
- After: clear, direct prose that busy readers can follow
If your manuscript still has structural issues, start with developmental editing. After copy editing, a final proofread on the formatted pages catches anything introduced during layout.
From first call to finished book
Free Sample Edit
Send a few pages and we will edit a sample at no cost, so you can judge the quality and the depth of the copy edit before you commit.
- No-cost sample on your own pages
- Honest recommendation on edit level
- Clear quote based on word count
Paired With the Right Editor
We assign a senior editor with real experience in your genre and agree goals, deadlines and any house style before work begins.
- Genre-matched senior editor
- Kickoff on goals and voice
- Agreed timeline
The Edit Itself
Your editor works through the manuscript with every change tracked and every bigger question raised in a comment, never silently rewritten.
- Tracked changes throughout
- Comments that explain the why
- Style sheet built as we go
You Review Every Change
You decide what stays. Accept, reject or question any edit, then send it back for the revision round included in every project.
- Full control over every edit
- Included revision round
- Direct answers from your editor
Clean Copy, Ready to Go
You receive a clean file with approved changes applied, plus the notes and style sheet. Take it to design yourself or let us carry it into formatting and launch.
- Clean, publish-ready file
- Editorial notes and style sheet
- Optional handoff to design and publishing
Make every page read beautifully
Send us a sample of your manuscript. We will edit it free so you can see the difference before you commit.
Copy & Line Editing questions, answered
Straight answers to what authors ask us most.
Copy and line editing start at $0.018 per word. For an 80,000 word novel, that starts at about $1,440. Pricing depends on genre and the condition of the manuscript.
Usually The Chicago Manual of Style for books, unless your publisher or field requires another. We note any house style in your style sheet.
No. Editors adjust wording only where it improves clarity or flow, and every change is tracked so you can reverse it.
About 14 days for most manuscripts, depending on length. Rush service can be discussed.
We recommend it. Proofreading on the final formatted pages catches errors introduced during layout and anything missed in earlier rounds.
Yes. We edit in US, UK, Canadian or Australian English, consistently throughout.
Book your free consultation
Tell us where your book is today. A publishing specialist will review it and send clear, honest next steps, usually within one business day.
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An expert read and a written report on your draft.
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