A developmental edit addresses big-picture elements in a manuscript. It addresses structure, content, and plot. It provides in-depth feedback on character development, pacing, and themes, helping to create a more cohesive and compelling story. I aim to strengthen the structure while elevating the emotional intensity and unique voice.

What does a developmental editor evaluate?

Goals, Motivation, & Conflict

Character Arc

Dialogue

Plot Development

World Building

POV/Showing vs. Telling

Momentum & Pace

Voice 

Theme

Developmental edits will include a style sheet evaluating these aspects with suggestions for improvement and pointing out what's working. The service comes with an optional one-hour Zoom call to discuss the project. 

Ask for a two-page sample today and determine if we are a fit for your editing needs. 

Prices as listed may not be accurate. Cost averages $0.007 per word. 

A line edit is a fine-toothed comb evaluation of a manuscript- scrutinizing sentence structure, word choice, paragraph organization, and other gremlins that give an author trouble. The goal is to enhance an author's intended message by creating stronger sentences and paragraphs while still maintaining the author's voice. This is a creative evaluation of the piece, done line by line, sentence by sentence, word by word. 

What a line edit addresses:

Consistency of Voice

Tone

Tense Consistency 

POV Consistency

Clarity/Conciseness 

Consistent Terminology

Identifying Echoes & Redundancy

Identifying Glue Words and Repetitive Phrases

Overused Words; Freshening Language

Rhythm and Pacing; Variation

Transitions—Sentences and Paragraphs

Dialogue Tags 

Any ideas/concepts that seem inconsistent through the story. 

Service includes suggested changes using Track Changes in Word. The changes will be explained in the comments. 

Also, a one-hour Zoom call is available after edits are complete. 

Ask for a two-page sample today and determine if we are a fit for your editing needs. 

Prices as listed may not be accurate. Cost averages $0.01 per word. 

If you combine line editing and copy editing, receive a $0.003 per word discount and lock in the rate of $0.013.

Copy editing focuses on polishing a manuscript by addressing grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax to ensure technical accuracy. It also ensures consistency in style, tone, and formatting, aligning with established guidelines or the author’s preferences. This meticulous process ensures that the writing is clear, professional, and ready for publication. Unlike line editing, copy editing focuses only on the technical elements from the Chicago Manual of Style, leaving words and word order unchanged. 

Specific items addressed in a copy editing service:

Spelling and Hyphenation

Punctuation (includes comma usage, dialogue punctuation, em dashes, dashes, ellipses, parentheses, and brackets)

Capitalization (titles, proper nouns, initials, and acronyms)

Numbers and Dates (spelled or not, date formatting, time formatting)

Italics and Bold (titles of works, foreign words, emphasis)

Formatting (headings, subheadings, lists, spacing, and indentation)

Special Terms and Languages (glossary, consistency, cliches)

Author Preferences (custom rules, areas needing extra attention, and preferred changes)

Notes from the Editor (recommended clarifications, suggestions, and summary of all edits)

All services come with a one-hour Zoom meeting to review edits at the request of the author. 

Ask for a two-page sample today and determine if we are a fit for your editing needs. 

Prices as listed may not be accurate. Cost averages $0.006 per word. 

If you combine line editing and copy editing, receive a $0.003 per word discount and lock in the rate of $0.013.