Line and Copyediting

When most people talk about “editing,” this is usually what they have in mind.

(Sometimes they’re thinking about proofreading—see the difference here).

For clarity, I use both the terms “line” and “copy” to describe this edit. You’ll notice some editors separate the two completely, and others consider all of the below to fall under the name “copyedit.” In my view, while there is some distinction, in practice there is a lot of overlap, and these terms describe a range of work, from a light hand to more in-depth involvement. Copyediting also has a specific usage in journalism. I am talking about books.

Alexandra didn’t edit my book so much as beautify it. She has a knack of making me sound more like me than I ever could. I wish you all could really understand what a great experience it is working with her!

Lara Patriquin, MD

I’m loving it. You know when you build something and it’s wobbly until you go around and tighten all the screws? That’s this but amplified.

Don Elliott
Author, The Broken Horn and The Sandrunner

As the name suggests, we’re going through your mms line by line. Every word should be there for a reason. If you haven’t done developmental work, you should not be messing around in a line edit. At this stage, we focus on the nitty-gritty—the craft of writing. We want your sentences to sing. Traditionally, the “copy” in “copyediting” focuses on consistency. This ensures that, in addition to using beautiful language, your work is strong and clear from a technical point of view. English gives us many choices we often don’t think about, but which do a lot to add or detract from your story.
Is this a story worth telling? If your sentences are pretty but your story doesn’t make sense, your book is not a success. #editing #developmentalediting #writingtip Share on X
  • Clarity and readability
  • Continuity and lapses in logic
  • Style choices
  • Word selection and repetition
  • Spelling, punctuation, and grammar
  • Stylistic and formatting consistency: chapter headings, capitalization, hyphenation, abbreviation, use of proper names, paragraph indentation, font, font size, margins, captions, citations, tables, graphics, bulleted lists, and more

…all while maintaining author style and voice. The goal is not to sound like your editor, but rather the best writer version of yourself.

Think the line and copyedit may be for you? Complete the form below.

Alexandra is an amazing resource for anyone writing a book! She assisted me with developmental and copy editing. Her professionalism, timeliness, clear communication and vast knowledge allow her to gracefully guide you through the process. I couldn’t have been more pleased! It is because of her partnership that my book has hit best seller not once, but three times! Thank you Alexandra.

Angela Gaffney
Wellness Keynote Speaker, Author, Feel Good, Look Good, For Life: Your Ultimate Guide to Achieve Lifelong Health

If you contact me for a line and copyedit, I will ask what other editorial work you’ve had done, and I may wish to speak with your prior editor or writing coach, or see an example of your project before and after work with them. If I don’t feel your mms is ready for this type of editing, I will let you know. Anything less would be doing you and your book a disservice. A good line and copyedit can make the difference between a work whose impact is “ho-hum” and a text that sizzles.

What do you get when you contract for editing?

All edits include:

  • a cover letter addressing the most important themes and takeaways.
  • two versions of your mms, one showing all changes, the other with all changes accepted. These docs also contain specific comments, questions, and suggestions.
  • in the case of a line and copyedit, a style sheet.
  • a follow-up call to discuss my edits and your questions.

Want to get a quote for your specific project? I’ll need you to complete the form below, after which we’ll schedule a complimentary consultation. Be sure to review Working with Alexandra for more details.

A Note on Scheduling

I am often booked out several months in advance for editing projects. If you are interested in reserving a spot on my calendar, please fill out the form below and mention “editing reservation” under Additional Information.

Are you ready to get started?

Thinking about working with Alexandra as your editor?

Complete the form below and schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation.

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