The Line Edit
While the manuscript critique and developmental edit focus on the overall/big-picture story, the line edit zooms in to polish your prose on a sentence-by-sentence level. Line editing helps create more elevated and meaningful prose that keeps the reader turning pages while making sure your unique voice shine through.
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The line edit addresses such sentence-level questions as:
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Is the narrative style effective?
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Does the language evoke the right mood and emotion?
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Are the word choices precise and suited to the tone of the novel?
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Are the sentences clear and vivid?
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Are there any awkward or repetitive phrases?
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Do the sentences vary in length and create an effective rhythm?
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Does the writing flow smoothly from one idea to the next?
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Are there effective sensory details and imagery included that enhance the readers' experience?
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Are there sections that are overwritten or give readers unnecessary details?
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Is the narrative voice consistent and authentic throughout?
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Are character descriptions consistent throughout?
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Are there accidental shifts in Point of View (head-hopping)?
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Is the dialogue effective and used meaningfully?
What to expect...
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Pre-Edit Conversation
Before I read your manuscript, we will have a pre-edit conversation to discuss your book and your goals.
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This conversation is a great opportunity to get to know one another and see if we are a good fit.
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Editorial Report
After the line edit is complete, I will write up a detailed editorial report (20-30 pages) offering summary feedback on the sentence-level elements that need the most revision work. Examples from the manuscript are included for illustration.
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Manuscript Edits and Comments
Comprehensive line by line edits, rewriting, additional revision suggestions and comments for consideration will be done via track changes on the manuscript itself. Additionally, I will highlight what's working well with your prose so you know your strengths.
4
Post-edit Conversation
After you've had a chance to read the manuscript edits and the editorial report, we will have our a post-edit conversation. At this time, we can discuss any questions or comments you have about the critique and/or moving forward with revisions and/or additional editing work together.
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All feedback and suggestions are there for you to consider as you move into revising your manuscript. They are meant to serve as a guide. This is your story, and you make the final call.
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However, if we decide to add additional rounds of editing, it will be most productive if you attempt to incorporate some of the revision suggestions offered in the subsequent rounds.
Contact Me
Get in touch so we can start working together.