Line Edit
Your manuscript is finished and structurally sound, but you'd like to refine its language: dialogue, descriptions, clarity. A line edit clears clutter and confusion with one purpose in mind: that your story shine with voice and vision intact.
In a line edit, I go through your manuscript not just line by line but also at the paragraph, page, and chapter level to suggest cuts, additions, and clarifications. I show you how to shuffle things around so they flow better; I trim excess in descriptions and dialogue; I tweak language so it's just right. I focus on clarity but also on voice, theme, and pattern. I ask you the questions that readers would too and highlight any inconsistencies and imbalances in writing style and world-building.
After a line edit, you'll probably receive a thoroughly red-lined manuscript from me. Don't worry, all that red means I've done my job and you now have a clear trail of breadcrumbs to finalize your project and make it sing.
Note: A line edit is not a copy edit, which focuses on spelling, grammar, punctuation, usage, and consistency with a preferred style guide. A copy edit is usually done to polish a final manuscript prior to publication.
Details
Deliverables
- Annotated manuscript with text edits and margin comments (Track Changes in Microsoft Word, .doc)
- Editorial letter explaining my feedback and recommendations (2-3 pages on average, .pdf)
Cost
$0.045 per word.
Turnaround
4 to 8 weeks, depending on word count
What Clients Say
"Jenny is fantastic! I have used her services on different book manuscripts and she has consistently provided a scope of work, completion dates, and excellent edits. I highly recommend her."
“Jenny's editorial feedback is thorough, insightful, and inspiring. She expertly sharpens others' writing to the finest possible point, and yet never ends up turning the work into something it was not meant to be. Also, it is important to note that Jenny is cool, fun, and kind.”
"Jenny Bartoy transforms my writing. She clearly explained how my book could improve and helped me revise content to better support my goals. I work with her every chance I get. She cares about my message, thoroughly reviews every aspect of my drafts, and teaches me to increase impact by simplifying and clarifying."
"As soon as Jenny and I had our first Zoom meeting, I knew I had made the right choice in editors. Jenny laid out her process clearly, stuck to our agreed upon schedule and delivered first-rate developmental and line edits, which were thoughtful and provided the perfect road map for moving forward with my memoir manuscript."