Author
Copyedit / Line Edit
Once your manuscript has undergone a comprehensive manuscript review, addressing issues with plot, character development, pacing, and overall narrative arcs, the next essential step is copyediting. A copyedit is a meticulous line-by-line review focusing on the nuts and bolts of your writing, ensuring consistency, clarity, and adherence to standard conventions.
Includes
-
Correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, and typographical errors.
-
Enforcing consistent styling for capitalization, hyphenation, numbers, and abbreviations.
-
Ensuring consistent formatting and style for elements like headers, quotations, and citations.
-
Flagging ambiguous or unclear language and suggesting revisions for improved clarity.
-
Checking for internal consistency in names, dates, locations, and other details.
-
Addressing issues with word choice, tone, and voice to enhance readability.
-
Editing and rewriting at the sentence level.
A copyedit does not include substantive rewrites or restructuring of content, fact-checking or verification of research, or proofreading (a separate final step after copyediting).
Deliverables
-
A 30-minute video/phone consultation prior to the review in which we talk about specific areas you may want addressed.
-
A marked-up manuscript with tracked changes, comments, and queries using Word's reviewing tools and PerfectIt.
-
A personalized style sheet documenting the editorial decisions made for your manuscript’s style and formatting.
-
A brief editorial report summarizing the copyediting process and any significant issues addressed.
-
A follow-up video/phone consultation after the review to discuss feedback and answer questions.
-
Promotion on my website and social media once your novel is published.
By investing in a professional copyedit, you’ll ensure your manuscript is polished, consistent, and ready for the final proofreading stage before publication or submission to agents or publishers.
Cost
My standard copyediting rate ranges from $0.025 to $0.045 USD per word. The final cost is determined by evaluating several key factors, including the complexity of the material, the state of the manuscript upon receipt, any additional services requested (e.g., fact-checking), the author’s experience level, and the overall scope of the project in terms of word count and projected turnaround time. After our initial consultation, I will provide a detailed estimate that accounts for the specific requirements of your manuscript. This transparent approach ensures you receive a fair and appropriate quote that reflects the level of effort I believe is necessary to deliver a professionally polished final product.
Remember, if you’ve invested previously in a manuscript review, that cost will be credited toward your copyediting service.
Timeframe
-
For projects under 100,000 words: 4 to 6 weeks.
-
For projects between 100,000 and 125,000 words: 5 to 8 weeks.
In each case, turnaround time will depend on several factors, including length of the novel, condition of the manuscript, complexity of plot/subject matter, and scheduling considerations. During our initial consultation, I’ll provide a turnaround estimate for your project. Please note that this is a projected timeline, and unforeseen circumstances or extensive revisions may affect the final delivery date. Communication will be key during our collaboration so that you remain updated and there are no surprises.
If you have a specific deadline or need special consideration, please let me know. Rush projects may result in additional cost.