02
Stylistic/Line
Editing
Step Two: Perfect Prose
→ full list of services
Stylistic/line editing addresses the creative content of the manuscript. This stage focuses on the paragraph and sentence level and considers word choice, syntax, and overall writing style.
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My focus will be on refining the prose and language of your manuscript. I will suggest substitutions for weak words, phrases, and sentences with powerful alternatives and restructure sentences for improved clarity.
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Who needs a stylistic/line editor?
This stage of editing is for when you are satisfied with your story as a whole and are ready to address the creative content of your manuscript.
If your goal is traditional publishing, stylistic/line editing helps to make your novel the best it can be before you start querying. Improving the manuscript’s prose brings it closer to its publish-ready draft. This makes you a stronger candidate for agents and publishers because it will take less effort and time on their end to get you there.
If your goal is self-publishing, this will assist you in achieving the best possible version of your manuscript. I will pay close attention to the manuscript’s use of language and make suggestions to improve readability. This includes commenting on elements like baggy dialogue, tonal inconsistencies, run-on sentences, and other issues that may affect the reading experience.
Combining stylistic/line editing with copyediting is also possible, which can be an excellent option for indie authors and self-publishers.
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Deliverables
Feedback is presented in two forms:
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An editorial letter/report:
This is where the editor’s assessment is summarized. It outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the author’s writing, points out issues that appear repeatedly and suggests possible changes.
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Inline comments:
These notes and edits in the manuscript show specifically where and how writing can be improved. Where the letter will give an overview of suggestions, the inline comments will provide specific examples of where techniques can be strengthened. Because changes occur at the sentence level, inline comments will be more numerous than in a developmental edit.
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You will also receive:
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A style sheet:
This includes notes on typography, punctuation, numbers, and spellings; a list of characters and places; and a timeline of events. This is an organized way to maintain consistency throughout the manuscript and can be used to communicate the manuscript’s style to anyone else you may choose to work on your manuscript, like a proofreader. This is also a great reference if you plan on writing a sequel.
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Optional call and unlimited email communication:
This gives the author the time to review changes, discuss feedback, and ask any questions they may have about the final product.
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Rates
Rates vary depending on the type of editing service needed, as well as the content and condition of the manuscript.
My rate for stylistic/line editing starts at:
- Cost per word: $0.025
Contact me to request a personal quote!
For your reference: Industry standards for editing fiction.
Quotes are in Canadian dollars.
A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking.
Payment plans are available.
02
Stylistic/Line
Editing
Step Two: Perfect Prose
Stylistic/line editing addresses the creative content of the manuscript. This stage focuses on the paragraph and sentence level and considers word choice, syntax, and overall writing style.
My focus will be on refining the prose and language of your manuscript. I will suggest substitutions for weak words, phrases, and sentences with powerful alternatives and restructure sentences for improved clarity.
Who needs a stylistic/line editor?
This stage of editing is for when you are satisfied with your story as a whole and are ready to address the creative content of your manuscript.
If your goal is traditional publishing, stylistic/line editing helps to make your novel the best it can be before you start querying. Improving the manuscript’s prose brings it closer to its publish-ready draft. This makes you a stronger candidate for agents and publishers because it will take less effort and time on their end to get you there.
If your goal is self-publishing, this will assist you in achieving the best possible version of your manuscript. I will pay close attention to the manuscript’s use of language and make suggestions to improve readability. This includes commenting on elements like baggy dialogue, tonal inconsistencies, run-on sentences, and other issues that may affect the reading experience.
Combining stylistic/line editing with copyediting is also possible, which can be an excellent option for indie authors and self-publishers.
Deliverables
Feedback is presented in two forms:
An editorial letter/report:
This is where the editor’s assessment is summarized. It outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the author’s writing, points out issues that appear repeatedly and suggests possible changes.Inline comments:
These notes and edits in the manuscript show specifically where and how writing can be improved. Where the letter will give an overview of suggestions, the inline comments will provide specific examples of where techniques can be strengthened. Because changes occur at the sentence level, inline comments will be more numerous than in a developmental edit.
You will also receive:
A style sheet:
This includes notes on typography, punctuation, numbers, and spellings; a list of characters and places; and a timeline of events. This is an organized way to maintain consistency throughout the manuscript and can be used to communicate the manuscript’s style to anyone else you may choose to work on your manuscript, like a proofreader. This is also a great reference if you plan on writing a sequel.Optional call and unlimited email communication:
This gives the author the time to review changes, discuss feedback, and ask any questions they may have about the final product.
Rates
Rates vary depending on the type of editing service needed, as well as the content and condition of the manuscript.
My rate for stylistic/line editing starts at:
Cost per word: $0.025
Contact me to request a personal quote!
For your reference: Industry standards for editing fiction.
Quotes are in Canadian dollars.
A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking.
Payment plans are available.
The Editorial Process.
Whether you're looking for developmental editing to shape the foundation of your story, stylistic/line editing to refine your prose, copyediting for technical accuracy, or proofreading for that final polish, I’m here to help.
Below, you can find a quick overview of the editing services I offer. For a full breakdown of the service and pricing, check out the individual page fore each.
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Developmental editing, sometimes called substantive editing, is the first step after finishing your draft.
At this stage, I focus on the big-picture elements of your story, helping you refine and strengthen its overall structure, plot, characters, pacing, and narrative flow.
You receive:An editorial letter outlining the strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript’s use of storytelling elements.
Notes throughout the manuscript to point out examples of the details outlined in the editorial letter.
Optional call to go over changes or email communication to discuss feedback.
See a full breakdown of the process and pricing → here.
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Stylistic or line editing focuses on refining the prose and language of your manuscript.
This stage of editing reviews your manuscript at the sentence level and considers word choice, syntax, and overall writing style.You receive:
An editorial letter outlining the strengths and weaknesses of your writing.
Comments and editing directly in the manuscript.
A style sheet.
Optional call to go over changes or email communication to discuss feedback.
See a full breakdown of the process and pricing → here.
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This phase of editing focuses on the mechanics of grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage and style.
You receive:
In-line corrections/tracked changes.
A style sheet outlining consistencies.
Optional call to go over changes or email communication to discuss feedback.
See a full breakdown of the process and pricing → here.
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Proofreading is the final stage of editing and focuses on ironing out any remaining errors before publication.
At this point, content editing should be complete, and we are focusing on spelling, grammar, punctuation, typographical errors, consistency, and clarity.
You receive:A marked-up version of your manuscript with in-line corrections and suggestions.
Optional call to go over changes or email communication to discuss feedback.
See a full breakdown of the process and pricing → here.
