Editing

Because There’s Always Room For Improvement

I enjoy helping other writers and many times find such inspiration in editing another writer’s work. The purpose of working with an editor is not just to improve your current work, but to give you new creative tools for your future projects.

Line Editing

A line edit addresses the creative content, writing style, and language use at the sentence and paragraph level. It focuses on the way you use language to communicate your story to the reader. Is your language clear, fluid, and pleasurable to read? Does it convey a sense of atmosphere, emotion, and tone? Do the words you’ve chosen convey a precise meaning, or are you using broad generalizations and clichésés?

During a line edit I will check for:

• Words or sentences that are extraneous or overused
• Run-on sentences
• Redundant information
• Dialogue or paragraphs that can be tightened
• Confusing transitions between scenes of action or people talking
• Tonal shifts and unnatural phrasing
• Confusing narratives
• Words or phrases that may bring clarity to your meaning

Copyediting

A copyedit addresses editing on a very technical level – to make sure the writing that appears on the page is in accordance with industry standards. This is like an incredibly high-end proofread.

During a Copyedit I will:

• Correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax
• Ensure consistency in spelling, hyphenation, numerals, fonts, and capitalization
• Flag ambiguous or factually incorrect statements (especially important for non-fiction)
• Check for internal consistency, this means, I check your plot, setting, and character traits for any discrepancies. For example if on page 20 you write: Janelle wore her blond hair in a bun, and then on page 82 you write Janelle brushed her long red hair, I will address that issue to you.