The last couple of weeks, we've discussed the beginning stages of book editing:

Manuscript Evaluation and Developmental Editing

Once you've completed developmental edits, you are 75% of the way to the finish line! Congrats!

But now, your book baby needs a more technical focus to make it sparkle:

Copy Edits and/or Line Edits

Line Edits focus on the sentence level - line by line; writing style, paragraph structure, phrasing, continuity, and reading flow.

Copy Edits focus on each sentence - variety, fluidity, word choice, repetition, and clarity.

Often, editors offer line and copy editing together under one phrase or the other. Most commonly, editors will use the term Copy Editing or Copyediting to represent both levels of editing (line and copy).

Copyediting

For example, my book editing services looks at copyediting this way:

During copyediting, we ensure the paragraphs and sentences read consistently and smoothly in the author's unique voice. This phase assumes that the structure of the book is intact and does not include any big picture suggestions. Each sentence is reviewed for variety, fluidity, word choice, repetition, and clarity in a way that is polished and authentic to the author's voice.

Copyedits include rewording sentences, substituting suggested words or phrases, inserting commas and appropriate punctuation, recommending consistent style choices, and requesting additional clarifications throughout the manuscript when deemed necessary.

At the end of this phase, you will likely have reviewed hundreds or thousands of suggested changes and clarifications. Do not be discouraged. Now, you are 95% of the way to that finish line!

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If you believe your manuscript is ready for this more micro-level editing service, simply reply to this email or check out my website at https://www.bookmageediting.com for a free consultation to discuss your book's needs.