Complete Line & Copy Edit
A comprehensive edit to help your manuscript shine.
A comprehensive line and copy edit is designed to help refine your manuscript at sentence level by improving clarity, flow, consistency, and correctness while preserving your individual voice and writing style.
This service focuses on how the story is told, rather than what happens in it. The goal is to ensure your prose reads smoothly and confidently for readers, so you can publish knowing your book is the strongest version it can be.
What's Included:
A complete line and copy edit is a detailed, in-text edit of your manuscript. Depending on the needs of your work, this may include:
- Line-by-line edits to improve clarity, flow and readability;
- Refinement of sentence structure and word choice;
- Reduction of unnecessary repetition;
- Corrections to grammar, spelling, punctuation and syntax;
- Consistency checks across character names, timelines, and details;
- Style choices that support tone, rhythm, and voice;
- Use of comments to explain changes where helpful.
All edits are made using Track Changes, so you remain fully in control of what you accept or reject.
What's Not Included:
This service does not include:
- Structural or developmental feedback on plot, pacing or character arcs;
- Rewriting or ghostwriting;
- Fact-checking or legal checks;
- Formatting for publication.
If your manuscript would benefit from more developmental support, I’ll let you know before we proceed and recommend a more suitable service.
Who This Service is Best For:
This service is ideal if you:
- Have a complete draft and are happy with the overall structure and content;
- Want your prose to feel polished, professional and consistent;
- Are preparing for publication or submission and want to publish with confidence;
- Want to ensure the best possible on-page experience for your reader.
What You'll Receive:
When the edit is complete, you’ll receive:
- Your fully edited manuscript with tracked changes;
- Clear, concise editorial comments where relevant;
- A style guide documenting key editorial decisions, spelling preferences, and consistency choices to support future revisions or books in a series.
You’re welcome to ask follow-up questions after you’ve had time to review the edits.
Timescales & Booking:
Turnaround time depends on word count and current availability, but most complete line and copy edits take between four and six weeks.
Because this is an in-depth service, booking as far in advance as possible is recommended – particularly if you’re working to a specific deadline or publishing schedule.
Pricing:
Prices start from $0.015 / £0.011 per word
Pricing is based on word count and the level of editing required, and a tailored quote will always be provided before any work begins. A discounted rate may be available for authors booking editing across multiple books in a series. Please get in touch to discuss options.
Payment plans are available for most projects and can be discussed at the quotation stage.
FAQs
Will this edit change my voice or writing style?
No. Preserving your voice is a core part of my approach.
My edits are designed to support clarity and consistency while respecting your tone, rhythm, and stylistic choices. You remain in full control of which edits you accept.
Can I combine this edit with a developmental edit?
Yes. Many authors choose to book a developmental edit followed by a complete line and copy edit.
Combined bookings may be eligible for a package rate, depending on scope and timing. Please get in touch to discuss options.
Is this edit suitable for first drafts?
This service works best on manuscripts that are structurally sound and ready for line-level refinement.
If you’re unsure whether your draft is ready, I’m happy to advise on the most appropriate next step.
Next Steps
If you think a complete line and copy edit might be right for your manuscript, the next step is to get in touch and we can discuss your project in more details.