This combo service of line and copyediting saves you time and money, as it merges two levels of editing into one round.
Line editing and copyediting are often two separate stages, ensuring the line-by-line edits are ironed out before the ‘technical’ aspects of grammar, spelling and punctuation are checked. However, this approach can be time-consuming and costly.
With my combo service, I will carefully work through your manuscript line by line to see where the word choice, flow and sentence structure can be improved, while taking care to retain your unique author’s voice. Then, I will carry out a copyedit and return the manuscript to you (rather than you working through the line edits before a separate copyediting stage).
As a writer myself, I understand the need to find a trustworthy, dependable editor, someone who will give your work the same level of care and attention that you have given it.
I edit a variety of content, including:
- fiction (especially books set in France, mysteries, thrillers and historical fiction)
- nonfiction (especially memoirs and autobiographies)
- web content
🇫🇷 I specialise in books set in France due to my French degree from the University of Oxford and my experience living and working in France.
What you get
My combo line and copyediting service checks for many elements, including:
- line-by-line word choice
- consistency of writer’s voice and tone
- overall flow and pacing
- repetition, clichés, malapropisms
- confusing phrasing
- telling and showing
- issues with point of view (POV)
- errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation
- inconsistencies in the text
- factual inaccuracies
- consistency of tense, tone and language
- use of capitalisation
- transitions between sections, chapters and parts
I will also provide you with:
- a bespoke style sheet, showing details of editorial decisions made and language styles used. This is useful to ensure consistency now and in the future, and is something you can use as a basis for a style guide. For fiction edits, the style sheet also includes detailed lists of characters and a brief timeline of events.
- a short editorial report indicating what works well in your manuscript and recurring issues that may have cropped up. My clients love this report, as it helps them to improve their writing!
- regular progress updates and unlimited email support during the project
🌳 For every 20,000 words I edit, I will donate to Just One Tree to plant a tree. So, if your book is 100,000 words, that’s five new trees in the world! Find out more about how I’m a sustainable editor.
Delivery of editing results
I will return your manuscript in the format in which it was provided (Microsoft Word or Google Docs), with full tracked changes. There will also be many comments throughout, explaining why certain changes have been suggested, and queries that have cropped up along the way.
I can also provide on request a ‘clean’ copy, with all changes accepted and comments removed.
Take a look at my portfolio of my favourite book projects.
What my clients say
Pricing for combo line and copyediting
My average hourly rate adheres to industry standards as advised by the Certified Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), of which I am a Professional Member. The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) has also confirmed that my rates are appropriate to my service level, reach and reputation.
As you can see, my prices are highly competitive and depend on elements such as the length and complexity of your book, and how many changes are needed. You can get a rough idea from the figures below, but every book is different. (I accept all major currencies and will use the official exchange rate on XE.com at the time of sending your quote.)
Please get in touch to discuss your needs.
Indicative prices for fiction combo line and copyediting
| Number of words | Cost |
|---|---|
| 50,000 words | £1,890 (£0.037 per word) |
| 70,000 words | £2,570 (£0.036 per word) |
| 90,000 words | £3,210 (£0.034 per word) |
Indicative prices for nonfiction combo line and copyediting
| Number of words | Cost |
|---|---|
| 30,000 words | £1,420 (£0.047 per word) |
| 50,000 words | £2,300 (£0.046 per word) |
| 70,000 words | £3,130 (£0.044 per word) |
Save 10% off your next edit
I offer a referral scheme, by which you and a fellow author or business can enjoy 10% off your next edit! Simply refer a potential client to me, and if they hire me for a full edit or proofread, they will get 10% off their first edit. What's more, you will also get 10% off your next edit or proofread. Everyone's a winner!
Sample edit
I can provide a sample edit so that you can 'try before you buy'. If you are comparing my work with that of other editors (very sensible approach!), please send us the same sample so you can accurately compare services.
Simply provide a sample of up to 2,500 words, and for £100, I'll provide a combo line and copyedit and a short editorial report containing advice that you can apply to your whole book.
If you then hire me for a full edit, I will deduct the cost of the sample edit from the total amount.
Combo line and copyedit of your first 10,000 words
Editing can seem expensive due to the time, skill and experience required to do it properly. If you'd rather not commit to an edit of your complete manuscript, I can work on the first 10,000 words of your book.
Agents often request a sample of around this word count, so this is your chance to polish those first 10,000 words before querying.
You will also receive a bespoke style sheet and an editorial report, containing details that you can apply to your whole manuscript.
The cost of a combo line and copyedit of your first 10,000 words is £400.
Interested?
Contact me today to discuss your requirements.
Please read my contract of services for full details of what to expect regarding service, payment and contractual arrangements.