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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.

Line editing focuses on the language itself—how the story sounds on the page. I’ll work through your manuscript sentence by sentence to strengthen flow, sharpen voice, and improve clarity, rhythm, and tone. This means refining awkward phrasing, eliminating repetition, tightening dialogue, and making sure every line supports the emotional and narrative weight of the scene.

It’s the stage where we refine not what you say, but how you say it—without losing your voice in the process.

This edit is ideal if you're happy with the overall structure of your story and are ready to fine-tune the prose for a smoother, stronger reading experience. I’ll flag things like tonal shifts, baggy dialogue, overwritten descriptions, and moments where the writing slips out of alignment with your intent.

Need a bit of mechanical cleanup too? I also offer a combined line + copyedit, which is especially helpful for indie authors and self-publishers preparing for publication.

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Deliverables

Edited Manuscript:

You’ll receive your full manuscript marked up using Microsoft Word Track Changes. I’ll make direct in-line edits and leave detailed margin comments throughout, offering suggestions, explanations, and options—especially where nuance or style comes into play.

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Style sheet:

A document outlining your manuscript’s style decisions, including spelling, punctuation, numbers, hyphenation, and usage conventions. It also includes a list of characters, locations, and a basic timeline to ensure consistency—especially helpful if you’re working on a series or plan to hand the manuscript off to a proofreader.

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Email communications:

Once you've had time to review your edit, we’ll follow up over email to address questions, clarify feedback, and talk through next steps. I’m here to help you feel confident moving forward with revisions.

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