Far more than mere proofreading, line editing is a thorough, ground level, sentence-by-sentence edit of your manuscript.

You expect such an edit to slash and burn all inconsistencies, grammatical flubs, spelling or punctuation snafus — and you'll receive just that! You'll also banish awkward and ambiguous phrasing to ensure clarity and a smooth reading experience. Passive construction begone! Sentence variety engage! Should fact-checking seem necessary, you'll also get these points flagged for support.

Spell check is a wonderful tool, but like all machine tools, it's flawed. Grammar check likewise flags construction that's perfectly correct in context yet misses true errors.

· Don't know the difference between pluperfect subjunctive and past perfect progressive tense?

· No idea why commas belong in certain sentences and have no place in others?

· Struggle with knowing when Mother is capitalized or just a mother?

· Consider yourself a grammar guru but want a second set of eyes?

You need a copy edit, stat!

Copy editing should happen after developmental editing but before proofreading. If you're unsure where your manuscript stands, let's chat.

What Most Writers Don't Realize About Copy Editing:

Your manuscript might have a brilliant story and compelling characters, but if readers stumble over clunky sentences, confusing pronouns, or jarring tense shifts, they'll put your book down faster than you can say "dangling modifier."

Professional copy editing isn't about following arbitrary grammar rules — it's about crafting prose that sings. It's about finding your unique voice and making it shine consistently throughout every page. It's about creating a reading experience so smooth and immersive that readers forget they're reading words on a page and get lost in your story instead.

Your Voice Matters — But It Needs to Be Consistent

Maybe you're naturally witty with perfectly timed comedic beats. Maybe you write lush, descriptive passages that transport readers. Maybe your strength is crisp, punchy dialogue that crackles with tension.

Whatever your natural voice, copy editing ensures it comes through clearly and consistently from page one to "The End." It's not about changing who you are as a writer — it's about becoming the best version of that writer.

The Difference Between Good Writing and Great Writing:

Good writing tells a story. Great writing makes that story impossible to put down.

The difference? It's not just about perfect grammar (though that matters). It's about rhythm, flow, and voice working in perfect harmony. It's about sentences that vary in length and structure to create music on the page. It's about word choices that feel effortless yet precise, paragraph breaks that control pacing and create natural breathing room for readers.

Great writing has a distinctive voice that readers recognize and crave. That voice might be lyrical or stark, playful or intense, intimate or sweeping — but it's unmistakably yours, and it remains consistent throughout your entire manuscript.

What Your Copy Edit Includes:

Line-by-Line Attention to:

• Voice/tone consistency and development - Ensuring your unique style shines through every chapter without jarring shifts in tone
• Rhythm and pacing - Crafting sentence variety that controls the reader's emotional journey through fast action and quiet moments
• Word choice precision - Finding the exact right word when "good" isn't good enough, while preserving your natural voice
• Flow and transitions - Creating seamless bridges between thoughts, scenes, and chapters that feel inevitable rather than forced
• Stylistic coherence - Maintaining your chosen voice whether you're writing dialogue, action, or introspection
• Sentence-level storytelling - Making every sentence contribute to mood, character, and forward momentum
• Prose musicality - The subtle poetry of well-crafted sentences that readers feel even if they can't articulate why
• Any specific concerns you flag!

Beyond the line-by-line edits, you'll receive:

• Unlimited questions by email during your revision process
• One 30-minute consultation call at the start of the project (optional)
• Query explanations for stylistic changes that need your input or approval
• Tracked changes so you can see exactly how your voice has been polished and refined
• A partner who genuinely cares about your book's success, not just another manuscript in the queue

Sure, we'll catch your typos and fix your comma splices. But the real value of professional copy editing lies in the subtle craft elements that separate published authors from aspiring writers.

Why Your Beta Readers Missed These Style Issues:

Your beta readers are invaluable for big picture feedback. They can tell you if your plot works and your characters are likable. But they're not trained to identify the subtle stylistic elements that create truly compelling prose.

Even English teachers and voracious readers often miss these issues because they're reading for story, not for craft. They might feel that something's "off" about a passage but can't pinpoint whether it's rhythm, voice consistency, or flow that's creating the problem.

A professional copy editor reads with different eyes — eyes trained to see not just what's wrong, but what could be stronger, more distinctive, more unmistakably yours.

The Truth About Grammar Software and Style:

Grammarly and ProWritingAid (and their ilk) have their place, but they're like paint-by-number kits trying to create fine art — they can handle the basics, but they're blind to the nuanced creative decisions that make prose truly sing.

These tools will:

• Flag perfectly correct sentences as errors when you're making intentional stylistic choices
• Miss voice inconsistencies that human readers will absolutely notice
• Suggest changes that technically "improve" grammar but destroy your carefully crafted rhythm
• Apply generic rules to creative writing that demands flexibility and personal voice
• Homogenize your prose toward bland "correctness" instead of distinctive style

A human copy editor understands when to break grammar rules for stylistic effect, when to preserve your unique voice quirks, and when technical correctness should yield to the music of language.

Investment Protection:

Think about everything you've already invested in this book, most importantly the months or years of your life to write it!

Professional copy editing is insurance for that investment. It ensures that language issues won't undermine all your other efforts.

Investment: Pricing depends on length and level of editing needed. A sample edit of your first 5,000 words can be purchased at $200. If we want to move forward together after the sample is delivered, that initial payment will be applied in full to the total contract fee.

Timeline: 4-6 weeks from full manuscript receipt to delivery. Rush delivery available for a surcharge

Your Manuscript Is Almost Ready — Don't Stumble at the Finish Line

Whether you're submitting to agents, working with a traditional publisher, or self-publishing, professionally edited prose isn't optional — it's expected.

Agents reject manuscripts with language issues, regardless of story quality. Readers leave harsh reviews for books with editing problems. Publishers assume you're not serious if your submission isn't polished.

Have Questions? Let's Talk.

Not sure if your manuscript is ready? Wondering if we're a good fit? Get in contact today! I'll review your timeline, goals, and current manuscript status to recommend the best next steps.

Contact Helene