line editing services

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Insightful, Precise Line Editing for Your Book

• Book Editing Services
• Line Editing

Line Editing Services for Writers

Streamline your story with an in-depth line edit.

Get the confidence that comes from having a professional book editor provide feedback on your book’s plot, structure, characterization, tone, organization, and more.

Whether you’re a new writer or a bestselling author, your manuscript will benefit tremendously from a professional line edit. A good line editor, like a good developmental editor, will help you tighten up your story, from the way you structure your paragraphs to the way you handle your story’s timeline. A line editor will also ensure your story flows well, moves forward at the right pace, maintains a consistent point of view, and connects with readers from the first word to the last. And while the purpose of a line edit isn’t to look for and catch mechanical errors, your line editor will correct obvious grammatical or punctuation issues while making sentence-level adjustments.

Get expert line editing services today.

What is line editing?

Line editing addresses paragraph structure, sentence flow, word choice, consistency issues, and overall presentation of the story. While a developmental editor will focus almost exclusively on the content of your manuscript, a line editor will also double-check and correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, and sentence structure.

Line editing vs. copyediting

Line editing vs. content editing, preparing for a line edit, get a free, no-obligation quote on line editing services..

First Name*

What services are you interested in? Editing Cover design Interior formatting Marketing Social Media CreateSpace / KDP Reviews Service Other

What best describes the status of your book? Already published Complete Almost complete Half-way there Just getting started N/A

How can we help?

Greg Redlin

I found the staff at Elite Authors well-informed, professional, and patient. Throughout the process they provided sound advice, skilled editors and experienced technical personnel. Moreover, they answered all my frequently panicked emails, often in a matter of minutes!

Line Editing Services

What should line editors do.

Line editors should leave corrections and suggestions that improve the line-by-line flow of your text, but they should also identify inconsistencies in your story, recommend ways to strengthen your plot, ensure that there are no continuity errors, and make sure that you’re writing your story exactly the way you want to write it. Line editors at Elite Authors do all of the above—plus, they write detailed editorial letters that both explain the most common edits and offer suggestions for how to improve your manuscript as a whole. These editorial letters give you valuable insights into your strengths as a writer, as well as ways you can become even better.

Will you edit my PDF?

Our line editors use the Track Changes feature of MS Word to leave editorial recommendations and comments throughout your manuscript, so you need Microsoft Word, and you’ll need to send us your manuscript as a Word document. We use PDF files when proofreading, but it’s extremely hard to offer you the kind of detailed editorial feedback we pride ourselves on when working on PDF files.

I purposefully use a lot of slang and sentence fragments in my book. Will your editors change that?

If you’re using slang, sentence fragments, or nonstandard spellings, you might be worried that an editor will change all that, but that simply isn’t the case. Line editors should preserve your unique writer’s voice, finding ways to support and maintain your personal style throughout your manuscript, whether you are fond of short, sharp sentences or languid, flowing prose. A line edit is about making sure your book is becoming everything you, the author, want it to be.

What are the different types of editing?

There are several different types of editing. Elite Authors offers copyediting, line editing, developmental editing, and proofreading services. Copyediting addresses mechanical issues such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Line editing and developmental editing tackle to different degrees substantive issues such as plot, characterization, pacing, and point of view. Proofreading is a cold-reading process that hunts down and eliminates last-minute typos—sentence by sentence and paragraph by paragraph—before a book goes to press.

How much do you charge for line editing?

Some editors charge by the hour—which sounds great until you realize that this means you’ll only have a rough idea about your total costs until editing is actually complete. Elite Authors charges by the word, so you know before we even start working exactly what your project costs will be. Our rates are based on how intensive the editing process needs to be—and thus how much time an editor will invest in your writing project. Thus, a copyedit is less expensive than a line edit, which is less expensive than a developmental edit. You can find our rates for line editing and all our other editorial services here .

Why do authors get multiple rounds of editing?

We highly recommend our authors going through numerous rounds of editing to ensure the manuscript is as clean and well written as possible. Most traditionally published books are edited six to eight times before publication, so we have rolled out some editorial packages to encompass multiple rounds of editing at a discount to our authors.

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Line Editing Services

Find your perfect line editor.

With ServiceScape, it's easy to browse the profiles of rated and reviewed professional line editors and select the right individual for your project.

Clarify Your Message

Our line editors are readability experts.

With ServiceScape, we work to make every sentence clear and logically structured, focusing on readability to help your ideas be understood by your intended audience. Our approach ensures that each word serves a purpose and contributes to the overall flow and impact of your text. We will help you refine your prose, transforming it into a polished, professional, and engaging narrative. With us, your message isn't just heard; it resonates.

Seamless Transitions

Perfecting rhythm and pacing.

Our professional line editors understand how to perfectly adjust sentence length and structure, ensuring a smooth transition from one idea to the next. Experience the difference as we transform your writing into a seamless narrative, capturing your audience's attention from start to finish. Whether you are an author, an academic, or a business writer, let us help you create a compelling text with flawless flow and pace, ensuring your message is delivered with impact.

Interactive Line Editing

Engage directly with your line editor.

With ServiceScape, it is easy to connect with your line editor to share thoughts and receive personalized feedback, ensuring your writing aligns perfectly with your vision. Utilize message and teleconference channels whenever you want for a collaborative editing process that respects your voice and goals. By being on the same page as your line editor, you guarantee a final result that is authentically yours, polished for clarity, and impactful to your audience.

Line Editing Language Enhancement

Optimizing your word choice.

Elevate your writing with line editing that focuses on precision in language and word choice. We will use words that convey your message more effectively, replacing jargon and complex terms with accessible language. Our aim is to eliminate unnecessary repetition, ensuring each word adds value to your text. Let us help you make your writing clear, engaging, and impactful, perfectly tailored to resonate with your intended audience.

Refining Style and Tone

Customized line editing for your unique voice.

Our professional line editors will ensure your tone matches the expectations of your target audience and genre. While maintaining your voice throughout your work, we will also refine your style, guaranteeing a consistent tone throughout your text. Let us help you connect more effectively with your readers, making your writing not only appropriate but also more engaging. Achieve a balanced and resonant voice that truly speaks to your audience.

How It Works

Have your writing edited in three steps.

Browse profiles of accomplished editing professionals.

Send your files and provide any details regarding the project.

Receive the edited version before your requested due date.

Our Editor Marketplace

Choose your own line editor.

With ServiceScape, you can explore our network of professional line editors and find the right one for your project.

Many of our line editors:

• Hold Ph.D. or Master's degrees
• Offer decades of rich editing experience
• Have hundreds of client ratings and reviews
• Are experts across various fields

Director of Communications at the Yale Center

Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Illinois

M.A. in English from Lehigh University

Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology from Duke University

Editor at the Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship

Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island

Ph.D. in English from the University of Nebraska

Technical Editor at JIN NY

Ph.D. in History from the University of Virginia

Copy Editor at Intergroup Japan

M.A. in Asian Studies from UC Berkeley

M.A. in TESOL Education from the University of North Carolina

Director at Aetna

Senior Editor for Reader's Digest

Professor at Cincinnati State University

B.A. in English from the University of North Carolina

Ph.D. in History from the University of Cambridge

Ph.D. in Music History from the University of Chicago

Director of Marketing at Alternative Balance

Editor at Georgetown University Press

Our Testimonials and Experience

What we bring to the table.

ServiceScape is built on 24 years worth of experience, working on over 341,000 projects with over 98,000 clients. Join the thousands of people who have chosen ServiceScape to find the best and brightest talent.

"My freelancer's attention to detail and commitment to quality exceeded my expectations. Every aspect of the project was handled with utmost professionalism."

"I was amazed by the promptness and efficiency of the person I hired. The project was completed well ahead of the deadline, without compromising on quality."

"The level of creativity and innovation in his approach was outstanding. He truly transformed my ideas into something extraordinary!"

"Exceptional service! The professional was incredibly responsive and attentive to all my requirements, making the entire process seamless and enjoyable."

"I highly recommend her services. The professionalism and expertise displayed by the freelancer were top-notch, and the results were simply superb."

"The quality of work delivered was impeccable. Every detail was carefully considered and executed to perfection. Absolutely thrilled with the service!"

"Her ability to understand and adapt to my specific needs was remarkable. The final product was exactly what I was hoping for, and more."

"Prompt, professional, and passionate about her work. She went above and beyond to ensure the project's success."

"The service was outstanding from start to finish. Communication was clear and frequent, keeping me in the loop at every stage."

"Truly impressed by the quick turnaround time. This professional managed to deliver a high-quality result in a remarkably short period."

"His commitment is evident in his work. He made sure I was completely happy with the final outcome."

"A blend of professionalism, skill, and creativity. This individual brought a fresh perspective to the project that was both inspiring and effective."

"The freelancer's expertise in his field is unmatched. He provided invaluable insights and suggestions that greatly enhanced the project."

"I appreciated his attention to detail and dedication to delivering a product that not only met, but exceeded my expectations."

"Her approach to the project was both thorough and innovative. She managed to capture the essence of my vision perfectly. Thank you so much!"

"Remarkable service! The quality of work was consistently high, and her ability to meet tight deadlines was impressive."

Learn More About Our Editing Services

The servicescape advantage.

Your Questions, Answered

Our line editors are dedicated to refining your writing to improve clarity, flow, and readability. Our line editors will work on:

• Grammar and Punctuation: Correcting grammatical errors and ensuring proper punctuation.
• Consistency: Checking for consistency in style, terminology, and formatting.
• Spelling and Syntax: Comprehensive review to correct spelling, syntax, and typos.
• Structure: Assessing and improving the overall structure, content, and organization of your text.
• Clarity and Readability: Enhancing sentence structure and word choice to ensure your ideas are expressed clearly and are easy to understand for your target audience.
• Flow and Pace: Adjusting sentence length and structure to improve the rhythm and pacing of your text, ensuring a smooth narrative or logical flow.
• Style and Tone: Ensuring your writing style and tone are consistent and appropriate for your intended audience and genre, while enhancing your unique voice.
• Word Choice and Language: Selecting precise and effective words, replacing jargon or overly complex language with terms that are more accessible, and eliminating unnecessary repetition.
• Engagement: Making the text more engaging and compelling for the reader through careful attention to detail and expressive language use.

Our aim is to refine and polish your writing, making it the best possible version of itself. Whether you're working on a book, academic paper, business document, or any other type of written material, our professional line editors are here to help.

You can hire an editor by just browsing our marketplace of editors , clicking on the "View Profile" button of an editor you want to hire, and clicking on the "Hire Me" button. After your payment method has been processed, your editor will get to work and will deliver the edited version before your due date.

A list of prices and due dates can be found within each editor's profile. Just find your editor and click on the "View Profile" button.

Our fastest delivery option is one hour using our Express Delivery service.

Sure! Many ServiceScape editors provide free samples. You can submit a free sample request by just browsing our marketplace of editors , clicking on the "View Profile" button of an editor you want to request a free sample from, and clicking on the "Free Sample" button. If the editor accepts your free sample request, you will receive the sample edited version within a couple of days.

You can send a message to an editor by just browsing our marketplace of editors , clicking on the "View Profile" button of an editor you want to contact, and clicking on the "Send Message" button. We will email you a notification as soon as your editor replies to your message.

You can schedule a teleconference call by just browsing our marketplace of editors , clicking on the "View Profile" button of an editor you want to contact, and clicking on the "Teleconference" button. We will contact you right away about availability and set up the teleconference for all parties involved.

You can find ratings and reviews from past clients within most editor profiles. Just find your editor and click on the "View Profile" button to see them. You can also read thousands of ServiceScape ratings and reviews on eKomi .

In addition, ServiceScape has been featured in several publications and websites, including The Wall Street Journal , Los Angeles Times , UpWork , HuffPost , Indeed , and The Ladders .

Many editors have portfolios which feature their editing. Just find your editor and click on the "View Profile" button to view these edited versions.

Yes, we provide editing certifications. Simply request the document when you hire an editor. When your project is delivered, you can download the editing certification by clicking on your project and clicking on the "Certification" button. These signed declarations certify that a document has been professionally edited by a ServiceScape editor.

Browse Rated and Reviewed Editors

Are you ready for the right line editor, right now.

Line Editing

Line editing involves changes at the sentence and paragraph levels to improve the flow and impact of the prose. This heavy, low-level editing addresses issues related to clarity, consistency, and concision, while maintaining and highlighting the work’s original voice. Line editing emphasizes craft above all else and is crucial to bringing prose up to a professional level.

Our expert line editors are careful to maintain and highlight your unique voice during line editing, with the understanding that fiction line editing requires finesse and creative edits to match authorial intentions. You may also receive comments in the manuscript to help you understand the editor’s thought process as you review changes.

Line editing may also be called heavy copyediting.

Line Editing Includes:

• Edits at the sentence and paragraph levels, delivered using Microsoft Word Track Changes​​

Is Line Editing Right For Me?

Line editing is one of the most important book editing services for self-publishing authors, and we recommend that all indie authors pursue line editing before their final proofread. Ensure you have completed all story-level revisions and edits, including developmental editing, before beginning a line edit.

Line editing can also help traditional authors impress agents and publishers. However, if constrained by budget, we recommend that aspiring traditional authors prioritize developmental editing over prose-level services.

Line Editing Example

This line editing example was created for a real author during a line editing service with Blue Pen. We share it here with the author’s permission to assist writers searching for editing and proofreading examples.

Rate : $0.038 per word