A brief overview of the differences between line and copyediting:

With both edits, we are back to a close-up perspective. But they have different objectives. Let's look at line editing first.

Here, we get creative: it’s quite subtle and intuitive. We’re concerned with the rhythm, flow and ease of reading. We want to:

smooth out and simplify awkward phrasing

rework overused phrasing

highlight your distinctive voice

bring a harmonious feel to the text by introducing depth and contrast

The goal is to achieve more pace and energy, and less clutter. The meaning doesn’t change, but the rhythm is improved. This enhances the central idea, and the reader has a much easier time absorbing it.

At the start of this edit, I like to get a good sense of how you want to come across to your readers. Are you talking formally or informally? Is this a self-help book, business report or web copy? Each of these will have a very distinct style – from beginning to end.

Copyediting is more technical, so it usually comes close to the end of the editing process. We don’t want to introduce new material now – it may contain errors that would be missed. We are looking for things that need ‘fixing’, like:

grammar

punctuation

spelling

formatting (font, spacing etc.)

This leaves your text in beautiful, accurate, clean and readable shape. Your readers will be able to engage with your ideas, not get upset about typos or other irritations.

Feel free to request either line editing or copyediting, or a combination of both.

If your document is in Word format, I’ll switch on Track Changes as I work. You’ll receive two versions: one showing all the Track Changes made, and one ‘clean’ version (all suggested changes accepted). You are then free to accept or reject any or all of the suggestions made.