Editing Services in Depth

Every manuscript needs something slightly different. This page breaks down the three types of editing I offer – Line Editing, Copyediting, and Short-Form Editing – so you know exactly what’s included, what problems each service solves, and how to choose what you need.

My goal is to give you clarity: both in your writing and in the editorial process itself.

Line Editing (5¢ per word)

Line editing focuses on the reader’s experience of your writing – sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph. This pass shapes the emotional rhythm of your story while preserving your unique voice.

What Line Editing Improves

• clarity of meaning
• flow between sentences and paragraphs
• emotional tone and resonance
• pacing within scenes
• conciseness without flattening voice
• dialogue refinement
• smoothing repetitive structures or patterns
• strengthening transitions and narrative momentum

What You Receive

• a full tracked-changes file
• a clean file (ready to read or format)
• margin notes where clarity, tension, or pacing can be strengthened
• a brief notes summary of recurring patterns and opportunities

Who Line Editing Is For

• indie authors preparing for beta readers or final revisions
• authors whose prose feels “almost there” but not as smooth as they want
• writers wanting stronger, clearer emotional beats
• anyone worried their voice will be changed by editing (I protect it carefully)

Copyediting (3.2¢ per word)

Copyediting focuses on precision, correctness, and consistency. This is the stage where you tighten the manuscript for publication.

What copyediting fixes

• grammar, punctuation, and usage
• continuity errors
• repeated words or phrases
• internal logic within scenes
• consistency in names, places, chronology, and formatting
• adherence to your style sheet (or I create one during the edit)

What You Receive

• a tracked-changes file showing all corrections
• a clean file
• a simple style sheet containing:
  • character names
  • locations
  • timeline notes
  • formatting conventions
  • important spellings or rules

Who Copyediting Is For

• authors approaching layout, formatting, or ARC preparation
• manuscripts that already feel “solid,” but need professional polish
• authors who want clean, consistent prose without altering their voice or style

Short-Form Editing (Flat Rate Based on Scope)

Short-form editing addresses the materials that often feel the hardest to write: the things that must be clear, concise, and emotionally effective in very few words.

What I Edit

• retail and back-cover blurbs
• long and short synopses
• author bios
• query letters (agent or publisher)
• newsletter content
• website copy
• about-the-book descriptions

What I Don’t Do

I won’t create any of the above, but I’m happy to edit your work.

What you receive

• a revised, polished version of your piece
• an optional tracked-changes version
• notes on messaging clarity, tone, or positioning if needed

Who Short-Form Editing Is For

• authors preparing for launch or relaunch
• writers who want concise, compelling sales copy
• authors who freeze when asked to summarize their own work

How to Choose the Right Edit

Choose Line Editing if:

• your prose feels rough or inconsistent
• scenes drag or feel flat
• tone doesn’t match your intention
• you want a smoother reading experience

Choose Copyediting if:

• you’ve completed revisions
• your structure and prose are already solid
• you’re preparing for formatting, ARC distribution, or publication

Choose Short-Form Editing if:

• you need polished intros, pitches, or marketing language
• you want your blurb or bio to stand out
• you need focused guidance on story positioning

If you’re unsure, I can evaluate your sample and recommend the right service.

What You Can Expect from Me

• respect for your voice and your creative goals
• clear, functional communication
• predictable timelines
• ND-friendly structure
• no judgment, ever—only support and clarity

Next Steps

If you’d like to review my background:

About the Editor

If you want answers to common questions:

Editing FAQ

Ready to begin?

Start Your Edit

Or email: inquiry@andrewlbond.com