info@ellisoneditorial.co.uk

Editing Services

This page covers two levels of editing:

Line editing (stylistic)

Copyediting (mechanical)

A combined line edit and copyedit is available, on request.

For most projects

Format: Microsoft Word doc

Price: Subject to review of a sample – a 500-word sample is free of charge

Have a query? Fill in the form at the bottom of the page. I'll be in touch within 48 hours.

Line Editing

Line editing refines your manuscript’s prose at the sentence and paragraph level. I enhance clarity, flow, tone, and style while preserving your unique voice, ensuring your writing captivates readers.

What it includes

  • Sentence-level revisions for clarity, rhythm, and readability.
  • Adjustments to tone, word choice, and sentence structure.
  • Feedback on stylistic consistency and narrative flow.

Benefits for authors

  • Elevate your writing with polished, engaging prose.
  • Strengthen your voice to connect more deeply with readers.
  • Achieve a professional, cohesive style that enhances your manuscript’s impact.

What it doesn't include

  • Big-picture structural feedback (e.g., plot or character development).
  • Grammar, spelling, or punctuation corrections (unless combined with copyediting).
  • Final proofreading for typos or formatting.

Information

  • Your manuscript is edited using Track Changes in Word.
  • You receive three copies: your original, the edited version with comments, and a clean copy with all tracking and comments removed (see example below).
  • You receive a style sheet and an editorial report.
  • You can take advantage of a free 500-word sample edit.

Line Editing FAQs

What is line editing, and how is it different from copyediting?

Line editing focuses on the craft of your writing at sentence and paragraph level. It’s about rhythm, tone, flow, and clarity – ensuring that your prose is engaging, coherent, and stylistically consistent.
While copyediting deals more with technical accuracy and consistency (punctuation, grammar, spelling), line editing digs deeper into how the writing works on the page – tightening or reshaping sentences to enhance their impact.

What exactly is included in a line edit – do you change my wording?

Yes – where needed. I’ll suggest changes to improve clarity, concision, tone, and flow. This might include rephrasing awkward or overly wordy sentences, smoothing transitions, or removing repetition. I’ll also flag unclear meaning, tonal shifts, or anything that could distract the reader.
All edits are tracked, and your original voice is always respected – I don’t rewrite your work, but help it shine.

Is line editing only for fiction?

Not at all – line editing is valuable for any writing that aims to engage and hold a reader’s attention. That includes memoir, narrative non-fiction, creative non-fiction, essays, and even some business or educational content.
Where style and flow matter – and they nearly always do – line editing plays a vital role.

Copyediting

Copyediting ensures that your manuscript is technically accurate and correctly formatted.

What it includes

  • Corrections for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
  • Improvements to clarity, concision, and sentence structure.
  • Consistency checks (e.g., character names, timelines, formatting).

Benefits for Authors

  • Present a clean and polished manuscript to agents, publishers, or readers.
  • Ensure clarity and consistency for a professional reading experience.
  • Save time by letting experts handle technical details while you focus on your story.

What it doesn't include

  • Big-picture feedback on plot, structure, or pacing.
  • Stylistic enhancements to tone or voice (handled in line editing).
  • Final typo checks (handled in proofreading).

Information

  • Your manuscript is edited using Track Changes in Word.
  • You receive three copies: your original, the edited version with comments, and a clean copy with all tracking and comments removed (see example below).
  • You receive a style sheet and an editorial report.
  • You can take advantage of a free 500-word sample edit.

Copyediting FAQs

What exactly is included in a copyedit – do you check formatting too?

Yes – to a degree. I check and correct formatting for consistency, such as headings, paragraph styles, indentation, spacing, and how lists or tables are presented. I’ll ensure these elements are applied consistently throughout the document, particularly if there’s a style guide in place. However, if you require full typesetting or formatting for print or ebook publication, that’s a separate service and I’m happy to advise or refer you on.

Will you preserve my voice and style?

Yes – maintaining your voice is central to my approach. Copyediting is not about rewriting your work, but about refining it. I’ll make suggestions where needed, but I’ll always aim to preserve your tone, rhythm, and intent. You remain in control of the final text – every change I make is clearly tracked for your review

Do you check facts or advise on copyright issues?

As a copyeditor, I’ll flag anything that looks potentially inaccurate, inconsistent, or legally sensitive – such as quoted material, song lyrics, trademarks, or potentially defamatory statements. However, I don’t offer full fact-checking or legal advice. If needed, I’ll recommend you consult a specialist to ensure your work is fully compliant and protected.

Example

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