My rate is $5.00 per page for Line Editing as a stand-alone service. This rate goes down when combined with other editing services.
Line editing focuses on preserving the author’s style and voice while elevating their writing. I love this phase of the editing process because it is much more creative than any of the other phases. I look for sentences that are too wordy, don’t flow well, or are unnecessary. I examine each sentence on its own and as part of the paragraph. I want to ensure that it reads well and conveys the author’s intent. I look for redundant phrases and repetitive words, then suggest options to keep the reader interested. I seek to eliminate “dummy words” or “weasel words” that cheapen the story or message.
I am not looking at characterization, structure, or plot the way developmental or directional editing does. I am not looking for spelling, punctuation, or grammar; these are covered in copyediting. I will fix the glaringly obvious errors. Line editing focuses on creative content. It examines tone, flow, language, and clarity. I will not ruthlessly rewrite sentences or paragraphs. I put every effort into keeping true to the writer’s voice and original words.
For example:
If an author writes, “Amy was looking forward to enjoying the sun from the shade of the palm trees in South Dakota while reading her book in the sun.”
I would suggest rewriting it as “Amy was looking forward to enjoying the sun while reading her book in the shade of the palm trees in South Dakota.” I have removed the redundancy and stayed true to the meaning and intent of what the author wrote. I would also suggest choosing a different type of tree, as palm trees do not grow in South Dakota.