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BookBaby Manuscript Line Editing Services
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Line Editing Services

Punch up your manuscript one line at a time.

Questions? Call 856-554-2316

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Configure an Editing Service quote for your book.

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  • Editing Services Quote (10.04.2023)

  • Price (excludes tax)

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Line Editing sample

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Halfway through the Roaring Twenties, F. Scott Fitzgerald finished the rough draft of his next novel, Trimalchio in West Egg. He mailed his manuscript to his trusted editor, Maxwell Perkins, and the two would exchange letters sharing praise over the book’s astounding storytelling, and concern over its title.

Unable to pick a name for his baby, Fitzgerald’s list of potential titles kept growing. This continued until Perkins (with support from Zelda, Scott’s wife) convinced him to choose a more reader-friendly title. One month later, The Great Gatsby was born.

Behind every great author is a great editor—someone whose judgment you can trust, even when you’re not sure yourself. Line editors provide the critical eye that elevates your book to its peak, and BookBaby is here to pair you with a trusted professional. Whether you're looking for developmental editing, copy editing, or structural editing, our professionals are here to help elevate your work.

Trimalchio in West Egg. Under the Red, White and Blue. Gold-Hatted Gatsby. The High-Bouncing Lover. The Great Gatsby.

What’s Line Editing?

Line editing concentrates on your story’s creative elements, like the writing style and language usage in each sentence (or every line). While your line editor will also catch simple grammar errors, the main focal points are:

  • Run-on sentences and unnecessary/overused words
  • Information redundancies
  • Shifts in tone
  • Unnatural/inconsistent phrasing
  • Confusing narrative and character dialogue
  • Pacing improvements
  • Overall story communication

Download proofreading sample (Microsoft Word doc).

Line Editing vs. Copy Editing

While copy editing combs through every sentence, word, letter, and punctuation mark to look for errors, line editing takes a more holistic approach. Your line editor will answer these key questions when examining your manuscript’s writing:

  • Is your language clear, fluid, and pleasurable to read?
  • Do you convey a sense of atmosphere, emotion, and tone?
  • Do your words convey a precise meaning, or are you using broad generalizations and clichés?

Want more explanation about our different editing services? Check out this BookBaby blog post.

Pros for your prose.

What do Line Editing services include?

Your line editor will uncover improvement opportunities throughout your manuscript. Along with suggesting different words, phrases, and ideas that can clarify or enhance your book, your line editor will review these elements:

  • Correcting awkward writing constructions
  • Eliminating redundancy to tighten up sentences
  • Reviewing key manuscript aspects—narrative, vocabulary, structure, characterization, style, and development
  • Editor's notes, suggestions, and overall comments
Kickstarter

I used the Editing Services for my eBook. I chose Line Editing, which was perfect for me. I found the comments and the editor’s notes to be very valuable. I understood where the changes needed to be made, in addition, it was nice to find out that I was on course with my work.

Kim, BookBaby author

How BookBaby’s editing process works

1. Choose your editing package

1. Choose the book editing service you need.

Select Line Editing from the menu.

2. Upload your Word document

2. Upload your Word document.

You don’t have to place a book order to take advantage of our book editing services. All you need is your finished manuscript to get things started.

3. Retrieve your edited manuscript

3. Get your professionally edited manuscript in 8-10 days.

Review your fully proofed manuscript along with your editor’s notes.

If not now, then when? Edit your book

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a book editor?

Yes!

Having your manuscript reviewed by a professional book editor is a rewarding experience. In addition to the improvements to your manuscript, you will also benefit from the feedback on your writing that only a finely tuned professional editor can provide. Writers often comment on the lifelong benefits enjoyed from their very first editing experience. If a writer wants to ensure they are creating an impactful and enjoyable reading experience for their readers, then editing is a no-brainer. Remember nothing is more damaging to your author brand than publishing a book with embarrassing typos and grammatical errors. Read more.

Can I speak with my editor?

Sorry, you cannot communicate directly with your editor. Our editing network is designed to be an efficient process. It's why we're able to quickly pair your project with a professional editor and deliver an edited manuscript within ten days. But, our editors do provide notes and overall comments. You’ll still receive expert suggestions in addition to professional edits.

How much does book editing cost?

BookBaby Book editing prices:
Line editing: $10 per page
Copy editing: $7 per page
Proofreading: $3 per page

What is the difference between copy editing and proofreading?

Book proofreading is the vital last step of the editing process. After your manuscript has received its professional edit, your book proofreader will perform a final review to fix any remaining mechanical and grammar issues before your book is printed and published. Proofreading is not a structural edit and instead focuses on eliminating minor errors and inconsistencies.

Copy editing is a basic word-by-word edit that addresses grammar, usage, and consistency issues. Your copyeditor will correct continuity issues in your story and ensure your manuscript is free of technical problems or major loose ends that’ll confuse your readers. Read More

What is the difference between copy editing and line editing?

Copy editing is a basic word-by-word edit that addresses grammar, usage, and consistency issues. Your copyeditor will correct continuity issues in your story and ensure your manuscript is free of technical problems or major loose ends that’ll confuse your readers.

Line editing is an intensive structural edit that focuses on the finer aspects of language—the flow of ideas, transition elements, tone, and style. Your line editor will take a critical look at your manuscript’s writing flow, language usage, character development, and make suggestions that ensure that you’re communicating your story effectively while maintaining your voice. Read More

How do editing services work?

BookBaby's Editing Services are easy to use. Simply follow these steps:

1) Setup your manuscript file to these specifications:

  • English or Spanish language only
  • File Type: Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx)
  • Page Size: 8.5x11"
  • Pages Margins: Set to 1" on all 4 sides left, right, top and bottom.
  • Font Type: Times New Roman
  • Font Size: 12pt.
  • Line Spacing: Double
Read more.

How should I setup my manuscript file for editing?

Only a single manuscript file is accepted for editing services. Book cover files are not needed nor are they accepted. We also provide book formatting services that help you get your work print-ready.

Manuscript specifications:

  • English or Spanish language only
  • File Type: Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx)
  • Page Size: 8.5x11"
  • Pages Margins: Set to 1" on all 4 sides left, right, top and bottom.
  • Font Type: Times New Roman
  • Font Size: 12pt.
  • Line Spacing: Double
Read more.

Can I see a before and after sample?

Book Editing Sample