Substantive, Line, and Copyediting

While the Manuscript Evaluation takes an overall look at the manuscript, and the Developmental Edit helps you dig into the building blocks of the manuscript, Substantive Editing, Line Editing, and Copyediting all go over a nearly-finished manuscript with a fine-tooth comb in varying levels of depth. Substantive Editing digs the deepest, with the most edits and revisions of sentences, while Copyediting is a much lighter touch that ensures a manuscript flows smoothly, with Line Editing in the middle. The editor will make two passes through the manuscript. (Additional passes may be purchased.) Rather than look at big-picture problems, these edits get into the nuts and bolts with the goal of making the manuscript as strong as possible. These edits do not change the author’s voice, but rather highlight and explain issues in a way that allows the author to have the tools to change them if they choose. All three edits address the same kinds of issues, such as phrasing, clichés, incorrect words and lack of clarity as we go through it line by line. Consistency of internal facts, as well as basic real-world facts are verified and noted in order to ensure they remain the same throughout the work. Things such as missing words and punctuation will also be addressed, although that it not the focus. Depending on the level you need, edits can range from the basic overall checkup of the copyedit, to the sentence restructuring and framing of a line edit, and to the paragraph restructuring of a substantive edit.