Fiction Copyediting & Line Editing

If you’re unsure what the difference is between copyediting and line editing, don’t worry—there isn’t one universally accepted answer. For fiction, I treat copyediting and line editing as a combined service that covers the following:

  • mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.)
  • word usage (born vs. borne, comprise vs. compose, etc.)
  • consistency of editorial style (hyphens, dashes, ellipses, names, numbers, dialogue, spelling variations, etc.)
  • minor plot or timeline inconsistencies
  • basic point-of-view or head-hopping issues
  • overused or awkward metaphors, similes, and other descriptions
  • unnecessary or unintentional repetition
  • confusing scene blocking (to ensure physically plausible movements and actions)
  • excessive telling instead of showing
  • ambiguous or hard-to-follow sentence or paragraph constructions
  • basic issues with unintentionally insensitive language, representations, or framing (for a more thorough assessment of specific topics, see Authenticity & Sensitivity Reading)

For my Fiction Copyediting & Line Editing service, I offer sample edits of 5–10 pages (1250–2500 words) for a flat fee of $35. If you decide to work with me, this fee will count toward final project costs.

Nonfiction Copyediting & Line Editing

For nonfiction, I treat copyediting and line editing as a combined service available at three levels of editorial intervention: light, medium, and heavy.

In a LIGHT EDIT, I’ll focus on the following:

  • mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.)
  • word usage (born vs. borne, comprise vs. compose, etc.)
  • consistency of editorial style (hyphens, dashes, ellipses, names, numbers, dialogue, spelling variations, etc.)
  • cross-references
  • basic fact checking

In a MEDIUM EDIT, I’ll cover everything included in a light edit, plus I’ll flag issues with the following:

  • concision (wordiness or unnecessary redundancy)
  • clarity (unclear or unintended meanings)
  • cohesion (hard-to-follow information flow between sentences and paragraphs)
  • coherence (weak or unclear focus of each sentence and paragraph)
  • basic logic and organization

In a HEAVY EDIT, I’ll cover everything included in a medium edit, but instead of just flagging issues, I’ll propose specific revisions for the following:

  • concision, clarity, cohesion, and coherence (introducing transitions, rearranging sentences within a paragraph, etc.)
  • overall structure and organization (reviewing headings for clarity and parallelism, rearranging paragraphs within the document, etc.)

For my Nonfiction Copyediting & Line Editing service, I offer sample edits of 5–10 pages (1250–2500 words) for a flat fee of $50. If you decide to work with me, this fee will count toward final project costs.

Authenticity & Sensitivity Reading

Sometimes the stories we tell or the language we use can unintentionally create or perpetuate harm, especially when touching on sensitive topics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. In other cases, our stories or words can misrepresent identities or experiences in ways that don’t necessarily reinforce systemic harm but can still distract from the story and erode readers’ trust.

In my combined authenticity and sensitivity reading service, I’ll provide feedback on potentially harmful language or framing in these general areas:

  • race and ethnicity
  • gender and sexual orientation
  • disability
  • mental health
  • body shape and size inclusiveness

If requested, I’ll also provide feedback on accuracy and realism in these identity- and experience-based areas:

  • computer programming, software engineering
  • tech culture, startup culture
  • Chinese American identity and experience
  • fandom culture

For my Authenticity & Sensitivity Reading service, I offer sample edits of 5–10 pages (1250–2500 words) for a flat fee of $25. If you decide to work with me, this fee will count toward final project costs.

Medical School Application Editing

I offer editing services for primary and secondary medical school applications, as well as for statements of disadvantage and letters of appeal. I specialize in helping nontraditional students and ESL writers sound polished and professional while retaining their natural writing voices.

(Please note that I focus on how to use language to tell an applicant’s story effectively; I cannot replace the wisdom of an experienced mentor or academic advisor.)

My editing process for medical school applications includes the following:

  • proofreading (spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.)
  • copyediting and line editing (word usage, consistency of names and terms, clarity and concision of sentences)
  • substantive editing (overall cohesion and coherence, appropriate recycling of content for repetitive secondary applications)
  • general sensitivity reading (inclusive language and framing)

For my Medical School Application Editing service, I offer sample edits of 250–500 words for a flat fee of $20. If you decide to work with me, this fee will count toward final project costs.