DESCRIPTION OF TERMS
Many editors use the terms copy editing, line editing, and
content editing, but their definitions vary. For that reason, I will provide my own definitions.
Copy editing services involve correcting mistakes pertaining
to basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Line editing services
involve a detailed focus on sentence structure, repetition of words, parallelism, word flow, dialogue, and showing vs. telling.
Content editing
services involve overall advice regarding focus, content, pacing, continuity, viewpoint, and passive vs. active voice.
PRICING
Prices range for fiction and nonfiction works, based upon the services
desired and the amount of editing required. Copy editing services usually cost between one and two cents
per word. Line editing services cost between two and three cents per word, as do content editing
services. The price for all three services ranges from three to four cents per word. The minimum fee is twenty-five
dollars.
