Line Editing
Line editing is an art. This edit focuses on the language and structure of a story, starting at the word and sentence level. The purpose of this edit is to tighten, strengthen, and polish the writing while also maintaining the author’s voice, which is done by addressing weak verbs, vague nouns, repetition, and syntax. This edit generally does not focus on grammatical technicalities, although obvious errors will often be corrected.
For a book to be ready for line editing, the main elements of the story should be sound and complete. Typically a line edit occurs after a developmental/substantive/macro edit, which focuses on big-picture elements such as plot, character arc, and theme.
Scope of work: When you hire me to line edit your manuscript, I will complete an initial read through and then perform the line edit in one pass with a brief review before I return the edited manuscript to you. The edit is done via Microsoft Word using Track Changes and comments. I will also create a detailed style sheet to accompany the book.
With my meticulous approach, I ensure that your manuscript will be polished and ready for the next step in your journey to publishing (usually copyediting or proofreading). My line editing service rates are aligned with the Editorial Freelancers Association Rate Chart.
Services
Book Proposal
Are you ready to find a literary agent or an editor to acquire your story? You will need a book proposal to send along with sample chapters of your work. I can review the proposal you have drafted and offer feedback, or I can help you craft a strong, eye-catching proposal from scratch. Send me a message today to let me know how I can help you!
Copyediting
Copyediting is what most people think of when they think of editing. This is the technical nuts-and-bolts edit that ensures precise grammar, correct spelling and punctuation, as well as consistency and accuracy in style and formatting according to The Chicago Manual of Style, 18th edition.
Proofreading
A proofread is a final review of a fully edited manuscript (after the developmental edit, line edit, and/or copyedit) before it goes to print or is released online. Proofreading focuses on catching typos and correcting factual errors.
Manuscript Evaluation
Have you finished writing your novel and want some professional feedback? I can help! I will read your story and provide a written critique addressing the overall strengths and weaknesses.
Consultation/Video Chat
Do you have a draft for a novel and want to know how book editing works? Do you have questions about traditional publishing? I can help! I offer a 30-minute phone consultation for authors to pick my brain about editing and publishing.
Copywriting
Do you need help writing an engaging, concise description for your book? Do you already have a description and want professional feedback? Could you use some help creating compelling social media posts or other marketing copy?
Testimonials
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![J'nell Ciesielski author headshot]()
“Working with Jodi Hughes is like working with a dream.”
“Taking my subpar words, she spins them into gold by teasing out exactly what I meant to say. My books, my characters, my writing would be lacking without her expert guidance on how to best find the soul of a story.”
—J’nell Ciesielski, bestselling author of The Winged Tiara and The Brilliance of Stars
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![Author headshot Grace Helena Walz]()
“Jodi is fabulous at her job!”
“I just want to say thank you, thank you. You can somehow see all of the details that rush by me when I'm immersed in the story, and it feels like you're just watching my back (and the story's back). I have always loved this story, but I feel even more proud and prepared to take it out into the world after your thorough review.”
—Grace Helena Walz, author of Southern by Design
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![Joy Callaway author headshot]()
“I highly recommend Jodi!”
“Jodi and I worked together on my latest novel, All The Pretty Places. She was thorough, thoughtful, and absolutely made my work shine. Jodi’s sharp eye and attention to detail made me feel like she cared about my work as though it was her own.”
—Joy Callaway, bestselling author of What the Mountains Remember and All the Pretty Places
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![Abigail Wilson author headshot]()
“Jodi encouraged my writing to grow and develop at every stage.”
“As a new author I was incredibly thankful to have been partnered with Jodi for many of my published books. She had the know-how, the deft hand, and the compassionate guidance I needed, which not only elevated my books to something they never would have been without her but encouraged my writing to grow and develop at every stage. I would highly recommend her services!”
—Abigail Wilson, author of Within these Gilded Halls
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![Jenny Hale author headshot]()
“Jodi’s attention to detail is unmatched. She’s one of the best!”
—Jenny Hale, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Magic of Sea Glass
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![Kathleen Fuller author headshot]()
“Responsive, diligent, and detail-oriented.”
“I’ve worked on many projects with Jodi Hughes, and I highly recommend her as a responsive, diligent, and detail-oriented editor. I always know my stories are in good hands.”
—Kathleen Fuller, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Proposal Plot and Hooked on You
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![Kristy Cambron author headshot]()
“Your next best publishing partner.”
“Developing a memorable story is as much about writing as it is polishing the details of a book. From plot to design, proofing to production . . . it’s essential to have editorial support that thrives in this space. More than a decade of working with editors has taught me this: if you need that added component to make your story shine, you’ll find your next best publishing partner in Jodi Hughes.”
—Kristy Cambron, bestselling author of The Paris Dressmaker and The British Booksellers
