Editing Q&A

What genres do you edit?

I specialize in mystery, suspense, thriller, and romance, but I am open to other genres as well. I do not edit erotica or horror.

Do you edit nonfiction?

Currently, I only edit fiction.

What types or levels of edits do you provide?

While I have taken courses for all levels of editing fiction — substantive, line, copyedit, and proofreading — my primary foci are substantive and line edits.

Who needs a substantive edit?

Also known as a content or structural edit, a substantive edit is for authors working on the “big picture” issues. It focuses on paragraph- and scene-level suggestions, improving the organization, content, and flow of a manuscript.

It considers:

  • Structure
  • Characterization
  • Plot development
  • Setting
  • Pacing
  • Genre
  • And more

Who needs a line edit?

A line edit is for authors who need help improving the language and style of the story. It still falls under the “big picture,” but it zooms in, examining the manuscript on a word and sentence level.

It will:

  • Tighten your writing,
  • Strengthen your word choice,
  • Improve clarity and flow,
  • Eliminate clichés, jargon, and overused words.

Briefly, what is the difference between substantive and line edit?

In a very, very condensed nutshell, a substantive edit considers a paragraph or section’s place within the novel as a whole, focusing on structure, pacing, and storytelling. A line edit examines the sentences and words within that paragraph, improving language and flow.

I attended a workshop by author and editor Jennifer Crosswhite, and she gave one of the best visuals I’ve ever heard. If we view a manuscript like a house, a substantive editor is the architect, while the line editor is the interior designer.

What are your favorite books for writers or editors?