Line Editing & Copyediting
You bring the imagination—I’ll help shape it into a story that reads the way it sounds in your head: smooth, intentional, and unmistakably yours.
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This combined line & copyedit helps you elevate your prose without losing your voice. You'll walk away with stronger scenes, tighter writing, and the confidence that your words say exactly what you mean.
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Click below to jump straight to the section you need:
Example of an Edit | About Sentence-Level Editing | The Process at a Glance | What It's Like to Work Together | Price Calculator & Dates | FAQ
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Wondering what it'll cost? Use the price calculator to get an instant estimate for your manuscript.
This Service Is for You If...
You've done the big-picture work, and now you want to level up your prose. This service is for you if you're ready for a professional upgrade:
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You’ve completed your big-picture or structural revisions.
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You’ve self-edited your prose as much as you can on your own.
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You’ve received and incorporated beta reader or editorial feedback.
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You want expert help refining your voice and catching inconsistencies.
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You're preparing to self-publish or query your manuscript.
What You'll Receive
Here’s what you’ll receive once your sentence-level edit is finished:
Edited Manuscript (Tracked & Clean Versions)
You’ll receive two Word documents: one with tracked changes and margin comments so you can see every edit and suggestion, and one clean version with all changes accepted for easy reading.
Editorial Letter
This letter walks you through the most important changes and patterns I noticed, offers next steps for revision, and includes links to helpful resources tailored to your manuscript and writing style.
Style Sheet (PDF)
A handy reference document with a full list of characters, places, timeline notes, and grammar/style decisions—plus a custom word list based on your spelling preferences. Great for consistency during revisions and future projects.
Unlimited Email Support During Revisions
Have questions while you revise? Need to clarify a comment or discuss a suggestion? I’m just an email away—no limit, no extra fees.
Second Pass (Free!)
Once you’ve revised your manuscript, you can send it back for a final global pass. I’ll review any new or adjusted material (up to 5,000 words) to make sure everything still flows smoothly and matches your voice.
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Get clarity before you commit: the pricing calculator shows you an estimated range for your edit.
"Iris's edits feel like they always belonged—as though she helped free up my voice."
"As a writer shifting from academic work, to more general non-fiction, I was blown away by all the insight and guidance I received from Iris. She made what might have been an overwhelming experience, very manageable and understandable, step by step. From the beginning, her clarity gave me confidence. Working with Iris was a pleasure and she delivered everything I was looking for and more. Always respectful of my work, Iris's edits feel like they always belonged—as though she helped free up my voice."
Misty Fields, nonfiction author
Example of an Edit
Want to see what an edit looks like in action? Here's a short walkthrough so you know exactly what to expect.
Below you can see (from left to right) the original, the edited version, and then the version with edits accepted. (But watch the video for an explanation of the edits!)
About Sentence-Level Editing
Through a sentence-level edit (combined line edit & copyedit), I’ll work with your existing draft to enhance flow, tighten sentence structure, and catch grammar, punctuation, and consistency issues. It’s all about refining your voice—not rewriting it—so your words land with clarity, confidence, and impact.
Price: $40 per hour (USD). Depends on word count & sample review. Check the calculator here to receive a price range as an indication.
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Format: Microsoft Word doc. If you don’t have Word, you can still use this service! Convert to a Word doc from your preferred text editor. For the final review, download a free trial version of Word or use the free Office version.
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Sample edit: When you send your inquiry and manuscript, you’ll receive a sample edit by me for up to 1,000 words. This helps me determine the pricing, and it’ll help you determine whether I’m the right editor for you.
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Genre fit: I edit fantasy, cozy mystery, and self-help nonfiction. Not sure if your book fits those genres? Please contact me and tell me more about your book.
I do not edit in PDF, Scrivener, or another writing tool.
The Process at a Glance
I'll break this down in more detail below, but here's how things flow once you reach out for a quote:
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1. Free Sample Edit
You send me a 1,000-word excerpt from your manuscript. I’ll return a short sample edit, so you can get a feel for my editing style—and you’ll receive a personalized quote.
2. Booking
If it feels like a good fit, we’ll confirm your project timeline and sign a contract to secure your spot. You’ll also pay the first half of the quote (need a different payment option? Let me know!)
3. Editing Begins
I complete the full line & copy edit and return your manuscript with:
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tracked changes in your document
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an editorial letter summarizing patterns, strengths, and opportunities
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follow-up access to ask questions or clarify edits.
4. Next Steps
You revise your manuscript with my feedback. Then you can send it back to me for a free second pass.​​
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Send me a message or request your free sample edit below—I’d love to hear about your book.
What It's Like to Work Together
Here’s what you can expect when you book a combined line & copyedit with me.
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1. Cold Read & Clarifying Questions
Before diving into edits, I’ll read through your manuscript to get a feel for your voice, story flow, and character dynamics. Then I’ll send you a few clarifying questions, if needed—just to make sure I’m aligned with your intentions before we begin.
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2. Line & Copyedit
I’ll go through your manuscript using tracked changes to adjust sentence flow, word choice, tone, rhythm, and clarity—while also correcting grammar, punctuation, and consistency based on The Chicago Manual of Style (18th edition), unless you prefer a different style guide. You’ll also see margin comments explaining key edits, offering suggestions, and occasionally linking to helpful resources.
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3. Weekly Updates
You won’t be left wondering how things are going. I’ll send a short update each week so you’re always in the loop and can ask questions if anything comes up.
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4. Review & Reflect
Once the edit is done, you’ll receive your files and have time to go through the edits and comments at your own pace. This is your opportunity to accept, reject, or tweak changes based on your vision for the manuscript.
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5. Second Pass (Free!)
After you’ve made revisions, you’re welcome to send the manuscript back for one final look. I’ll do a second global pass to review any new or adjusted material—up to 5,000 words—so you can move forward with confidence.
Meet Your Editor
Hi, I’m Iris Marsh—editor, indie author, and your story’s biggest advocate.
I edit books for indie authors who care about quality and connection.
With every project, my goal is simple: help you bring your voice into sharper focus so your story lands exactly how you imagined it.
Through thoughtful, in-depth feedback and a collaborative approach, I’ll support you in creating a book you’re proud to publish.
Price Calculator & Dates
Price: $40 per hour (USD). It’s estimated based on the sample, total condition of the manuscript, and total manuscript word count.
To give you a rough idea, you can use the calculator below for a price range based on word count.
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If you need an alternative payment plan, let me know in your request or email me for details.
Is this edit not within your budget? Check out my line writing assessment service instead (also perfect if you need more guidance for your self-edits.)
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Dates: We will determine the start and end date together. Once I start, the combined line & copyedit will take about 4–6 weeks, again depending on word count and overall condition of the manuscript.
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Your story's already doing the heavy lifting, your sentences just need to keep up.
Let's make sure every line matters, not just in what it says, but in how it feels.
FAQ
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