Every word, line by line.
WELCOME TO:
LINE-BY-LINE EDITING
Line Editing Specialists
There is nothing that will turn off a reader more than dropped words, confusing word choices, complicated sentences, and errors in syntax and continuity.
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From a riveting mystery to an important policy statement, or instructions on how to put flat-pack furniture together, clear messaging and 'clean' text are important to whatever type of audience you are communicating with.
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Editing is a crucial part of the writing process, and whether it's Aunt Maisie the retired English teacher, or the editing staff in a large publishing house, your work will benefit from being critiqued.
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The purpose of Line-By-Line Editing is to provide writers with a user-friendly, non-judgemental, and affordable editing service.
Fiction *** Non-fiction *** Corporate & Business Communications *** Blogs *** Presentations
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OUR UNABRIDGED LIST OFÂ SERVICES
Our goal is to assist you with the production of an error-free and highly readable publication.
EDITING
Every Word, Every Line, and an Overview
We take a holistic approach from the smallest detail to 'big picture' and whole-of-document observations.
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Recommendations are made regarding:
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Storyline continuity.
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Improving sentence structure.
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Checking dialogue for authenticity.
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Correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
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Finding dropped words and other typographical errors.
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Considering the order of passages with the aim of enhancing readability.
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Refining vocabulary choice.
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Identifying verbosity, poor word choices, and clumsy phrasing.
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Commenting on structural features that do not support the storyline.
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Monitoring the author's 'voice', and - most importantly - consistency of delivery. ​
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Reformatting to meet industry standards.
WORDS FOR YOU
Content creation crafted to meet your needs.
In addition to editing, requests for assistance with creating a document are welcome.
Completed projects have included:
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Fiction and non-fiction
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Gardening blogs
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Discussion documents and white papers
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Educational programs
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Policy statements
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Business plans
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Health and safety manuals
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Business contracts
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Recruitment, onboarding, and induction documentation
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Cookbooks and cooking blogs
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Outcome-based training standards
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Charters, rules and regulations for non-profit organizations
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Speeches and presentations
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Advertorials
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Thesis and research reports
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Website content
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Marketing material such as pamphlets, brochures, and fliers
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COPY TYPING & TRANSCRIPTION
A word or two for you.
We provide totally non-judgemental practical help and support to writers who have difficulty producing a typed manuscript. This includes writers who - for whatever reason - prefer to use pen and paper. (There's a caveat here - your handwriting needs to be somewhat legible!)
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If this is you, please know that you are welcome to inquire regarding this service.
WHERE TO FROM HERE?
The schedule fills quickly, and up to three months in advance. Inquiring now prevents disappointment later.
Here are some basic details and an outline of the process.
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Prepare your manuscript - Word document (.docx), 12pt, double-spaced, Times or Times New Roman font.
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Reach out via the "Contact Us" section below to inquire about our services and/or request an estimate.
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A few basic details are needed to provide you with an accurate estimate. The "Contact Us" form prompts you for this information.
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Within 48 hours, you will be sent a reply with the information you need to establish whether you wish to proceed.
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If you decide to progress to the next stage, a day and time for a no-obligation phone consultation will be organized to discuss your editing needs.
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During that phone consult a summary of the work ('brief') is drafted, the schedule discussed, and key points within the contract clarified.
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The contract, brief, and invoice will then be forwarded to you for confirmation and payment.
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Work commences in accordance with the brief after the manuscript, signed contract, and payment are received.
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When editing is completed, a report is submitted and you are invited to a 'wrap-up' phone call to discuss the report's contents.
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A complimentary 'recheck' on alterations of up to 5% of the document's total word count is included providing the changed sections are returned within 30 days of the report being sent.
ABOUT ME
Bio
I'm a Kiwi, and that's a reference to the iconic flightless bird of New Zealand, not the fruit. After living in Australia for three years, my American husband suggested we live in the US. To this inquiry, I very firmly said "No!" Imagine my surprise then, when I woke up one morning in North Carolina. Seven years later I am now 'fluent' in American English as well as Crown English (though my version of "Hey y'all" apparently still needs some work).
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With more than forty years of experience in diverse occupations and industries, I have been involved in numerous non-fiction editing and/or content creation projects, with fiction a more recent - and enjoyable - addition to the repertoire.
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'Line-By-Line Editing' is not just about me. It is a collaboration of talented and dedicated people who are committed to providing excellent editing to authors of many different types of publications.
GENERAL INQUIRIES & ESTIMATE REQUESTS
If you are requesting an estimate, please refer to the section above entitled "Where to from here?".
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WORDS THAT MADE MY SOUL SING
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JEAN HELLER (PULITZER PRIZE NOMINEE)
Author of the Deuce Mora Mystery Series
Judith Paul did the line editing on my latest novel, BLACK MARSH, and it was way over and above. Not only did her editing radar find dropped words, typos, and a few continuity slips, she actually had some really good story suggestions. I was thrilled with the result of her work.    --Jean Heller, 2022
MAUREEN HAMMOND
Plant Lane Farm
(www.plantlanefarm.com)
Judith and I have worked together on a number of projects since 2017 and our working relationship is ongoing. She has been an excellent asset to my company, particularly with content for my website and other customer oriented communication.
I have been able to rely on her to be present and attentive in any situation. Her devotion to her commitments is unparalleled.
Judith has exceeded all expectations with the challenges that I gave her and I recommend her to you with great confidence.
YANNICK FAVRE
Sunset Hill Farm
Whenever I asked Judith for her input, I received a wide range of comments with more detail than I expected. In addition to thorough editing, her general advice and comprehensive approach have been appreciated and put to good use.
WHO, HOW & WHY?
Thoughtful Words
Line-By-Line Editing is a collaboration of thinkers and writers working together to provide you with a thorough, and comprehensive editing service.
We're doing this because we love words - wonderfully descriptive words like "superlative" and "bodacious" as well as routine words like "together".
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Did I mention that we're comfortable working in Crown English as well as American? Inquiries from 'Down Under' and the UK are welcome.
“The moving finger writes; and, having writ, moves on: nor all thy piety nor wit shall lure it back to cancel half a line, nor all thy tears wash out a word of it."