In addition to developmental editing and many other services, I currently offer two levels of line editing (also called copyediting or CE).
Copy (line) editing, light includes correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and word usage; checking for or imposing a consistent style and format.
Copy (line) editing, heavy includes correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and word usage; minor fact-checking; checking for or imposing a consistent style and format; suggestions about paragraph length, breaking or joining sections; preparing a style sheet if required; querying author as necessary during the process.
These sample edits are specifically for a fiction manuscript, and before we began, the author and I talked about their expectations for the project, how they preferred to receive edits, and what style of constructive criticism they were most comfortable with. I knew what they wanted their story to be before I made a single editorial note. Over the years I’ve learned that those conversations make all the difference in how well we communicated as the project progresses!
With the author’s permission (personal details have been deleted and various character/product names changed) I’ve posted PDFs of these samples below:
Of course, every piece of writing is different, and every bit of editing is tailored to your needs. These samples should give you a better idea of the difference between simple and heavy copy edits in a fiction manuscript, though. If you have any questions, please feel free to post them below, or contact me here.