Copy Editing

Clear, correctly formatted prose, ready for the editor’s desk.

A copy editor polishes your writing for clarity and structure, formats your references correctly, and prepares your work for submission to a journal, publisher, or committee. A line editor works at the level of the word and the sentence, evaluating word choice and phrase structure.

I deliver specific feedback at the word, sentence, paragraph, and organizational levels, guided by your target publisher’s style guide. The result is writing that reads cleanly and lands where it belongs — with nothing in the prose to distract a reviewer from your argument.

You receive a tracked-changes manuscript and a short editorial memo: what I changed, the patterns worth watching, and any questions for you. Your voice stays intact; the clarity is sharpened.

Packages

Basic Copy Edit

4ç/word

  • Grammar, spelling, puncutation
  • Light corrections for clarity
  • One pass
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Standard Copy Edit

5¢/word

  • Everything in Basic
  • Sentence and paragraph clarity
  • Feedback on structure and argument
  • Reference formatting
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Copy & Line Editing

7¢/word

  • Everything in Standard
  • Clarity of word choice & sentence structure
  • Two passes: one line edit, one copy edit
  • Follow-up call
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Pricing shown is a rough approximation. Every project is quoted individually once I’ve seen a sample and your timeline. Discounts available for graduate students without institutional funding.

Don’t see the service you need? Check out my à la carte services.

Common questions

How much does academic copy editing cost?

Copy editing is typically priced by the word. The price per word will be the basis of the quote I send after we discuss the scope of your work and your editing needs. Available funding will be taken into account for graduate students.

What do you need from me to start?

A draft (complete or incomplete) and an audience. If you plan to publish, your target journal or publisher, and any style requirements. A short sample lets me give you an accurate quote.

Will you change my voice?

No. I edit for clarity and correctness; preserving your voice is a top priority. Every change is tracked so you stay in control.

Which style guides do you work in?

I specialize in Chicago, MLA, and APA, and am an expert at adapting to specific house and university style guides.

Ready when you are.

Tell me about your manuscript, your field, and your timeline. I’ll reply within two business days with next steps.