Swansong Editing offers one level of editing service, and that is a complete developmental edit, encompassing copy, line and content levels. This level of edit will include checking for punctuation errors, spelling errors, finding incorrect words and offering suggestions, checking grammar, syntax, characterization believability, plot continuity and more. Suggestions to improve characterization, scenes and plot strength will be made. The author decides which suggestions will work and which will not. My goal is to help make your manuscript the best it can be.

All examples are provided with the written permission of the author.

Suzanne Robb (click image for random non-sequential sample pages in PDF)	Brooke Fabian (click image for random non-sequential sample pages in PDF)

The editing types listed below are fluid and other terms are sometimes used. You may see Light, Medium, or Heavy used interchangeably with the definitions below, or you may see copy editing and line editing combined. If you’re not sure what level of edit you are going to be receiving, ask. As an author, if you choose to use an independent or freelance editor, make sure you know what level of service you’re paying for.  For more on editors and editing, please take the time to read, “Independent Editors and Manuscript Assessment Services.“

	– Copy editing is the least “invasive” to your manuscript. It focuses on common errors such as grammar, punctuation and spelling. This type of editing should also find incorrect word usage, basic logic lapses and possible continuity issues.
	– Line editing assumes you have few-to-no common errors and instead focuses on sentence and paragraph structure, sentence and paragraph flow, terminology, dialogue ebb and flow and more. This type of editing helps to create a smooth flow of prose from beginning to end.
	– Content editing is the most in-depth, focusing on structure, style, and content of the manuscript. These editors mark specific problems found, such as poor pacing, plot inconsistencies, underdeveloped characters, weak writing, missing description, front loading and info dumps, for example. Detailed notes and advice are provided so the author can address the issues. If the editor is employed by a publishing house, the editor may take it upon themselves to fix the problems. This type of editing is sometimes referred to as developmental or substantive editing.
– Our service provides all three editing levels to customers for one low price.