Professional Editing and Proofreading Services

Copy editing is a crucial step in polishing your writing, focusing on technical details like sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. It’s the most affordable type of editing and doesn't involve formatting elements like layout or headings. Unlike proofreading, copy editing goes deeper addressing even subtle grammar issues that native speakers might miss. Some editors may differentiate between light grammar-focused copy editing and more detailed line editing. At City Light Publishers, our skilled copy editors review entire documents for errors in diction, sentence flow, dialogue transitions, numerical consistency, character clarity, and capitalization ensuring your content is clean, clear, and ready for the next stage.

Line editing is a detailed editorial process that focuses on refining your writing style, rather than changing the story’s structure or content. It enhances sentence flow, word choice, clarity, and the natural rhythm of dialogue and character voice. Unlike copyediting, which focuses on grammar and technical accuracy, line editing hones in on the artistry of your prose examining every sentence for tone, impact, and effectiveness. A line editor reads your manuscript line by line, tightening phrasing, adjusting syntax, and polishing language to ensure your writing is expressive, fluid, and engaging. While often confused with copyediting, line editing sits between copyediting and developmental editing in terms of depth and creativity.

Developmental editing is a deep, big-picture review of your manuscript that focuses on story structure, character development, pacing, plot consistency, and overall flow. Our expert editors provide detailed feedback to help strengthen your book’s foundation, guiding you through major revisions such as restructuring chapters, refining character arcs, or enhancing narrative impact. Ideal for authors serious about publishing success, this service ensures your story is engaging, cohesive, and ready for the next stage of editing.

Proofreading is the final stage of editing, offering a last review of your manuscript before publication. At this point, a professional proofreader checks for spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, and consistency errors to ensure a polished, publication-ready product. Unlike earlier stages of editing, proofreading is a light edit focused on catching any remaining mistakes that might have been missed. It’s the last chance to correct typos or layout issues such as spacing, page numbers, or missing bylines. With fresh eyes and keen attention to detail, our proofreaders provide the essential final polish your manuscript needs.

An editorial assessment is the first step in the editing process and plays a crucial role in strengthening your manuscript before submission to publishers or agents. Rather than providing in-line edits or rewrites, this service delivers a detailed letter offering big-picture feedback on your story’s structure, pacing, character development, and overall coherence. It helps identify major issues like plot holes or inconsistencies early on, saving you time and effort during later stages of editing. By addressing these concerns upfront, you improve the quality of your book and make the developmental and copyediting phases much smoother.

Editing children's books requires a special perspective—one that sees the world through a child’s eyes. At City Light Publishers, we specialize in aligning your story with the imagination, curiosity, and developmental needs of young readers. Our editors, some of whom have training in pediatric psychology, are skilled at refining content to ensure it’s age appropriate, engaging, and emotionally resonant. Whether you're creating a picture book, chapter book, middle-grade novel, or young adult story, our expert editorial team is here to help transform your manuscript into a standout book that captures the hearts of both children and parents.