What's Line Editing?
Line editing is also sometimes called content editing.
It's not the same thing as developmental editing (also called substantive editing), which is "big picture" editing done before the writing of the manuscript is completed—or sometimes even begun. I don't offer developmental editing.
Line editing also isn't the same thing as copyediting or proofreading, which I do offer.
So what IS line editing, then?
Line editing is stylistic rather than technical. As your line editor, I'll do all this:
Of course, I'll be mindful of the kind of document it is—nonfiction books and legal documents and business white papers and academic papers shouldn't, and won't, sound the same.
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It's not the same thing as developmental editing (also called substantive editing), which is "big picture" editing done before the writing of the manuscript is completed—or sometimes even begun. I don't offer developmental editing.
Line editing also isn't the same thing as copyediting or proofreading, which I do offer.
So what IS line editing, then?
Line editing is stylistic rather than technical. As your line editor, I'll do all this:
- Banish repetitiveness. Writers tend to overuse favorite words or phrases.
- Remove redundancies. It's usually best not to say something and then say it again in different words in the next sentence.
- Vanquish clichés. Cliché-ridden writing is amateurish.
- Improve word choices. The right word is better than the "people-will-know-what-I-mean" word.
- Eliminate vagueness. Too many generalities weaken any document.
- Create clarity out of confusion. Sometimes writers, knowing their subject well, don't realize that readers won't "get it."
Of course, I'll be mindful of the kind of document it is—nonfiction books and legal documents and business white papers and academic papers shouldn't, and won't, sound the same.
Return to Services & Rates