Line Editing

What does a line edit do?

A line edit is one of the final stages of a manuscript, performed after the large-scale edits are finished. Once all the building blocks for the story are in place, it’s time to look at individual scenes, paragraphs, and sentences to ensure a powerful delivery that lives up to the plot.

Here are some things I look for when I’m line editing:

• Scene pacing, momentum, and tone
• Strengthening character voice through dialogue and internal narration
• Info-dumping and ways to eliminate it
• Ways to immerse the reader more deeply into the scene
• Head hopping/point of view slip corrections
• Ways to adjust individual sentences and paragraphs for clarity and style
• Basic grammar check and proofread*

*Note: Proofreading done in the middle of the line editing process is likely to miss things, since sentences are still being changed up. I recommend hiring a proofreader in addition to a line editor.

Bonus!

Since I spent three years as an EMT, I can also help you make sure character injuries and first aid are realistic. I’m by no means a medical authority, but I can help you avoid common errors found in fiction.

Line edit FAQs:

How do I know if my project is ready for a line edit?

While there’s no simple litmus test to see if your work is ready, here are some things you can do. The more of these boxes you can check, the more confident you can feel that your work is ready for a line edit.

• All the major pieces of your story are in place
• Your character arcs feel cohesive
• You can’t find any more plot holes
• You have implemented feedback from multiple beta readers
• You have implemented feedback from a content/developmental editor
• Your main focus right now is making it read smoothly

Personally, I tend to complete two or three drafts, get beta readers and implement their feedback in another draft, then hire an editor.

What if I thought my work was ready, but there were plot holes I didn’t notice?

If I notice any plot holes or other large-scale problems while editing, I’ll let you know. After all, writers have got to have each others’ backs!

If that happens and you want to fix the issues, I’ll offer to reschedule your project for after you’ve had time to make edits.

Ultimately, however, I’m not a developmental editor and I can’t offer structural feedback greater than a beta reader could. You’re responsible for ensuring your work is ready for line editing.

What can I do to help facilitate high-quality edits?

Smooth out any issues you can see on your end first. After all, there’s no sense in paying me to catch issues you could fixed yourself!

Also, please run a spellchecking program and fix glaring grammar mistakes.

What formats do you work with?

My preferred format is Google Docs. That way, we can collaborate real-time on suggestions or comments.

I’m also willing to work with files for LibreOffice and Word.

If you need something else, feel free to ask and we can chat about it.

What does getting a line edit look like? How will the feedback be provided?

I offer comments and suggestions on the document. I also tend to send you an email with overall feedback.

Ultimately, you have full control over the final product. You choose how and when to implement my suggestions.