Line Editing for Writers
By rhiannon richardson
editor, published author, and writing teacher.
Line editing is the secret weapon you might not have known about. Have you ever seen a great book or article that was perfectly written and had no errors? Chances are, the author used line editing to make sure their work was flawless. But what is line editing? It’s an important part of the writing process for any writer who wants to make sure their work shines. Let’s break down what line editing is and how it can help your writing.
Line Editing: What it is and How it Can Help Your Writing
Line editing is a type of copyediting that focuses on improving the quality of writing at the sentence level. This means that line editors look at every single sentence in a document to ensure that it reads well and accurately conveys the author’s message. Line editors pay close attention to grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, word choice, and other elements of language usage. Grammar and mechanics are key considerations in line editing.
How Can Line Editing Help Your Writing?
As a writer, you want your work to be as flawless as possible. Not perfect, not all the same—but free from distracting errors. That is important. Strong line editing can help you achieve this goal by pointing out errors that may have gone unnoticed or giving advice on how to improve your writing. An editor can also help you find ways to make your writing more concise and clear so that readers understand what you are trying to say.
Additionally, line editing can provide valuable feedback about structure and organization so that you can create a document that flows logically from one point to another. Finally, an editor who specializes in line editing can provide an objective perspective which allows them to spot inconsistencies or problems with clarity. Writers famously have issues critiquing their own work because they are too close to the material to be objective. (Read more here on how to write a book about your life.) This is why line editing is crucial.
Line editing is an invaluable tool for writers who are looking for ways to improve their work before publication or submission. By having a professional look at your document with fresh eyes, you can rest assured knowing that all errors have been corrected and all areas of improvement have been addressed prior to submitting your piece for review or publication. So if you want your work to shine like never before, consider investing in professional line editing today.
craft your best story
Do you want to tell a compelling story that resonates with readers? Let author and editor Rhiannon Richardson help you take your writing to the next level. With her expertise in middle grade, young adult, picture book, and memoir, she can guide you to your best story.
