Line Editing

[Image description] A color photo of a brown and black tabby cat lying next to an open laptop.

Line editing looks at the minutiae of a document and generally takes place after a developmental edit (though a developmental edit is not required) and before a copyedit.

Line editing examines a manuscript paragraph-by-paragraph and line-by-line to ensure excellence in the following:

• Transitions
• Topic Sentences
• Syntax
• Clarity and Flow
• Paragraph Structure
• Signposting

It may include suggestions for reorganizing, rewording, and tightening passages, as well as ideas to create a more strongly written manuscript.

Unlike copyediting, line editing focuses more on the overall readability of a manuscript than on grammar and adherence to a particular style manual. A manuscript will usually need a separate round of copyediting after line editing.

The writer will receive the edited manuscript with suggestions and comments made via Track Changes in MS Word or Google Docs and a transmittal letter describing the edits I’ve suggested.

(Due to academic integrity rules, I do not provide developmental editing for dissertations or theses.)

Contact me for a free estimate.