Line Editing

Line editing focuses on how the content is expressed by examining the language, rhythm, tone, and style at the sentence level. It’s about refining the prose to improve clarity, fluidity, and impact. Unlike developmental or structural editing, line editing does not typically involve reorganizing chapters or changing plot points. Instead, it focuses on how well the words are doing their job.

Here’s what you can typically expect to receive as part of a line edit:

Editorial summary
The line-edited manuscript, with marginal notes
Editorial style sheet for the copyeditor
Cross-referencing and internal URL review, if applicable
Fact-checking and permissions review, with issues flagged for follow-up , if applicable

For this service, I typically work on:

Academic and nonfiction - humanities, law, life sciences, medicine & nursing, natural sciences, psychiatry, psychology, social sciences
Fiction - romance (including dark/erotic), fantasy, historical fiction, horror, science fiction
Publication types - reference books, scholarly books, scholarly & research articles, trade books, textbooks, dissertations

To request a sample of my work, my resume, or a complete list of projects, please get in touch through the contact page.

For academic and nonfiction, I edit for:

Sentence clarity, conciseness, and fluency
Word choice and usage appropriate for the subject, audience, and tone
Transitions between sentences and paragraphs for logical flow
Tone and narrative stance, ensuring it's appropriate for the discipline and audience
Paragraph cohesion and sentence sequencing
Removal of jargon (where unnecessary) or clarification of complex terms
Refinement of passive vs. active voice for clarity and authority
Emphasis and structure within sentences to guide reader comprehension
Redundancies, vague phrasing, or convoluted constructions
Language that inadvertently weakens the argument or credibility
Integration of citations, examples, and data into the prose
Consistency in tense, terminology, and formatting conventions

For fiction, I edit for:

Sentence flow, rhythm, and readability
Word choice for precision, tone, and emotional impact
Paragraph structure and transitions
Consistency of tone, voice, head hopping, and character perspective
Dialogue clarity, realism, and subtext
Redundancies, verbosity, or vague language
Clarity and emphasis of key story beats
Figurative language (e.g., metaphor, simile) for effectiveness and coherence
Internal logic and phrasing that supports mood or atmosphere
Variations in sentence length and structure for pacing and engagement
Unintentional repetition or awkward phrasing
Language that unintentionally disrupts immersion or mood
Sensitivity to genre expectations and reader experience

Line Editing

For academic and nonfiction, I edit for:

For fiction, I edit for:

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