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.
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, 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
For academic and nonfiction titles, 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
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 this service, I typically work on:
- Academic and nonfiction - humanities, law, life sciences, medicine & nursing, natural sciences, psychiatry, psychology, social sciences
- Fiction and genre - romance (including dark/erotic), fantasy, historical fiction, horror, science fiction
- Publication types - reference books, scholarly books, scholarly & research journals, trade books, textbooks
To request a sample of my work, my resume, or a complete list of projects, please get in touch via email or through the contact page.