Line Editing

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What is Line Editing?

Line Editing is a seldom-needed individual editing process that addresses wordiness and clunky sentences.

Line Editing involves smoothing clunky sentences and addressing general wordiness.

When Do I Need A Line Edit?

Line Editing is an infrequent need, because copy editing generally handles the "average" call for line editing.  However, there are a few scenarios where a line edit, as a specific editing pass, is beneficial.

 

  • Your Developmental Editing editor advised you to get a Line Edit.  In this case, your Dev Editor identified a significant issue with clunky phrasing or wordiness that exceeds what would be normally anticipated in a copy edit.
  • You are looking to cut words.  Often, line editing can condense and tighten passages / paragraphs to accommodate the need to reduce overall word count.
  • You are not a native English speaker and/or your work has been translated into English.  Frequently translation leads to stilted phrasing.  Line edits ensure conversational English.

 

Second language translations are the most frequent request I get for Line Edits, and I enjoy this level of work a great deal.  I work regularly with a French-to-English publisher, smoothing out those formal English translations, and making books easier to read, in general.  So, if you're not a native English speaker, or you have a translated work, this is right up my alley!

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  • National bestselling author and Hugo-nominated editor Bryan Thomas Schmidt (Davi Rhii, John Simon, Fox's Predator)
    Claire's insights into my novel helped me identify areas needing improvement--what was working, and what wasn't--allowing me to polish my novel and take it to the next level. Knowledgeable and easy to work with. I would recommend her to anyone.
    National bestselling author and Hugo-nominated editor Bryan Thomas Schmidt (Davi Rhii, John Simon, Fox's Predator)
  • Derek R.
    Claire was a breath of fresh air, giving me honest, unvarnished -- but very constructive -- feedback! I'm confident I'll be able to make the project better because of her work :)
    Derek R.
  • Dan M.
    She takes the effort to guide the writer through the process and produces high-quality work. A pleasure to work with and highly recommended!
    Dan M.
  • Michael B.
    In every project we've worked on together, she has consistently shown professionalism, efficiency, and patience;-) Most importantly, she is very detail-oriented, which is crucial for me.
    Michael B.
  • Saima I
    Her insights into narrative structure and character development were invaluable, enhancing my manuscript while respecting my original vision.
    Saima I
  • Steve M
    Claire was great to work with. She has a positive attitude and communication style. She also has an amazing eye for detail. Thanks, Claire!
    Steve M
  • Deborah W.
    Claire is fantastic. VERY supportive and helpful. Working with her has helped me become a much better writer.
    Deborah W.
  • Katrina C.
    Claire was wonderful to work with and made my first experience with this sort of thing a breeze. I feel like I have learned so much through working with her!
    Katrina C.
  • Mark M
    Her critique was constructive and encouraging, and she clearly has the background to address problems at both technical and developmental levels.
    Mark M
  • Adrena J
    Very detailed in her feed back. Gave examples for me to follow to improve my novel.
    Adrena J
  • Alexa C
    Claire is friendly, communicative and efficient. I also appreciated that my voice/style of writing wasn't altered in the editing process.
    Alexa C
  • Abby G
    Claire gave me a very helpful, constructive critique. I appreciate her encouragement and wisdom when it comes to writing scenes that move the story forward.
    Abby G
  • Kendall M
    Claire was great to work with. She is thorough in her approach, responsive, and professional. She exceeded my expectations!
    Kendall M
  • Deena B.
    Working with Claire was just what I needed. She manages to mix a perfect blend of encouragement and feedback in her editing.
    Deena B.
  • Chris B.
    She truly goes above and beyond the call of duty, not to mention a very thorough copy edit.
    Chris B.
  • Lamar G.
    Hire Claire immediately if you want someone who will challenge you and bring the best out of you and your story. She's amazing.
    Lamar G.
  • Sheila B.
    Claire's work is phenomenal! You will receive quality editorial services and supreme kindness! Her professionalism is excellent, and her turnaround time is surprisingly quick.
    Sheila B.
  • Angela S.
    I found her very easy to communicate with, and her project turnaround time was unreal!
    Angela S.
  • Patrick C.
    Claire, you did a great job copy editing a massive and complicated science fiction novel for me, and you did it under an insane deadline with grace and aplomb.
    Patrick C.
  • Nathan A.
    She was prompt and professional. Her speed also allowed me to move my release time table up significantly which is a huge bonus!
    Nathan A.
  • Denise B.
    She submitted a very thorough editorial letter with excellent suggestions of how I could improve my overall story, character building, themes, and even did some copy editing. She is well-versed with what the industry is looking for, and as a new author, I greatly needed this education.
    Denise B.
  • Ada A.
    Claire made me feel at ease the minute I started working with her. She is exceedingly refreshing, professional and encouraging to be around and I am so looking forward to working with her again in the future!
    Ada A.
  • Diana M.
    Not only a thorough developmental review, but a long editorial letter filled with teaching moments. Her work has already improved my writing style and should power my book to the next phase.
    Diana M.