Know the Difference - Line Editing

What is Line Editing?

Line editing, also known as stylistic editing, is the second step in publishing your novel, scrutinizing it sentence-by-sentence. Though fixing grammatical and mechanical mistakes is necessary, this specific stage of editing is about the language, making your work more concise, agonizing over that one word that brings it all together. Line editing works at the paragraph and sentence level of a project, making suggestions for rewriting or reorganizing sentences and passages to smooth it out so the story glides from beginning to end. This is where an adequate book can become a novel readers don't want to put down.

This type of edit sifts through:

- Each sentence, line-by-line
- Word choice
- Clarity and flow
- Phrasing
- Consistency
- Providing suggestions for tweaking, adjusting and rewriting any necessary components

- Transitions in your story
- Improving the language and style
- Reorganizing paragraphs and passages
- Awkward sentences, passages and paragraphs

Line editing is time intensive and the cost is reflective of the depth of work that should be brought into it. The average rate for this kind of service is between $0.04 - $0.049/word*. For a 70,000 word manuscript you are looking at $2,800 - $3,430, minimum. That's a major investment for your book. With price tags like this, it is vital for an author to find the best editor, so he or she doesn't have to repeat this process in the future.

Here are a couple of tips to help with finding the right line editor for your book.

1. Cheaper isn't always better.
   There are a lot of editors who claim they can do a line edit on your book for 0.005/word - that's half a penny - to 0.02/word. All that work for 1/2 of the price of other editors sounds like an amazing deal, right? Unfortunately no. Most of those editors either don't have any experience, lack genre knowledge, or will simply run your manuscript through an AI program to keep their 'labor' costs down.
   Side note: If an editor is offering a line edit for around 0.02/word, double check what it says they will edit. Some editors use the terms line edit and copyedit interchangeably - but they are not the same thing. Copy editing looks at grammar, while line editing looks at the style and flow, so ensure you know which service you are paying for.
   
   
2. Find an editor with experience in your genre. 
   Line editing is an experience, creative, suggestive based style of editing, so having an editor who knows the ins-and-outs of your genre will give you the most value for your money.
   
   
3. Interview the editor.
   Editing in general costs a pretty penny, so the right fit for you and your book is important. Ask for a video chat prior to hiring them, if they don't offer it already. Other editors don't offer a video chat, but they will be happy to answer any question you have. Some have credentials to back their experience while others have learned on-the-job. One does not necessarily trump the other, except maybe in the price tag, so focusing on their experience, their knowledge of the genre, and if they understand what you are trying to do with your book is the most vital part of the interview process. Ask the editor how the editing process works, as well. Lastly, not every editor will offer the same things, (e.g. how many revisions will they do & will it cost extra depending on the shape of my manuscript?), so comparing those aspects also can help you decide which editor is best for you.
   
   

Now that you know what makes line editing different, the work that is put into each manuscript and tips on how to find the best editor for you, go find them! I, of course, hope that I am the best editor for you and your book, but if I'm not, I still want you to put your best book forward.

Write without fear. Edit without mercy.

- Joanna, Owner/Developmental Editor/Line Editor

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*Standard editorial rates are based on rates provided by the Editorial Freelancers Association 2020 survey.