What is a Line Editor, and Why You Need One.

By Tierre-Lee Curtis

Welcome back to this week’s instalment, where we will meet the third role in your writing-to-publishing journey: the Line Editor. We are going to dive into the difference between a Copy Editor and a Line Editor and what makes them so important to fine-tuning your work before publishing.

What is the difference between a Copy Editor and a Line Editor?

A fine line separates the pair, which explains why many people use the terms interchangeably. Both utilise in-text editing and comments to assess and improve your use of language within your body of work. A Line Editor will evaluate the language used to convey your story in a paragraph, if not a sentence, and level. They will be able to assess whether the language you’ve employed communicates the emotion and tone that you, as an author, are trying to convey. A Copy Editor, on the other hand, focuses on the technical elements of your text to make sure that the readability and structure of your language are the best they can be, while maintaining consistency and accuracy. 

Though there may be some overlap when working through the tiers of editing, let’s explore the benefits of a Line Editor below:

• They focus on readability and style to guarantee the target audience can understand the text's intentions effectively.

• Make sure that the sentence structure is clear, emotive, and concise.

• Provide guidance in clarifying confusing plot elements and dialogue. This includes pacing, direction, and unnatural language.

• They will help ensure there is consistency, clarity, and effective language  while maintaining your unique voice.

Where a Developmental Editor focuses on the bigger picture of your writing, and the Copy Editor and Proofreader works on the technical specifics. The Line Editor will concentrate on your use of language; maximising the impact of emotion through word choice and tone. Of all the editors you will meet along the way to publishing your work, the Line Editor is one that will give you the tools to polish not only your current work but future writing as well.