A line edit addresses the creative content, writing style, and language use at the sentence and paragraph level. But the purpose of a line edit is not to comb your manuscript for errors – rather, a line edit focuses on the way you use language to communicate your story to the reader. Is your language clear, fluid, and pleasurable to read? Does it convey a sense of atmosphere, emotion, and tone? Do the words you’ve chosen convey a precise meaning, or are you using broad generalizations and clichés? An editor may draw your attention to:
- Extraneous or overused words
- Run-on sentences
- Redundancies
- Dialogue or paragraphs that can be tightened
- Confusing or bad transitions
- Tonal shifts and unnatural phrasing
- Confusing narrative digressions
- Suggest words to enhance your meaning