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Line editing is a thorough editing process that checks for tone, style, consistency, and formatting errors. Line editors work in newsrooms, publishing houses, and freelance, going through a written piece line by line to eradicate overused words, misused words, and other errors. They also keep an eye out for quotes and information that may need fact-checking. After line editing, the document should be more compact and smooth, ready for content editing.
Line editing is a stage in the editing process where a manuscript is edited for tone, style, and consistency. This editing step is extremely important for documents of all types and lengths, and a good line editor is a crucial individual in newsrooms, publishing houses and other organizations that produce printed materials. Line editors can also be found working freelance, taking the job on a case-by-case basis.
As the term “line edit” implies, a line editor literally goes through a written piece line by line, taking the time to be extremely thorough and meticulous. Line editors may read a piece multiple times to make sure it’s been accurately edited, often starting with a rough pass to look for basic issues like spelling and grammar issues and then digging deeper with each successive pass.
A variety of environments can be used for line editing, with individual editors having different work habits and preferred working environments. Many line editors prefer silence, because it allows them to concentrate, and while they can hear the music, they often choose music without a voice so the words don’t distract. Written material is typically printed for the editor to examine with a pen, although it is also possible to edit lines on screen, and line editors use a specific markup language to communicate issues with the piece.
In addition to checking spelling and basic grammar, changing the line also changes the style and consistency. In organizations with a style guide, the line editor ensures that the guide is followed and checks for common stylistic errors, such as unconventional spelling of words, failure to correctly express weights and measures, and so on. A line editing session also involves a check for formatting errors, which are especially common when documents are passed between multiple computers.
Finally, changing the line also affects the tone. Line editors keep a close eye on word usage, looking for misused words, overused words, words used as crutches, and words that don’t belong. Many authors tend to rely on specific words, using them over and over again, and an online editor looks for those words and either eradicates them or recommends their replacement. Line editors also read for flow and tone, thinking about how a piece reads and editing it to keep it smooth and enjoyable.
While line editors aren’t actual fact-checkers, the line editing process may also involve keeping an eye out for the quotes and information discussed in the piece. If the information seems improbable or exaggerated, a line editor may suggest that the author confirm the information and provide a citation. Likewise, a line editor will tone down the hyperbole and add emphasis where it seems deserved.
After the line change, a document should be much more compact and smooth, and can pass to editors who change the actual content, looking for errors and other problems.
