Both line editing and copy-editing are types of sentence-level editing. (By the way, don’t ask me why line editing doesn’t have a hyphen – I don’t make the rules. You might also see ‘copy-editing’ written as ‘copyediting’, which is also perfectly acceptable and the preferred format in the US. Sigh. As you’ll learn in this course, the main thing is to be consistent. So let’s move on. We’ve spent enough time nitpicking already. But that’s okay – that’s what’s going to make you a decent editor, so I’ll let it slide.)

You might be thinking, what kind of editing doesn’t involve sentences? Don’t worry – I’m getting to that. For now, let’s just define these two services.

LINE EDITING

Line editing (also known as stylistic editing) focuses on the sentences and paragraphs to make them artful in the way they flow, and correct and consistent in the way they’re presented. The aim here is to improve the writing – not just fix it. Though the style of the writing is addressed, a line editor doesn’t simply apply their own preferences; instead, they act as an intermediary between the author and the reader so that the author’s voice is amplified but the meaning behind their words is clear. Easy, right?! (That’s sarcasm, by the way.)

For example, a line editor will fix or suggest improvements for:

• Awkward phrasing
• Clunky syntax
• Unintentional ambiguities
• Misused words
• Inappropriate tone
• Ineffective use of cliché
  
• Repetitive sentence structure
• Overused words or phrases
• Narrative repetition (e.g. he nodded his head, she shouted loudly)
• Unnatural-sounding dialogue

... and possibly more, depending on the editor.

COPY-EDITING

A copy-editor is responsible for the technical preparation of the author’s material for publication. They’ll fix errors in a way that’s sensitive to the author’s voice and their artistic intentions. This is why it’s a bit trickier to be an editor of fiction as opposed to non-fiction – there’s more non- standard stuff to think about in creative writing.

A copy-editor will standardise the presentation of the writing by making sure the editorial style is consistent or that it follows a particular ‘style guide’, if requested.

They’ll also monitor and flag up or correct the internal consistency of the manuscript – so they should make sure Cathy doesn’t suddenly become Kathy, that her hair colour doesn’t change from blonde to red (unless she’s dyed it), and that her pregnancy hasn’t lasted fifteen months.

On top of all that, a copy-editor will also flag up potential legal issues, such as libel – but don’t worry, all legal responsibilities should lie with the publisher (or self-publisher) of a book.

When working with publishing houses, the copy-editor will also ‘mark up’ the manuscript so the typesetter/designer knows which bits need their attention.

Don’t worry if all that sounds a bit overwhelming – we’ll look at all these components as we make our way through the course.

So, at a glance, the copy-editor will:

• Fix errors in grammar, punctuation, word use and spelling
• Ensure a consistent editorial style
• Monitor and correct/flag up inconsistencies in the narrative
• Flag up potential legal issues
• Mark up the manuscript for the typesetter/designer

In a nutshell, copy-editing focuses on correcting the mechanics of the writing, ensuring the material is ready for typesetting and publication, whereas line editing focuses on the artistry of the writing, helping the author improve the effectiveness of their sentences.