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Writer's pictureKristin Noland

What is Line Editing, Anyway?

Updated: Oct 9


Kristin Noland speculative fiction and crime fiction ghostwriter and editor

What do line editors do, and how can they help you and your novel?


As a line editor, my role is to focus on the fine details of a manuscript to ensure clarity, consistency, and readability.


But how do we line editors enhance your novel?


Well, we:


Refine language

Enhance clarity

Maintain consistency

Improve your style

Polish dialogue



Refine Language


We carefully examine the language used in the manuscript, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and word choice. We make corrections and suggestions to enhance the overall flow and readability of the narrative.


Enhance Clarity


We eliminate ambiguities or confusing passages. We ensure your intended meaning is communicated effectively to the reader, clarifying any potential areas of confusion.


Maintain Consistency


We pay close attention to consistency throughout the novel. We ensure character names, settings, timelines, and other elements remain consistent. Consistency helps readers follow the narrative seamlessly and increases believability.


Improve Your Style


Line editors help refine your writing style by making suggestions to improve the overall tone, voice, and mood of the manuscript. We can help you enhance your unique voice without changing it.


Polish Dialogue


Dialogue is a crucial element in fiction, and line editors focus on making it more engaging, natural, and effective. We suggest changes to make conversations feel authentic, improve pacing, and ensure your dialogue serves the story and character development.


The benefits you gain from working with a line editor are numerous.


We provide an:


Objective perspective

Help with skill development

Professional expertise

Improved readability

Enhanced storytelling


Objective Perspective


We provide an unbiased and objective viewpoint and can identify weak areas or potential problems in the manuscript you may have overlooked due to your familiarity and love for your novel. A fresh perspective helps strengthen the quality of your writing.


Skill Development


Working with a line editor can be a valuable learning experience. Our feedback and suggestions can help you grow as a writer, improve your skills, and enable you to produce stronger work in the future.


Professional Expertise


Our expertise helps you refine the manuscript, which increases the chances of your book being well-received by readers, agents, or publishers.


Improved Readability


By enhancing the clarity and flow of the text, your novel will be more enjoyable and engaging for readers. This can lead to increased reader satisfaction and positive reviews.


Enhanced Storytelling


Addressing inconsistencies, refining style, and improving dialogue helps you tell your story effectively. Your novel will be a more immersive reading experience for your audience.


We line editors play a crucial role in refining and enhancing your book. By focusing on language, clarity, consistency, style, and other key aspects, we ensure your manuscript is polished, coherent, and engaging.


The benefits of working with us are invaluable to both you and your readers.


I hope you enjoyed this article.


Happy writing and revising!


Kristin Noland - Speculative Fiction and Crime Fiction Editor and Ghostwriter


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