Copyediting and line editing: what’s the difference?

When looking at engaging a professional editor, it’s really easy to become confused by all the various technical terms you come across and the different services that editors provide. 

You might come away in complete befuddlement and end up unsure if you need to pick just one of these services, or . . . both?  Or a different service altogether? What’s the deal here?

One aspect of editing that often causes confusion is the difference between the terms copyediting and line editing.

 Many editors offer these as separate, defined services. Some offer a combined copyedit + line edit as a bundle. Others simply group both processes together under the banner of copyediting. 

There is also a slight regional difference to consider: in the US and Canada, it’s more likely that you’ll see copyediting and line editing defined as two discrete processes.

 In the UK and Ireland, it’s more common to see both processes combined under the umbrella of copyediting.

Let’s look at what these terms mean and what they entail.

What is copyediting?

Copyediting in its most basic form will focus on improving the technical aspects of your writing. It’s a more mechanical process than line editing and aims to improve accuracy, consistency, and adherence to style guidelines. A typical copyedit will look at:

Grammar and punctuation: Copyeditors meticulously review your text for grammatical errors, punctuation mistakes, and typos. They ensure that your writing follows the rules of standard English usage.

Spelling and capitalisation: A copyedit will correct spelling errors and ensure consistent capitalisation throughout the document. This includes checking for proper nouns, acronyms, and titles.

Consistency: Copyediting ensures consistency in formatting, such as headings, font styles, and citation styles. A copyeditor will verify that abbreviations, numbers, and dates are used consistently throughout the document.

Fact-checking: Depending on the content, a copyedit may involve verifying factual information and flagging any inaccuracies or inconsistencies.

What is line editing?

Line editing is all about the finer details of your writing. It’s usually a more creative and intuitive process than copyediting and focuses on improving the flow, clarity, and overall readability of your text.

Here’s what you can expect from a line edit:

Sentence structure: Line editing looks at sentence structure, ensuring that a text is clear and has no convoluted sentences or awkward turns of phrase. During a line edit, your editor may suggest changes to improve readability and eliminate ambiguity.

Tone and style: Line editing refines the tone and style of your writing to ensure consistency throughout the document. Whether it’s formal, conversational, or technical, line editors make sure your voice shines through.

Language and word choice: A line edit will pay close attention to word choice, eliminating redundancies and making suggestions for words that convey your meaning effectively. Line editing involves polishing your language to make it more engaging and impactful.

Pacing and Flow: A line edit will consider the pacing and flow of your writing, ensuring that paragraphs and sections transition smoothly. Line editing could involve rearranging sentences or paragraphs to improve coherence and maintain the reader's interest.

So which one do I need? Copyediting, or line editing?

Well, as with most stuff in life, it depends! 

If you feel that your writing flows well, that your voice is clear and you’re happy with the pacing and structure of your sentences, then copyediting is what you need.

 A copyedit will focus on technical aspects of your text and will improve spelling, grammar, and punctuation, as well as formatting details.

On the other hand, if you feel that your text doesn’t read well and that it has issues with overly long sentences or phrasing that feels awkward, a line edit is what you need.

A line edit will look at word choice, flow, and sentence structure, to bring clarity and ensure your voice is brought to the fore.

Which services do you offer?

My copyediting service is fully comprehensive of both copyediting and line editing.

I don’t charge for two separate services: when you hire me to copyedit your work, I will carry out all aspects of both processes.

As an editor, I work in an intuitive and holistic way.

When I edit your work, I am meticulously combing for spelling and grammatical errors. At the same time, I have one ear attuned to how paragraphs are structured, how sentences flow, and which words and phrases have been chosen.

 I would find it very hard to separate these two processes, because for me they are instinctive. That’s why my business is called Intuitive Editing!