What’s the Difference Between Copy Editing and Line Editing?

When I was a baby professional editor, this one took me a while to fully wrap my head around.

So, to a new author, I can only imagine how confusing it must be to look at all the types of editors and try to understand which you need – let alone how the process works.

There are four main types of editors, and they work in this order:

• Developmental (or structural)

• Line

• Copy

• Proofreader

But there can be a lot of crossover with line and copy editing. Many editors, like myself, prefer to do a two-in-one blend. It's harder than you might think to do one without intrinsically doing the other! However, it's important to understand the functions of both so you know exactly what's being done to your manuscript.

Do you need a line editor or a copy editor for your book?

Do you need a line editor or a copy editor for your book?

What's a line editor?

Line editors come in after developmental editors (who focus on structural elements rather than the writing itself) to help you improve your prose. When we say 'the line level', we mean the sentences you use: how you structure them, your word choices, your author voice, your characters' voices, the tone, and more.

While a developmental editor is looking at the broader aspects of the story, the line editor's place is, well, the lines.

Not all authors will need a deep line edit. If they've had a lot of experience and are confident in their author voice, it's likely that no major interventions are needed. But many newer authors who are still developing their skills and confidence on the page will greatly benefit from line editing.

What's a copy editor?

While line editors are looking at what your words are doing to tell the story, copy editors are closer to proofreaders – they check for grammar, spelling, typos, and consistency.

So . . . does a proofreader do essentially the same job?

Think of copy editing and proofreading as being opposite ends of a bridge – the bridge being formatting the book and getting it ready for publishing. Copy editors get the book to the best it can be before it's turned into a printable book. They work on the Word document.

Proofreaders come in after this process for a final check. It's not their job to edit the book. In fact, you want them to make as few changes as possible. The more you mess with a formatted manuscript, the more you risk introducing more errors.

Copy editing requires an incredible attention to detail blended with an exceptional understanding of both English grammar rules and how those rules stretch in creative writing.

Aspiring authors often ask me if they can copy edit their own book. Many try. It isn't an impossible task. But it's asking yourself to learn an entirely new skill when you're already under the pressure of producing a novel.

I'm a professional editor and even I always get another professional to edit my work. It's not just about having the skill - it's about objectivity. It's always better to have another pair of eyes (or two, or three) to check over your work. You're bound to miss things others will spot.

Working with an editor on line and copy edits

I'll almost always recommend choosing an editor who offers a copy and line edit blend. Since both types of edits work on the sentence or line level, it's almost harder to do one without the other – as long as the editor has the appropriate training.

Some editors may be fantastic at finding typos and knowing the ins and outs of the English language to get things 'right'. But that doesn't mean they have a thorough understanding of word choices and sentence structure as storytelling tools. The same can be said for line editors who are wizards at understanding voice but not trained to find microscopic errors.

To find a line and copy editor, ask fellow authors for recommendations. Always check the testimonials and portfolio of whoever you want to hire. Check that you're looking at the right kind of editor; they should list line and copy editing as specialties on their website.

Check they work with your genre and your target audience. The best crime editor in the world may not be able to nail editing a YA romantasy. They'll have the basics, but not the industry and genre knowledge that's a vital part of editing.

Once you have a list of 2-4 editors who may be appropriate, ask them for a sample edit and a quote. When you receive sample edits back, check that the editor has made suggestions on both a copy and a line level. Do their suggestions make sense to you? Do they empower you, or make you feel bad? Does the editor get what you're trying to say?

Let's work together!

I recommend starting with my guidebook, HOW TO EDIT YOUR OWN NOVEL, before approaching professional editors. This will help you improve your voice and get better at self edits, lessening the intensity of professional edits. It's especially helpful for indie authors on a budget.

Then, I'd love to chat to you about the editing services I offer! Whether it's a manuscript assessment, copy/line edit, proofreading, or even mentoring, I'm excited to work with you.

Contact me today to learn about my editorial services!

Poppy Rose Solomon’s creative pursuits are a manifestation of her passions for the whimsical and magical. Evoking inspiration and escapism is the goal of her storytelling. From her home in Lutruwita/Tasmania, she freelances as a YA editor and coach through her business Poppy’s Pages. Woken Kingdom is her first series, with plenty more novels to come, and she has also released a book to help other authors titled How to Edit Your Own Novel.