Photo by: Kenny Hovley
By: Shanna Hovley
Writing is a fluid process of picking words, focusing on sentence structures, and trying to convey information in accurate, nuanced ways. Part of that process is editing to remove unnecessary or confusing language. Sometimes when we talk about this editing step, we use interchangeable language.
If you are familiar with the world of writing, you may have heard the terms “line editing” or “copy editing.” Many people, even experienced writers, are unclear about these two types of editing. What are they? Are copy editing and line editing different? If so, how?
Line Editing
Of the two, line editing comes first. This type of editing is a personal favorite of mine. It focuses on language, flow, and voice. This type of editing includes word choice, author writing style, and even the way the writing looks on a page.
Copy Editing
Further along the spectrum, copy editing is a close-up look at the mechanics of the writing. It’s closer to proofreading than line editing. It specifically focuses on grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Sometimes it will also look at repetitive sentence structure.
The Differences
When looking at these two kinds of editing, it can be hard to understand them as distinct, even after hearing their individual definitions. Think of it this way–a professional line editor will let you know about pacing problems. Perhaps your writing has too many sentences with similar structure. A copy editor will let you know you’ve used a comma incorrectly, changing the meaning of your sentence.
What if you find yourself saying, “Okay, now I understand the difference (at least I think I do), but how is copy editing different from proofreading?”
You can copy edit at any point in the writing process, although it’s most useful near completion. Proofreading is the final pass on a manuscript. They look for formatting, final typos, and any spacing issues. It's not the kind of edit that will look at repetitive words, inconsistent details, or fragment sentences.
How Do I Line or Copy Edit My Own Work?
One of the most important things to understand about editing is how difficult it is to edit our own work, especially right after we finish writing it. There are errors or issues that our brains will ignore because we are familiar with the writing. How do we overcome that?
Take a Break
When we are working on a project, especially something like a term paper with a deadline, taking a break can feel counterintuitive. However, that break will let you look at your paper with a fresh pair of eyes.
Get an “Extra Ear”
Find someone in your life who you trust and have them read through your writing and circle any errors that you’ve made.
Read it Out Loud
Another way to weed out errors in your own writing is to read that writing out loud. This way you are hearing the errors in a new way. You’ll stumble over problem sentences or missing words.
Hire an Editor
Editors are trained in finding errors and fixing up sentences.
Editing writing can sometimes be a painful process. Vladimir Nabokov said, “I have rewritten—often several times—every word I have ever published. My pencils outlast their erasers.” Remember, even if it feels like you’re tearing your own writing to pieces (looking at you, Don Roff), you are actually shaping your final draft. Even after all of the editing, they’re still your words. It’s still your writing. Now go make beautiful writing.