The Difference Between Copy Editing and Line Editing.

People mean many different things when they talk about “editing,” so as writers, communicators, and editors, we need to grasp the nuances of these terms, starting with the difference between copy editing and line editing.

So, what are the differences between copy editing and line editing? That is what we will get into today in this article.

What is Copy Editing?

Copy editing is the second-to-last step in the editing process and makes sure that copy adheres to brand and style guidelines. It happens before the final document is ready for a final read to catch any last changes. Copy editing is sometimes used generically to mean “any editing of content,” but it is important to recognize that it is a specific step in a traditional editing process.

Copy editing is focused on the technical aspects of language that make text more readable, professional, and in keeping with the brand’s style guide. It is the final edit before the document is considered “finished” and passed to proofreading to catch any remaining errors. 

Copy editing happens after line editing is completed, and the editor and writer work through the document to finalize the bulk of the content.

For example, copy editing is when an editor corrects a document to adhere to style guide specifications, such as MLA format. If the style guide specifies MLA format but the writer wrote the titles in sentence case, this is caught and corrected during copy editing.

Copy editing blends into line editing, which is the editing step before copy editing, in that copy editing can also catch areas of the text that are unclear or wordy.

Copy and line editing are two distinct steps in the editing process, just as copy editing and proofreading are distinct steps.

What is line editing?

Line editing is the step before copy editing. It focuses on making each sentence and paragraph as effective as possible in communicating the information and argument of the piece.

This type of editing can include, but is not limited to:

  1. Synthesizing information to reduce word count and increase comprehension.
  2. Rewording and rephrasing to explain a concept clearly.
  3. Re-organizing sections to improve narrative and coherence (though this often happens in the developmental editing stage).

Line editing takes a completed manuscript and aims to reduce the word count to improve the readability and effectiveness of the content. In business writing, this can be the difference between a conversion and failure to acquire the reader’s contact information.

What are the differences between copy editing and line editing?

Think about copy editing and line editing this way:

  • Line editing is when you’ve written the first draft of your article, maybe looked it over a second time, and then give it to your lead editor so they can mark it up and make it as tight as possible. You’ll have some substantial revisions to make.
  • Copy editing is when you finish an article, edit it for substance, clarity, and flow, and then ask an editor to ensure it adheres to your style guide before it’s proofread (likely by the same person).

Line editing and copy editing should both be done by a professionally trained editor who has been trained in the various styles and intricacies of language. The editor should be able to ensure that the document adheres to the guidelines and knows how to correct any errors. 

Because line and copy editing have different focuses, someone trained in those details should take on the tasks. 

A copy editor should understand tone, formatting, and concise writing. 

A line editor should be confident about organization, information synthesis, and word choice. 

A proofreader must fully grasp complex sentence structure and punctuation rules for various style standards.

Additionally, line editing usually involves an editor with subject-matter expertise who can fact-check and confidently explain concepts that may have bogged down the writer. At a minimum, a line editor should ask for clarification in some areas to ensure that the copy is doing its job.

A line editor often sends copy back to the writer for updating. A copy editor usually does not send a document back to the writer for changes unless line editing has already occurred and there are major structural issues with the copy.

Are you searching for an editor for your content?

Finding professionally trained editors in a freelance capacity is difficult. That’s why we built EditorNinja, where you get professional editing without the headaches of finding, recruiting, managing, and paying editors. All EditorNinja editors are MFA trained.

If you’re looking for someone to give your content the editing polish it needs (or that your clients ask for), contact us today for a free, no-obligation chat.

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This document was professionally edited by EditorNinja editors.

"EditorNinja's editors have been a game-changer for us. They've learned our very specific style guides, ask questions when something isn't clear, and always get content back to us on time. They're an important extension of our team."
Malory Speir - 10x Travel
Malory Speir
Managing Editor at 10xTravel
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Senior Revenue Program Manager
VelocityEngine.com

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