If developmental editing deals with macro issues, line editing is about flow, rhythm and bringing the best out in the author’s natural voice.

This is where work is needed on language and phrasing, but developmental work is already completed. This addresses the creative content and writing style, and the way the reader is going to experience the material in the book. Examples of structural work:

• Ensuring the writer has clearly communicated their ideas

• Helping the writing to be as immersive as possible

• Addressing show, don’t tell issues

• Adjusting minor hiccups for a smoother read

• Reducing overuse of certain favorite words, such as the hero’s cobalt blue eyes, whose sixty mentions can be reduced to one

• Pointing out redundancies like overused cliché