How do you tell a story?
The line edit (or stylistic edit) focuses on how you express the big picture intentions (plot, character, point of view, setting, and world-building) of your story at the scene to sentence level. I look at your use of narrative mode, logic, coherence, tone, mood, theme, and uniqueness of voice and how they contribute to your story and style.
Do you need a line edit?
A line edit is ideal if the story on the page has a strong plotline/character arc but doesn’t read like the story you imagined. It is a perfect starting point when you’re thinking about deleting everything and starting over, you’re worried you have too much exposition, your reader says the characters are too similar, or you’re being told your action scenes or dialogue don’t feel realistic.
What does a line editor look for?
I assess your story for all the elements of style: narrative mode, logic and coherence, tone, mood, theme, and uniqueness of voice.
- Narrative Mode. I suggest ways to balance and enhance the action, dialogue, thoughts, description, and exposition in your story.
- Logic and Coherence. I consider plot, character, point of view, setting, and world-building before asking each paragraph and every sentence in it, how do you contribute?
- Tone, Mood, and Theme. I examine the concentration and consistency of “the invisibles” and identify how the reader’s interpretation might differ from your intentions.
- Uniqueness of Voice. I identify passages that break from your unique authorial rhythm and meter and suggest ways to strengthen the individuality of the narrator’s and characters’ voices.
Ready to get started?
Book a free consult. I’ll read your story, and we’ll discuss how I can help.
Authors’ Stories
Working with Lisa really helped me deepen my understanding of the many aspects of creating a piece of writing. I experienced her as an insightful teacher and guide and valued the honesty of her approach. I was also awed by her thoroughness. I would recommend her without hesitation to someone seeking an editor.
Gabriole Sinclaire, author