Common Mistakes Line Editing Can Fix (And How to Spot Them in Your Own Writing)
Line editing is a crucial step in refining your manuscript, ensuring that every sentence flows smoothly, engages the reader, and conveys your message effectively. Unlike copyediting, which focuses on grammar and punctuation, line editing hones in on the structure, clarity, and style of your prose. Here are some common mistakes that line editing can fix—and how you can start identifying them in your own writing.
1. Redundant or Repetitive Phrasing
What It Is: Writers often repeat ideas or use redundant words without realizing it. Phrases like "unexpected surprise" or "advance planning" add unnecessary bulk.
How to Spot It: Read your sentences aloud. If you find yourself mentally skipping over words or phrases, they may be redundant. Also, look for words that repeat unnecessarily within a few sentences.
Example Before: She nodded her head in agreement.
Example After: She nodded in agreement.
2. Weak or Overused Words
What It Is: Words like "very," "really," and "just" often weaken writing rather than strengthen it. Overused verbs and adjectives can make prose feel flat.
How to Spot It: Use the "Find" function in your word processor to search for common weak words. If a word doesn’t add meaning, cut it or replace it with a stronger alternative.
Example Before: He was really angry about the decision.
Example After: He was furious about the decision.
3. Awkward or Overly Complex Sentences
What It Is: Sentences that are too long, convoluted, or awkwardly structured can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of your writing.
How to Spot It: If you find yourself rereading a sentence to understand its meaning, it may be too complex. Try breaking it into two sentences or simplifying the structure.
Example Before: Despite the fact that she was running late, she decided that stopping for coffee, which she desperately needed, was a necessity.
Example After: Even though she was late, she stopped for coffee—she needed it.
4. Unnatural Dialogue
What It Is: Dialogue that sounds stiff, overly formal, or unrealistic can make characters feel inauthentic.
How to Spot It: Read your dialogue aloud. Does it sound like something a real person would say? If not, simplify it and make it more natural.
Example Before: “I am quite certain that we should proceed with the plan immediately.”
Example After: “We should go ahead with the plan now.”
5. Inconsistent Tone or Style
What It Is: A sudden shift in tone or inconsistent writing style can disrupt the reader’s immersion in your story.
How to Spot It: Pay attention to whether your tone remains consistent throughout. If a section feels overly formal or casual compared to the rest of the piece, adjust it to match the overall style.
Example Before: A dark and eerie atmosphere settled over the town. Meanwhile, Kevin was totally stoked about his new bike.
Example After: A dark and eerie atmosphere settled over the town. Kevin gripped the handlebars of his new bike, an uneasy excitement in his chest.
6. Passive Voice and Lack of Strong Verbs
What It Is: Passive voice weakens writing by making sentences less direct and engaging.
How to Spot It: Look for forms of "to be" (was, were, is, are) followed by a past participle. If you can rework the sentence into an active structure, do so.
Example Before: The decision was made by the committee.
Example After: The committee made the decision.
7. Unclear or Vague Descriptions
What It Is: Writing that lacks specificity can leave readers confused or disengaged.
How to Spot It: If you use words like "thing," "stuff," or "somehow," ask yourself if you can replace them with more specific details.
Example Before: She felt something weird in the air.
Example After: A chill ran through her as an unnatural stillness settled over the room.
Conclusion
Line editing is essential for refining your writing and making it as compelling as possible. By identifying and fixing these common mistakes, you can elevate your manuscript to a professional level. If you need expert guidance, a professional line editor can help ensure your writing is clear, engaging, and polished.
Need a second pair of eyes? Contact us today to get your manuscript professionally line edited with our Line Editing service!
