What is the difference between copy editing, line editing and content editing?

Answer by  patti (29325)

Copy editing (or line editing) is a word-for-word review of the overall text for grammar, spelling, construction, syntax, flow, accuracy, etc. Content editing takes a deeper look and considers POV, clarity, the use of anecdotes, simile and metaphor, the ebb and flow of a story, character development, accuracy with regard to history, setting, language, etc.

Answer by  NobodysHome (385)

Copy editing is editing something that's almost ready for publication. Line editing is in-depth reading and commenting like one might do on a term paper. Content editing means finding out whether something is accurate and correcting it if neccesary.

Answer by  toastedcheese (216)

Copy editing focuses on spelling, grammar, and punctuation (but can include line editing). Line editing focuses on style and tone. Content editing is for meaning - checking facts and analyzing arguments.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Well copy editing means you are editing the text that has been copied. Line editing works by editing on a line per line basis. Content editing is checking for more than just the overall lines. It deals with the total content on a whole and asks whether the content is good enough.