A line edit addresses the creative content, writing style, and language used line by line. It focuses on the way you use language to communicate your story or message to the reader.
This stage of editing comes after your book’s content is established, and you are confident in the characters, plot, themes, and all other big-picture components. This is the time to polish your language for the sake of expressing yourself in the most effective way.
I will look at the following issues:
internal consistency of language and style
sentence and paragraph structure
clear and concise expression of ideas
word choice
dialogue authenticity
story continuity
adherence to the appropriate style guide (to prepare for publication)
minor rewriting as needed (we will discuss)
A line edit also involves correction of mechanical errors (which is the sole focus of a copy edit).
Meghan Stoll Editing 