Well, I’m sure you’ve read about Line Edits. How they are scary. How they make you rethink everything you’ve written. How it is a necessary evil to get published. Well, I just got my copy back from J Taylor’s line editor.
What are Line Edits?
“Line editing refers to prose. It’s about the craft of writing, and that means paragraph structure, sentence flow, word choice, and language-related techniques. That also means voice, style, readability, and forward movement. And in fiction it means the difference between scenes and exposition.” From http://victoriamixon.com/editing-terminology
What do Line Edits mean to me?
I’ve read that editors jobs are straight forward. They examine each sentence keeping the voice of the copy while improving the writing.
I was amazed. It was my story no doubt about it, but it was as if 
my little blossom bloomed before my eyes. The tension builds steadily to an explosive climax. The characters are much more alive and adding up all the other elements equals an incredible story—If you don’t mind me saying.
What is expected from the author?
The email simply stated I might be upset by what I read and I was advised not to look back at the original copy, but to examine the revised copy. I had one job and that was to make sure my voice still rung true throughout and to correct it where it failed.
There wasn’t a lot to fix, but I did as suggested. Because I focused on the new copy, I wasn’t upset at all.
How do I feel about Line Edits?
Teamwork makes such a difference with any idea, or project. Everyone brings their best to the table and the spark of creation becomes so much grander. Which of course explains the boardroom of corporations, the PTA, City Council, the critique/writing groups, and the writers, editors, and artists of publishing houses.
I had no idea what went on until now. The more I learn about the process the more excited I am about it. I truly do feel privileged to be part of the publishing world.
What’s Next?
I’m not completely sure, but I can’t wait for you to read an excerpt. When you read it you’ll see why I’m so excited about “Time Piece” and the “One More Day” anthology.
elements of emaginette 
Congrats on getting your first line edits!!!! They can be quite scary – so glad you plowed through & are thrilled with the final results. 🙂
Thanks, Terri.
It wads momentous. :-).
How exciting for you. I love the line edit process, and you learn so much along the way. So glad your pleased with your story. I can’t wait to read it. 🙂
Yes, it is a definite education. 🙂
Such a positive response to line edits! Good for you. it’s amazing how someone can look at our writing and tell us things we need to hear to make our writing better. It’s definitely a learning experience.
I put my feelings in my back pocket when I get feedback. I’m hungry to learn the craft. 🙂
Oh this is so cool, Em! I love line edits cos they make my prose beta, the story more enjoyable. Hope you are having fun! 🙂 And I totally look forward to reading your books,
Thanks Cece, it’s turning into something special. 🙂
I can’t wait for the day when an editor is giving me line edits. That will be great! And terrifying…
Sarah Allen
(From Sarah, With Joy)
Well, keep your eyes open early 2014 when JTaylor calls for submissions. I know I’ll be there. 🙂
Hey, great article, thanks. I look forward to reading more.
Thank you and thank you for dropping by. 🙂
I got mine not too long ago, too. I was very happy with the final result. One little niggle but I think it can be worked out. Congrats on yours. I’m glad you didn’t end up in a basket of shed tears. Of course J. Taylor has fantastic editors. Good luck with your piece. I can’t wait to read all of them
Me too. This whole thing is very exciting. 🙂
Had never heard of line edits before, but it does sound a little scary to have someone tweaking your work. Glad that you made it through okay! 🙂
You’d be okay with it once you saw your work even more shiny and new. 🙂