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How can line editing make my prose cleaner without losing voice?
Asked on Nov 19, 2025
Answer
Line editing is a crucial step in refining your prose to enhance clarity and readability while preserving your unique voice. It involves scrutinizing each sentence for unnecessary words, awkward phrasing, and grammatical errors, ensuring that your writing remains engaging and true to your style.
Example Technique:
- Step 1 – Identify the core message or emotion of each sentence.
- Step 2 – Remove redundant words and simplify complex structures without altering the intended tone.
- Step 3 – Read aloud to ensure the rhythm and voice remain consistent and authentic.
Additional Comment:
- Focus on active voice to enhance clarity and directness.
- Use strong, specific verbs to convey action and emotion effectively.
- Maintain sentence variety to keep the prose dynamic and engaging.
- Preserve unique word choices or stylistic elements that define your voice.
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