Line Editing for Filter Words
Line editing for filter words is a skill to master for line editors.
Tips on Line Editing for Filter Words
Filter words in fiction are words that get in the way of the reader experiencing the moment. These often relate to senses: “I saw John get out of the car” instead of “John got out of the car.” The second version allows the reader to experience the scene more directly, as if they are right there themselves watching John get out of the car.
Similarly, “Roger heard the bell ring” versus “The bell rang.” In the first case, we are a step back from the bell, and in the second, we’re right there as the bell rings.
One of the most common filtering phrases you’ll encounter as a line editor is pronoun + felt:
Here’s an example:
I thought of Good Dog’s injuries, and just as Beyok predicted, I felt my blood run hot.
Removing those filter words, it becomes:
I thought of Good Dog’s injuries, and just as Beyok predicted, my blood ran hot.
A writer colleague of mine gave me words to live by: “Never let a character feel something unless they’re actually touching it.”
Tips for Editors & Writers
-
How Setting Can Reflect Character
Authors have a tendency to prefer focusing on character and/or plot at the expense of setting/world-building. (The exception is some SFF writers, who focus on setting and forget about plot and character.) So as editors we will often call that out and say something like, “Add a little description here. Otherwise it’s like Miles and
-
How to Identify Developmental Problems
Noticing a developmental problem (the pacing is slow, the character is inconsistently portrayed) is only the first step in the editing process. The next step is to explain why it’s a problem for this manuscript. This second step is one that most editors skip at first (and many editors skip forever) but it’s crucial for
-
What Do Book Editors Do?
So what do book editors do? If you’re new to editing, you may not be familiar with the various roles different types of editors play. What Do Book Editors Do? If you’re planning to work as a freelancer, it pays to understand who does what at a publishing company. This list is intended to help
