When proofreading a chapter, should I try to prevent a few lines spilling onto a new page?

Question

I am proofreading a novel chapter for the first time. I do not have the other chapters to review. The book is a 2nd edition, and several chunks of text have been inserted, so the end of the chapter is now on an extra page (eight lines only on this last page). As the novel is at the proof page, I am assuming I should try to save lines, so the chapter occupies the equivalent number of pages as before the extra text was inserted? It would mean trying to save eight lines, though. Or is this not important? I am just worried about the impact on the rest of the book. My mentor is telling me to 'follow my gut instinct', but I am struggling...

Answer 1

I would say do not worry about it. Eight lines is not a large or small amount of "extra space", and it should not impact the rest of the book. However, if you want to fit everything onto the previous page to conclude the chapter, then you could try doing some extra editing to make it work out that way. Otherwise, if the current content fits the chapter like a glove, then keep everything as is!

Best of luck with your editing!

Answer 2

Proofread away! Don't be concerned with line breaks or page spillovers. To the editor go the cuts. Good luck!