Congratulations! You’ve reached the editing stage of your book. That’s a major milestone! But now you might be wondering—what’s next? What type of editing does your manuscript need? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Understanding the Four Main Types of Editing
If this is your first time working with a book editor, you may not know which level of editing your manuscript requires. Here’s a breakdown of the four primary types of editing and when you need each one.
1. Developmental Editing (Big-Picture Editing)
If you’ve never had an editor review your work, developmental editing is a great place to start. This phase focuses on:
Story structure and organization: Is everything in a logical order?
Plot holes: Are there gaps or inconsistencies in the storyline?
Character development: Are the characters believable and well-developed?
Scene effectiveness: Could any scenes be improved, expanded, or cut?
Expect to make big revisions at this stage. This is the first time someone is reading your book the way your audience will, and their feedback will be invaluable.
2. Line Editing (Refining Your Language)
Once your manuscript is structurally sound, line editing focuses on how you use language. A line editor will:
Improve clarity and readability
Identify overused words and redundancies
Tighten up paragraphs and sentences
Address pacing issues
Ensure consistency in tone and style
Not every manuscript needs a line edit, but if your developmental editor suggests it, they’re probably right.
3. Copy Editing (Technical Precision)
This is where I come in! Copy editing ensures consistency and correctness by checking for:
Grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors
Inconsistent details (e.g., if a character’s car changes from red to blue with no explanation)
Formatting consistency (spelling variations, numerals, hyphenations, etc.)
Basic fact-checking to prevent inaccuracies
Copy editing is always necessary after a developmental or line edit to ensure your manuscript is polished and professional.
4. Proofreading (Final Quality Check)
The last step before publishing is proofreading. A proofreader serves as the final set of eyes to catch any remaining errors, including:
Spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes
Inconsistent formatting and numbering
Any overlooked typos or minor inconsistencies
Proofreading is always needed after a copy edit to ensure your book is error-free before publication.
Why You Shouldn’t Combine Copy Editing and Proofreading
I offer copy editing and proofreading, but I don’t do both for the same manuscript. Why? Because after spending time on a manuscript, I become too familiar with it—just like authors do with their own writing. A fresh set of eyes is essential for catching lingering errors. However, if you need to find a proofreader after a copy edit, I’ll be happy to help.
Editing: The Secret to a Seamless Reading Experience
Remember, editors aren’t here to tear apart your work—we’re here to help your book shine! The editing process can be long and sometimes frustrating, but it’s absolutely necessary for a smooth and enjoyable reading experience.
Ironically, when a book is well-edited, readers don’t even think about the editing process. But when a book is full of errors, they definitely notice—and not in a good way. Don’t let that happen to your book!
Ready to elevate your manuscript? If your book is ready for a professional copy edit or proofread, I’d love to help! Contact me today to discuss your project.
