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One thing I hear from new and seasoned writers alike is that they’re not sure which levels of editing they need, or what type of editor to look for. The publishing world is confusing enough without having multiple names for the same thing. But luckily, that’s what I’m here for! Below, I’ll describe the different types of editors you may encounter, as well as the different levels of editing. Please keep in mind that these descriptions are my own, and other editors and publishers may have different definitions entirely, or different types of editors.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
What it is: Developmental editing typically focuses on story-level elements, like plot, theme, characters, pacing, setting, world-building, etc. As the developmental editor, my main concern is the reader’s perception of the story as a whole. It’s here that I’m most likely to catch timeline errors, plot points that aren’t believable, pacing that is too fast or too slow, and boring characters.
Who needs it? Everyone! Authors tend to be a bit too close to their stories, so it helps to get another set of eyes on the nitty-gritty details. As your career grows and you publish more and more books, you may choose to have an Editorial Assessment done instead, which is similar, but less in depth.
When do you need it? Developmental Editing is typically the first level of editing to be done after you’ve completed your own drafts. As I mentioned above, some authors may opt for an Editorial Assessment instead, which is similar, but less in depth.
Do I offer this service? Yes! In fact, my most popular editing package includes both Developmental Editing and Copy Editing. Developmental Editing is actually my favorite level of editing to do, because I love diving in to a good story and figuring out why it works or not. Click here to read more about my Developmental Editing services.
COPY EDITING
What it is: Copy Editing focuses on sentence-level elements, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, tenses, POV, and overall readability. The focus is on the clarity of your words, and less so on the quality of your story. Many US editors (like me!) combine Copy Editing with Line Editing. This is the stage in which I’m most likely going to catch misspelled words, missing commas, repeating phrases, character details that change halfway through the manuscript, and incorrect facts.
Who needs it? Everyone! Every author can use some extra eyes to make sure that everything makes sense, and is clear and consistent.
When do you need it? Copy Editing is typically done after Developmental Editing, or at the same time, when done by the same editor.
Do I offer this service? Yes! I offer Copy Editing by itself, or in a package with Developmental Editing. Click here to read more about my Copy Editing services.
PROOFREADING
What it is: Proofreading is the final typo and error check before publication. During this stage, I look for consistency, formatting issues, and any remaining errors throughout your manuscript. During this stage, I’m likely going to catch typos that were either missed all along, or introduced during your revisions. The goal is actually to have as few errors as possible by this stage in the game so that the final published manuscript is as clean as it can be.
Who needs it? Everyone! No manuscript is perfect, but having one final set of eyes can help it get as close as possible.
When do you need it? Proofreading should always be the final step in the editing process, to be done after you’ve completely finished revising the manuscript. Proofreading can typically be done before or after the final formatting, but the benefit to doing it after is the chance to catch errors introduced during the formatting phase.
Do I offer this service? Yes! Click here to read more about my Proofreading services.
EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT
What it is: An Editorial Assessment, sometimes called a Manuscript Evaluation or a Manuscript Critique, takes a look at story-level elements, including plot, theme, characters, pacing, setting, world-building, etc. This is a trimmed-down version of Developmental Editing.
Who needs it? Seasoned authors who are confident in their ability to craft a story. I do not suggest Editorial Assessments for new authors, as they require confidence and the ability to take the editor’s written thoughts and suggestions and figure out how to turn them into revisions.
When do you need it? Editorial Assessments should be done early in the editing process, generally as your first step. This is typically a replacement for Developmental Editing.
Do I offer this service? Yes! My Editorial Assessment service includes a full-length editorial letter from me, but no in-line manuscript edits, like you’d see in a Developmental Edit. Click here to read more about my Editorial Assessment services.
BONUS: LINE EDITING
What it is: Line Editing is a common term outside of the US, where it typically refers to a level of editing similar to Copy Editing, however this level focuses less on grammar and spelling, and more on the author’s own style and voice. During this stage, a line editor looks for repetition, consistency, passive voice, tense issues, awkward or unnatural phrasing, and more. Copy editing would be considered a separate service in which the editor reviews grammar and spelling.
Who needs it? Everyone! Every author can benefit from having someone review what their words sound like to the reader.
When do you need it? This would typically be done after Developmental Editing, but before Copy Editing. In many cases, it can be combined with either service.
Do I offer this service? Yes! My Copy Editing service includes Line Editing, so click here to read more about my Copy Editing services.
BONUS: What is an ACQUISITION EDITOR?
You may hear the term “acquisition editor” used, or perhaps just “editor” when referring to publishing houses. An acquisition editor is the person who decides whether or not a book should be acquired by the publisher for publication. They often do some of the big-picture editing as listed above, but not always. Their role can vary based on what publishing house they work for, but they’re nearly always the one you work with when pursuing traditional publication.
So what does the full editing process look like?
Here’s what I suggest most authors follow:
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Some editors prefer to combine Developmental Editing and Copy Editing (I’m a fan, myself!), but that tactic is not always for everyone. If you prefer to do those two levels at separate times, that’s okay too!
Editing in this order allows you to start with the big-picture elements and work your way smaller and smaller until every detail has been polished.
Not sure which level of editing you’re ready for? Click here to submit a quote request, and I can take a look and let you know what I think will fit best for you and your manuscript!
