Types of Editing

First, understand that your editor(s) wants to help your book be its very best. It might feel like they are tearing your work apart, but their end goal is to make it shine. Having a "teachable spirit" and willingness to accept their constructive critique is essential to becoming a good author.  

Editorial Assessment When an author doesn't know if they’re ready for developmental editing--of if their budget is a major concern--they might need and want an editorial assessment. An assessment is a fairly broad evaluation of issues like characterization, plot, structure, and style. After an editorial assessment, the author usually receives an letter with detailed feedback and suggestions for revision.

Developmental editing. Developmental editing is the first phase of editing. Sometimes called, structural or substantive editing, developmental editing looks at the larger structures of your book including; plot, characters, themes, and tone. They will notice story plot holes, determine if the character development is appropriate, and make sure the tense and point of view are consistent.

They will critique the plot, story arc, organization and structural elements, characters, and dialogue, and then make recommendations to improve the manuscript. Don't be surprised if you need to have major rewrites during this phase. (A great reason to have your developmental editing done before copy editing.) 

Good developmental editing will consider your target audience and assess your work in relation to industry standards and expectations for that genre. This takes place before your manuscript is ready for a copy edit and proofreading, as major rewrites may need to take place to polish your manuscript to be its best. A developmental editor will help you make sure these wider story elements are strong before your manuscript moves onto the line by line details of copy editing. Cost of developmental editing ranges about $.05 per word or $12-$15 per double-spaced page to $2.00 per word.  

Copy editing. A professional copy editor will thoroughly work through your text, and make changes that polish your manuscript. They will look for clarity, syntax, and flow of the manuscript while also checking for inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and errors in the grammar, punctuation, tenses, spelling and typos. Copy editors eliminate unnecessary words and phrases and find redundancies in your text. They will substitute weak words, phrases, and sentences with powerful alternatives. When needed, they will restructure sentences to improve the impact. 

After a thorough copy edit, your manuscript will be more efficient, accurate, and focused on your voice. In fact, your manuscript will be in such good shape that it will be ready to be reviewed by a proofreader.

The difference between developmental and copy editing.  First, understand that all types of editing include some overlap. Generally, developmental editors are looking at the overall story and the copy editor will look at the words, sentences, and details.

Proofreading. The proofreader provides the last line of defense against spelling, punctuation, grammar, and text errors before publication. Think of proofreading as the quality control check, ensuring that only the most professional product will be going to press.

Again, keep in mind the editors want your book to be a success and their edits will likely make your book better for your readers.

Dear writer,

Keep writing. You have a story the world needs to hear. If you want to improve and reach more readers, editors will help you. I pray you will follow what God has led you to do and persevere to do it. 

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, 

as for the Lord rather than for men, 

knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. 

It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." 

Colossians 3:23,24

Blessings,

Lisa

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