The 4 Different Types of Book Editing

Good morning, writers!

At the top of the year, I said that ‘2018 is the year of the writer,’ specifically, the author. I encouraged writers to become authors as I believe it is the perfect year for everyone to take their writing to the next level. It is now the end of April, and I still believe this. But you know what I realized? I encouraged aspiring authors to write their first book, but I never share the tools to help them (you) edit it.

So, today, we’re going to talk about the editing step in the writing process aka the editing process.

Depending on your book’s need, the editing process may be lengthy. Your book may require multiple editing types and multiple rounds of edits, and that’s okay!

What are the different types of book editing? Well, let’s break them down below:
 

DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING

Developmental editing is an in-depth edit of a manuscript. It focuses on the story’s setting, plot, characters, and flow. This editing type is very involved and checks for the fluidity/clarity of the author’s content, tone of voice, etc. Developmental editing also examines whether or not a story is missing something or in need of a few cuts. (Rewrites happen in this editing phase.) Authors, have thick skin when dealing with your developmental editor. They’re there to help you develop your story and make it...well, worth reading.

LINE EDITING

Line editing is a line-by-line review of a writer’s manuscript, and it focuses on the structure of the work (i.e. word choices, paragraph usage, etc.). This type of editing doesn’t necessarily focus on the story OR grammar, but on the “craft” of a manuscript (via Vivien Reis). In other words, line editing examines how well a writer can organize his or her words. 

COPY EDITING

Copy editing deals with the rules. This is where editors check for grammar, syntax, spelling, sentence structure, and inconsistencies!

PROOFREADING

Proofreading is the absolute last step in the editing process. I repeat, proofreading is the absolute last step in the editing process! It’s similar to copy editing in the sense that it focuses on the grammar rules, but it’s more of a review of the overall edits.

Aspiring authors, use today’s blog post as a tool to guide you in finding a professional editor for your book. Please don’t view the editing process as another overwhelming thing to consider before publishing your book. If anything, this knowledge is intended to make this process less overwhelming as you’ll know what to ask for and what to expect from your book editor.

P.S. If you need an editor for your non-fiction book, then sign up for my “Polish-to-Publish” book-editing service here. I focus on comprehensive editing, which is a blend of line editing and copy editing.

Happy writing, and happy editing!

Nailah