Editing is an essential part of the writing process. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned novelist, understanding the different levels of editing will help you decide what your manuscript needs to become a polished, error-free, reader-ready book that you can be proud of.
Definitions may vary
It’s worth noting that the specific labels and definitions of editing levels can vary depending on the editor or publishing house. Some editors or publishers may combine developmental and line editing into one category, while others may break copyediting into multiple levels, such as light, medium, or heavy copyediting. The level of proofreading that I provide, for example, could easily fall under medium to light copyediting.
The most commonly recognized stages of book editing are:
1. Developmental Editing
This type of editing focuses on the “big picture” elements. The editor helps the author refine their ideas, structure the story, and develop the characters. The editor may suggest major changes, such as adding or removing entire chapters, rewriting pages, or changing the point of view. The goal of developmental editing is to improve the overall story and ensure that it flows smoothly and logically.
2. Line editing
Also sometimes called heavy copyediting, this level of editing focuses on somewhat finer details. As the name implies, line editors examine the manuscript line by line and make adjustments to improve the flow, clarity, and readability of the text. They may suggest changes to sentence structure, word choice, and phrasing. Line editing helps ensure that the writing is smooth and engaging. While line editing is not always necessary, it can make a significant difference in the overall quality of the writing. It’s particularly helpful for authors who want to elevate their writing to a higher level of sophistication or who have a unique writing style that needs fine-tuning.
3. Copyediting
Once the story structure is in place and the plot is sound, the copyeditor steps in to polish the manuscript. Copyediting involves checking for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency. The copyeditor may also suggest changes to sentence structure and word choice. The goal of copyediting is to ensure that the manuscript is error-free and easy to read.
4. Proofreading
Proofreading is the final stage of editing before a book is published. A proofreader checks for typos, misspellings, and other errors that may have been missed during the copyediting stage. The goal of proofreading is to ensure that the book is perfect before it goes to print.
These editing levels can overlap
Again, it’s important to note that while each level of book editing serves a specific purpose, the editing process can be fluid, and the different levels can overlap to some extent. For example, a copyeditor may notice structural issues with the manuscript that require developmental editing. Similarly, a proofreader may suggest changes to sentence structure or word choice. Editors must be versatile and adaptable in their approach and have a comprehensive view of the editing process. Ultimately, the goal of any level of editing is to improve the quality of the writing and provide the best possible reading experience for the audience.
Why these levels matter
The levels need to be done in the correct order, otherwise you risk wasting time, effort, and money. If you pay for a proofread only to go through a developmental edit later, proofreading will have to be redone. A first draft needs to go through big picture editing before it’s ready for line or copyediting.
All books need some form of editing, and knowing what each level entails should help you decide what your work needs. Even if you’ve gone through your book yourself many times, it needs an impartial, professional, trained eye to spot things you simply can’t pick up on.
Why editing matters
Editing ensures that a book is of high quality. It can be frustrating for readers to come across errors or inconsistencies while reading a book. A well-edited book enhances the reading experience and keeps readers engaged in the story.
Additionally, editing helps to convey the author’s intended message effectively. A poorly edited book can be confusing and difficult to understand, which can take away from the author’s message. A polished book ensures that the author’s message is clear and easy to comprehend.
Finally, editing helps authors to grow and improve their writing skills. Feedback from an editor can help authors identify areas where they need to improve and develop their craft. By going through the editing process, authors can learn from their mistakes and become better writers.
As a reader, I’m always grateful for a well-edited book, and as a writer and proofreader, I know how important it is to go through the editing process to create the best possible manuscript.
What level do you need?
If after processing and absorbing all this information—and I know it’s a lot—you realize your work is ready for medium to light copyediting and proofreading, feel free to get in touch with me, as this level of editing is my specialty.
And if you’re not quite at that point yet, at least now you have a better idea of what level you need to focus on next. In the meantime, I hope you’ll keep me and my services in mind for the future.
I wish you all the best with your writing and publishing endeavors!